SGA Conference 2025 High Res 8

Manchester Networking Event - Meaningful Approaches to Stakeholder Engagement

Come and join us at this networking event in Manchester. Refreshments and light bites will be provided with a panel session titled 'Meaningful Approaches to Stakeholder Engagement' taking place as a part of the evening.

Wednesday 29 April 2026 at Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre.

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Come and join us in central Manchester for this networking event to meet with colleagues in the Sports Governance sector. This will include a short panel session.

Catch up and share experiences with others from a wide variety of organisations! Light bites and refreshments will be provided. More details on the panel session are coming soon.

This networking event will follow on from the day's Essential Sports Governance course taking place at thestudio.

This event is open to individuals who work, volunteer or are looking to join the UK Sports & Physical Activity sector.

Key Details

Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026

Time: 17:30-20:30

Venue: Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, 55 Portland Street, M1 3HP

Dress code: Casual


Speakers

Ruth Miller is a senior sports governance and organisational change leader with over 20 years’ experience driving governance reform, strategic transformation and culture change across sport and physical activity.

Ruth is Head of Business Planning at British Cycling. She currently leads British Cycling’s Future Fit Governance programme, shaping the long‑term direction of governance reform and working closely with elected volunteers, executive leaders and external stakeholders to modernise structures, strengthen accountability and improve engagement across the organisation.

Ruth has an extensive track record of translating good governance into practice. At British Cycling, she led the organisation’s successful response to the Code for Sports Governance and has overseen its ongoing implementation. Her portfolio has included British Cycling’s first Environmental Sustainability Strategy and the successful implementation of Transgender Policy, and she currently plays a key leadership role across wider modernisation and growth programmes, including Digital Transformation and initiatives to modernise the sport. A core focus of her work is ensuring clarity, compliance and values‑led decision‑making in complex and sensitive areas.

Previously, Ruth transformed operations and governance at Scottish Hockey in readiness for, and to leverage, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. As a consultant, she developed sportscotland’s first Governance Framework and supported numerous organisations and National Governing Bodies on their governance improvement journeys.

Alongside her role at British Cycling, Ruth is a Director and Chief Operating Officer at Fair Game, where she supports board development and helps shape the future strategic direction of the organisation, while providing executive leadership across its operational delivery.

Ruth was awarded the Sports Governance Academy Outstanding Governance Contribution Award (2024) in recognition of her sustained impact and leadership in the sector. She now sits on the SGA Advisory Panel, supporting the continued development of governance capability across the sporting system.

Craig Anthony is a highly accomplished and experienced sports development professional with a passion for fostering inclusive and successful sporting environments. He has a strong background in leadership, management, and development across various sporting organisations, spanning almost 20 years in the sports sector.

Currently, Craig serves as the Chief Executive of British Wrestling, where he has overseen a 279% increase in the number of clubs and associated participation, leading the organisation in promoting the sport and helping individuals achieve their full potential. His leadership has resulted in securing increased investment from UK Sport and Sport England, and the completion of a renovation of the British Wrestling Academy. He also currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for Pentathlon GB.

Previously, he held the position of Head of Development at British Orienteering, where he oversaw significant growth in participation and commercial income. Craig's experience also includes working as NGB Development Manager for GreaterSport helping governing bodies to land participation activities in the local community. He has a proven track record of success in developing and implementing strategies, managing teams, and securing funding for sports development initiatives.

Craig's qualifications include a BSc in Sports Science with Management from Loughborough University and attendance at the Sport England Cranfield University Leadership and Management Course. He is a strong advocate for the power of sport to transform lives and is committed to ensuring that sport is accessible to all.

Keep your eyes peeled for more speaker announcements!


Agenda

17:30 - 18:30 - Doors Open - Attendees can join us for a refreshment and some nibbles to network and meet their peers before the panel starts

18:30 - 19:15 - Panel Discussion - We will be hosting a panel of speakers to discuss stakeholder engagement in sport followed by a Q&A. Make sure you bring some questions!

19:15 - 20:30 - Carry on the Discussion - Stay with us a little longer to carry on the discussion with your peers and connect with the speakers


Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid missing out.

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