UK Deaf Sport further strengthened its board last week with the appointment of four new board members, taking the number of current members to 12.

The board meets quarterly throughout the year, with sub-committees also meeting at intervals in between and five advisory panels supporting their work.

Introducing our new board members

Mark Perry

Mark brings to the Board extensive charity governance and senior management experience across the voluntary sector, including with large and small charities. After starting out in policy work, Mark migrated to fundraising to specialise in government funding, with strong grants experience and expertise in the development of impactful projects and services. 

Mark also co-founded Flashing Lights Media, a deaf-led indie production company, producing award-winning programmes for broadcast and is currently the Managing Director.  Mark’s interest in sport goes back to his formative years, including working as a volunteer Chair of the British Deaf Tennis Association (1997-2010), leveraging the strong support of The LTA and Tennis Foundation which continues today.  Mark received the LTA Meritorious Award in 2010 for outstanding voluntary work with GB Deaf Tennis and sport for young deaf people.  Mark continues to play tennis every week, is active in the outdoors and loves the mountains.

“I’m humbled to join the Board of UK Deaf Sport, it feels like coming back home.  A big motivation for me is to help UK Deaf Sport to become a game-changer, to grow at scale and sustain even more opportunities for deaf people to participate regularly in sport and at elite level with stronger backing from UK sport bodies and funders”.

Phillipa Wynne

Philippa is an executive communication and policy lead at SignHealth, the deaf health charity. She is a dynamic and people-focused leader with a background in stakeholder engagement and management. A native deaf and BSL user, and an active member of the deaf community. She adds international perspective with four years on the European Union of the Deaf Youth as president and was part of the organising committee for the Deaf Champions League (DCL) 2019 in London.

Philippa always had a passion for an active lifestyle from a young age, being involved in countless different sports.

‘I am passionate about participation in sport and the social impact this has on our wellbeing and physical health. I have seen and personally experienced the many barriers that we face when trying to access sport and physical activities. I am delighted to bring my experiences and perspective to support UKDS and to work together to eradicate these hurdles.’ (accompanied by photo)

Nick Rimmer

Nick has over 30 years’ experience working in the sports sector in a variety of roles. Most recently, he was Operations Director for Badminton England, leading the development, competition, membership, safeguarding, disciplinary and governance functions. Nick’s experience encompasses managing research and evaluation work for Sport Wales and management consultancy. He is also a member of the FA Judicial Panel and Paddle UK Disciplinary and Appeals Panel register. A keen runner, Nick coaches at two local athletics clubs, acts as an official at athletics events and is race director for a large 10k race.

“I am excited to be joining UK Deaf Sport. Sport has been and remains a huge part of my life and I am really looking forward to helping UK Deaf Sport inspire more deaf people get active and perform at the highest level.” (accompanied by photo)

Sara Wright

Sara is a strategy and risk management professional with over seven years’ experience in the charity sector. She has supported a range of organisations to develop clear, outcome-focused strategies and strengthen their approach to risk, ensuring effective controls support informed decision-making. As an agile practitioner, Saras leadership spans governance, performance and strategy development. Passionate about the powerful role of sport & physical activity, she’s also the Board Director of Risk and Audit with Cornwall FA. In her professional capacity Sara works for the RSPCA and in her free time she enjoys seeking out new adventures SCUBA diving.

‘I am excited to be appointed as a trustee to UK Deaf Sport and am looking forward to having a positive impact.’

Welcome to the board

The new directors were ratified at the latest UK Deaf Sport board meeting and will serve for three years. 

Nick Brookes, Chair of the Board said:

“I’m pleased to welcome Mark, Philippa, Sara and Nick to the Board. Their collective knowledge and expertise in fundraising, communications, strategy and performance sports will strengthen our Board. Looking ahead, I’m confident that the Board is well placed to shape UK Deaf Sport’s strategy for the next 5 years”

UK Deaf Sport is committed to expanding the breadth of skills and diversity on the Board of Directors as is reflected in these appointments. 

Learn more about our Board Members here.