Richard Smith - Chair of the Board, ESG Champion
Richard is a retired Fire Officer with over 35 years of experience in fire services across England and Wales. He was Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales until he retired in 2014. After moving to the region with his wife, Caroline, he joined the Humber Sports Partnership and became Chair in 2017.
Richard Smith - Chair of the Board, ESG Champion
Richard is a retired Fire Officer with over 35 years of experience in fire services across England and Wales. He was Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales until he retired in 2014. After moving to the region with his wife, Caroline, he joined the Humber Sports Partnership and became Chair in 2017.
Chris Adams - Senior Independent Director and Chair, Governance and Standards Committee
Chris is a Partner at Gosschalks, specializing in Commercial Litigation and Insolvency. He began working at the firm in 2008 and has since gained experience at other law firms in Hull and Leeds. Chris enjoys his work because of its variety. Outside of work, his hobbies include athletics and golf. He used to be an avid runner but now focuses on golf due to injuries.
Chris Adams - Senior Independent Director and Chair, Governance and Standards Committee
Chris is a Partner at Gosschalks, specializing in Commercial Litigation and Insolvency. He began working at the firm in 2008 and has since gained experience at other law firms in Hull and Leeds. Chris enjoys his work because of its variety. Outside of work, his hobbies include athletics and golf. He used to be an avid runner but now focuses on golf due to injuries.
Jane Stafford - Welfare and Safety Director, Equality Lead and Member, Governance and Standards Committee
Jane has been working in Hull's voluntary and community sector since 2001. She founded the charity Child Dynamix in 2005 and has held leadership roles in social regeneration, family services, and early years. Currently, she is the CEO of Hull University Students’ Union. Jane is married with two adult sons and enjoys football, walking, skiing, dancing, and crafting.
Jane Stafford - Welfare and Safety Director, Equality Lead and Member, Governance and Standards Committee
Jane has been working in Hull's voluntary and community sector since 2001. She founded the charity Child Dynamix in 2005 and has held leadership roles in social regeneration, family services, and early years. Currently, she is the CEO of Hull University Students’ Union. Jane is married with two adult sons and enjoys football, walking, skiing, dancing, and crafting.
Natalie Murphy - Chair, Advocacy and Influence Committee
Natalie started her career as a journalist before moving into public relations and communications. She now works as a communications consultant for Fujitsu, helping clients create change. Natalie is passionate about the power of sport to inspire and motivate people. She enjoys yoga, pilates, circuit classes, and weekly Parkruns.
Natalie Murphy - Chair, Advocacy and Influence Committee
Natalie started her career as a journalist before moving into public relations and communications. She now works as a communications consultant for Fujitsu, helping clients create change. Natalie is passionate about the power of sport to inspire and motivate people. She enjoys yoga, pilates, circuit classes, and weekly Parkruns.
Richard Skewis - Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
Richard is a Partner at Sowerby Chartered Accountants with over 20 years of experience helping businesses grow and succeed. He advises clients on business, finance, and tax matters. Richard supports the Board with financial oversight in his role as Finance and Audit Chair.
Richard Skewis - Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
Richard is a Partner at Sowerby Chartered Accountants with over 20 years of experience helping businesses grow and succeed. He advises clients on business, finance, and tax matters. Richard supports the Board with financial oversight in his role as Finance and Audit Chair.
Rebecca D'Arcy - Vice Chair of the board and Member of the Advocacy and Influence Committee
Rebecca is a Development Manager at the Youth Sport Trust, a national charity promoting the benefits of play and sport for young people. She has 22 years of experience in sports development, primarily in the Humber region. Rebecca is also a school governor focusing on PE and sport. She is part of an active family which enjoys activities like dog walking, golf, skiing, and football.
Rebecca D'Arcy - Vice Chair of the board and Member of the Advocacy and Influence Committee
Rebecca is a Development Manager at the Youth Sport Trust, a national charity promoting the benefits of play and sport for young people. She has 22 years of experience in sports development, primarily in the Humber region. Rebecca is also a school governor focusing on PE and sport. She is part of an active family which enjoys activities like dog walking, golf, skiing, and football.
Steve Curtis - Member, Finance and Audit Committee
Steve is Head of Sport at the University of Hull and has over 15 years of experience in sports development. He holds degrees in sport and education and has worked to improve sports programs in higher education. Outside of work, Steve chairs the BUCS Rugby League Advisory Group and sits on the RFL Community Game Board. He enjoys rugby, squash, running, and triathlons and is part of an active family with his wife and two children.
Steve Curtis - Member, Finance and Audit Committee
Steve is Head of Sport at the University of Hull and has over 15 years of experience in sports development. He holds degrees in sport and education and has worked to improve sports programs in higher education. Outside of work, Steve chairs the BUCS Rugby League Advisory Group and sits on the RFL Community Game Board. He enjoys rugby, squash, running, and triathlons and is part of an active family with his wife and two children.
Ellie Newton-Syms
Ellie is a communications manager for the global chemicals company INEOS. She has worked in communications and media in the Humber region for more than 15 years and is passionate about helping people embrace healthy lifestyles to promote happy and successful environments. Ellie is a married mum of two young boys and is a keen runner, regularly taking part in local races to stay motivated!
Ellie Newton-Syms
Ellie is a communications manager for the global chemicals company INEOS. She has worked in communications and media in the Humber region for more than 15 years and is passionate about helping people embrace healthy lifestyles to promote happy and successful environments. Ellie is a married mum of two young boys and is a keen runner, regularly taking part in local races to stay motivated!
Jo Lambon
Joanne is an accountant for the civil service with over 10 years’ experience. Having a disability from birth is one of her driving forces towards inclusion in sport. In her spare time, she is a volunteer in a local inclusive football club, two local football leagues and is a community ambassador for Active Humber. She enjoys going swimming and playing pickleball.
Jo Lambon
Joanne is an accountant for the civil service with over 10 years’ experience. Having a disability from birth is one of her driving forces towards inclusion in sport. In her spare time, she is a volunteer in a local inclusive football club, two local football leagues and is a community ambassador for Active Humber. She enjoys going swimming and playing pickleball.
Laurie Fergusson
Laurie is Deputy Director of Public Health at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and has over 12 years of experience in Health Improvement and advocating for the health benefits of physical activity. Outside of work, Laurie has two adult sons, she is a keen rugby player who has played tier 3 women's rugby and is now Head Coach for Pocklington RUFC's Women's Team where she occasionally still takes to the pitch. Laurie is passionate about creating opportunities for women and girls to play sports.
Laurie Fergusson
Laurie is Deputy Director of Public Health at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and has over 12 years of experience in Health Improvement and advocating for the health benefits of physical activity. Outside of work, Laurie has two adult sons, she is a keen rugby player who has played tier 3 women's rugby and is now Head Coach for Pocklington RUFC's Women's Team where she occasionally still takes to the pitch. Laurie is passionate about creating opportunities for women and girls to play sports.