Black lawyer takes place on board of 2022 Games
Senior leader quits following criticism over lack of diversity
ASENIOR member of the board running the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has quit to make way for a black colleague.
It is a dramatic sign of intent to critics who have complained the Games leadership was ‘too white’ and failed to reflect the diversity of the host city or the Commonwealth.
Dame Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), has announced she is foregoing her seat in favour of lawyer and sporting leader Sandra Osborne, from Barbados, who chairs the Federation’s governance and integrity committee.
The move comes as the Birmingham 2022 organising committee considers how best to respond to criticism and retain confidence in the inclusivity of the Games.
Dame Louise is one of two representatives of the CGF on the 14-strong board of directors (13 directors in place, one vacancy) overseeing Birmingham 2022.
Both she and her fellow CGF representative, chief executive David Grevemberg,
both human rights campaigners, had been particularly stung by suggestions that the organisation was failing to address concerns about a lack of diversity.
Stepping aside to make way for a talented black colleague was seen as a positive way to show solidarity.
It could also be seen as throwing down the gauntlet to other organisations who have seats on the Board or who are responsible for appointments – most particularly the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, directly responsible for six board positions, all held by white people. A CGF spokesman said: “The CGF can confirm that our President Dame Louise Martin has tendered her resignation to the Birmingham 2022 Board following discussions over recent months. The CGF have formally selected Sandra Osborne QC to take up the CGF Board position vacated by her resignation.
“Sandra is an inspiring Commonwealth sporting leader, based in the Caribbean, and sits on the CGF Executive Board as the legal advisor and chairs the Governance and Integrity
Committee. Besides being president of the Barbados Commonwealth Games Association and Olympic Association, she is also a prominent sports lawyer and chair of the International Tennis Federation Ethics Commission. She will therefore bring a wealth of skills, experience and new perspectives to this important role. “The CGF is proud that our organisation reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and that we have a person of Sandra’s calibre to actively contribute on the Birmingham 2022 Board.
“Dame Louise will continue to play an active role in the supporting preparations for the staging of Birmingham 2022.”
Last week chief executive Ian Reid confirmed that existing board members would ‘‘step aside’’ and the vacancy would be filled to ensure the leadership better reflects Birmingham and the Commonwealth nations.
An action plan has been drawn up, set to be ratified by the board next week. “We have listened, and we are taking action, starting at the top,” he said.