New non-exec director joins RYA from the Football Association

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has announced the appointment of a new non-executive director to its board.

Polly Handford joins the RYA from the Football Association, where she was the director of legal and governance.

“Both from growing up in grassroots sailing and through my work with the Rugby Football Union and more latterly the Football Association, I am aware of just how important it is to grow and sustain healthy grassroots clubs,” says Handford.

“I’ve been practising law for 24 years, and for over half of that time, I have practised in the field of sport regulation. During that time, I have strived to ensure that sport is inclusive and safe and that its regulations are robust and fair.

“It’s crucial to ensure that we take responsibility for making changes where possible to enable others to be successful and to lead everyone engaged in sport to welcome the diversity that enriches all of our lives.”

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Preston, RYA Chair, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Polly to the RYA Board. Her vast knowledge and experience in the sporting sector will be invaluable as we work towards delivering our new strategy, which will define the future direction of the RYA.

“Having already met with the RYA Board members, Polly will officially join the team on 1 March 2023. All the RYA team are very much looking forward to working with Polly to support safe and rewarding boating and to inspire more people to take part in and enjoy the benefits of being on the water.”

The RYA Board’s role is to supervise the management of the association’s business and to discharge the responsibilities of the directors under the Companies Act and in compliance with the Code for Sports Governance, which sets out the levels of transparency, accountability and financial integrity that are required from those bodies that receive Government and National Lottery Funding.

In October last year (2022), the Royal Yachting Association Cymru Wales (RYA CW) appointed Sian Reynolds as chair of its board. Reynolds is both the first female chair and also the youngest chair in RYA CW board history.