Our Secretariat
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Delivering the Global Vision

The IWG Secretariat runs the day-to-day work of the International Working Group on Women and Sport - from delivering programmes, content and partnerships to staging the IWG Global Summit. The Secretariat moves to a new host nation every four years, reflecting the international nature of the movement and the network it supports.
From 2022–2026, the Secretariat is based in London, led by Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe MBE. Together, the UK team is driving forward the IWG Strategic Plan, supporting more than 600 global signatories to the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, and preparing to host the 9th IWG Global Summit in Birmingham in July 2026.
Our Partners
The UK Secretariat is supported by:
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UK Steering Commitee
The UK Secretariat is supported by the IWG UK Steering Committee, a group of sector leaders and partners guiding strategic delivery during the UK hosting period.
They provide oversight, expertise and advocacy to strengthen IWG’s impact across the UK and globally.
Useful links;
Jeanette Bain-Burnett

Executive Director for Policy and Integrity, Sport England
Executive Director at Sport England, chair of ACTA Theatre and co-founder of Dream Camp for girls of African and Caribbean heritage. Formerly with the Trussell Trust and Greater London Authority, she champions equity, participation and leadership through culture and sport.
Vikram Banerjee

Managing Director of The Hundred and former professional cricketer. A Cambridge and Harvard graduate, he was named to the Leaders Under 40 Class of 2021 and is recognised as an innovative voice in the future of global cricket.
Clare Barrell

Director of International Relations and Member Services at World Rugby. Formerly with UK Sport, she has delivered sport development programmes in more than 40 countries and brings extensive international experience in strategy, diplomacy and governance.
Rupinder Bains

Managing Director of Pinder Reaux & Associates and practising solicitor for 24 years. The first Asian woman appointed to the FA Board, she also serves with The Lily Foundation, Integral Sports Management and the Sport and Recreation Alliance.
Esther Britten

Head of Major Events at UK Sport, leading bids and delivery for major international championships hosted in the UK. A former hockey player and umpire, she brings deep expertise in global event strategy and sport development.
Ali Donnelly

Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at the RFU. Former CEO of More Than Equal and senior leader at Sport England, she has held communications roles in government and media. Author of Scrum Queens, she is a leading voice in women’s rugby.
Katie Fawkner-Corbett

Strategy Director at Chance to Shine and Non-Executive Director at the Sport and Recreation Alliance. Formerly in social policy and healthcare regulation, she now drives impact in sport for development, equity and youth participation.
Tanya Joseph

Former Managing Director at Hill & Knowlton and architect of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign. A former journalist and Press Secretary to PM Tony Blair, she now holds board roles with Creative UK, the Thomson Foundation and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Joel Lavery

Strategic Lead for Major Sporting Events at the West Midlands Growth Company. Formerly with British Cycling, he works to position Birmingham and the region as a world-class host city and will help deliver the 2026 IWG World Conference.
Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY

Chair of the IWG UK Secretariat and Co-Chair of the Global Executive. Vice Chair of the British Olympic Association, President of European Rowing and Vice President of World Rowing - she has led major UK sport bodies, served on IOC commissions, and championed safe, inclusive and ethical sport governance worldwide.
Lisa O’Keefe

Secretary General of the IWG UK Secretariat and former Executive Director at Sport England. A former international athlete, she helped shape Sport England’s award-winning Insight Directorate and the This Girl Can campaign, championing equality and participation across sport and physical activity.
Elizabeth Pike

Professor and Head of the Institute of Sport, University of Hertfordshire, and Global Winner of the IOC GEDI Champions Award 2024. Co-founder of the Anita White Fund and Research Lead for IWG, she is an international expert on equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.
Lisa Wainright MBE

CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance and Chair of the IWG UK Steering Committee. A pivotal leader in securing the UK’s IWG bid, she has held senior executive roles across Volleyball England, GB Basketball and Sport England. Awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to sport.
Jessica Williams

Head of Service and Partner Development at Sport Wales, with experience across policy, research and public affairs in Wales and New Zealand. A former international touch rugby player and LGBTQ+ advocate, she serves as Trustee at Diverse Cymru and on the Pride Sports Steering Committee for EuroGames 2027.
