Rise 2025-2026 Annual Governance Statement

1. Introduction

This Annual Governance Statement documents the Board’s application of good governance practice during the period 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026, in compliance with the requirements of the Sport England Code for Sports Governance.

2. Summary of Governance Highlights

2.1. The Board co-opted two new trustees, Sarah Campbell and Kieran Spencer, as part of the transfer of staff and assets from County Durham Sport on 1st April 2025. Their co-option was designed to support the transfer and relationships in County Durham for a 12-month period. Unfortunately, Sarah had to stand down from the Board in October 2025 due to personal reasons. Kieran’s co-option ended on 31st March 2026

2.2. The following trustees were approved to sit a second four-year term:

    • Steven Bell
    • Joanne Cairns
    • Adam Pilkington
    • Anoop Puri

    2.3. The Board adopted a new set of Articles in May 2025 to reflect the transfer of County Durham Sport into Rise.

    2.4. Four Board meetings were held (May, July and November 2025, and January 2026) all of which were fully quorate, and the minutes of which are available on the Rise website.

    2.5. Three meetings of the Audit Committee were held (October and November 2025, and March 2026). These meeting included the following key items:

    • Reviewing the 2024-2025 financial audit with the external auditors, Read Milburn;
    • A review of the company’s financial procedures and internal controls;
    • A review of the adoption of the Flagstone banking system.

    2.6. The Board reviewed the following governance documents for suitability:

    • Risk Register;
    • 2025-2026 Balanced Scorecard;
    • Environmental & Sustainability Policy;
    • Matters Reserved for the Board & Schedule of Delegation;
    • Succession Plan;
    • People Plan;
    • Board Terms of Reference.

    2.7. The Board, supported by the Audit Committee, reviewed the following areas of governance:

    • Reserves Policy;
    • Investment Policy;
    • Cash Deposit Policy;
    • Risk Management Strategy; and
    • Audit Committee Terms of Reference.

    2.8. The results of the external Board evaluation conducted by Global Active were presented in January 2026 and the evaluation will form the basis of an action plan for improvements during 2026-2027.

    2.9. The Board contributed to the strategy oversight of the charity through its Board meeting process.