Women leading the way at Active Sussex

We’re celebrating a milestone at Active Sussex – for the first time, the three top positions on our Board of Trustees are all held by women. 

It’s a significant step forward that reflects our commitment to equity and representation, not just in sport and physical activity, but also in leadership.

Christine Gibbons, Chair of the Board of Trustees, brings a wealth of experience from her career as a pharmacist and NHS executive, alongside her current non-executive work with grassroots sports charities. 

She’s also recently completed a Masters in Global Public Health, and when she’s not leading the Board, you’ll often find her swimming, training or coaching running, or having a leisurely ride on her bike. 

Yvonne Rees, Deputy Chair, is a highly experienced Non-Executive Director and Chief Executive. 

She is a strong advocate for partnership working and has a proven track record in driving positive outcomes for communities.

Diana Whitney, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Governance & Audit Committee, combines her expertise as a corporate lawyer with her love of long-distance running on the South Downs. 

For Diana, the mental, physical and social benefits of being active are just as important as the governance and compliance expertise she brings to the table.

Additionally, we are also delighted to welcome Dr Angela Glynn, Dean of the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Brighton, to our Board. 

A Chartered Physiotherapist, Angela is committed to improving healthcare and education through research and leadership.

Anthony Statham, the Chief Executive of Active Sussex, said: “It is wonderful to see that seven out of our 12 trustees are now women. 

“It is essential that our Board reflects the diversity and lived experiences that shape our work, and Active Sussex is proud to represent this diversity.”

At Active Sussex, our work focuses on addressing inequality and encouraging those who are less active to engage in physical activity.

We often talk about the importance of a ‘people-like-me’ approach. When people see leaders, coaches, or role models who look like them and share their experiences, it breaks down barriers and makes getting active feel more achievable. 

Our trustees embody that principle, showing that there’s no one ‘type’ of leader or athlete – there’s space for everyone.

Representation matters, and the voices and perspectives around our Board table play a vital role in ensuring our decisions and actions support everyone in Sussex to enjoy the benefits of being active.

Together, our trustees and partners are driving forward our mission: to break down barriers, empower communities, and ensure everyone across Sussex has the chance to lead an active, healthy life.