Patrick Carter will lead Sport England through a period of considerable change, as the organisation establishes its new, regional structure and moves from being a service provider to becoming an investor of public and Lottery funds.  Sport England will distribute money to governing bodies, community organisations and local authorities and support them to deliver the Government's priorities for sport.

He has become best known for his important work on the Commonwealth Games and the restructuring of the FA's national stadium project.  His Games report led to an additional investment of £105 million of public and Lottery money which secured the finances of the most successful sporting event ever held in the UK.

The rigorous investigation into the national stadium scheme was instrumental in restructuring the project in a way that gave Parliament and the city confidence to carry it forward.

Announcing the appointment, Tessa Jowell said:

"Patrick Carter brings a wealth of experience to his new role.  The challenge for Sport England in the coming years is to set a clear, measurable strategy for English sport.  Patrick is ideal to lead that change and I look forward to working with him."

Patrick Carter said:

"I am very pleased to have been appointed as the new Chair of Sport England.  It is a challenging time for the organisation and I look forward to starting work immediately with the team at Sport England and other stakeholders in ensuring sport gets the resources it needs.  My experience with the FA, Sport England and the organisers of the Commonwealth Games has given me some insight into the way sport operates.

"That work has demonstrated that where I can build a substantial and sound argument for more resources, the Government is prepared to listen.  The challenge for all of us in sport is to channel our efforts into making that case.

"Getting the right balance between the needs of sport and the desire of the Government to deliver its agenda will be an exciting opportunity – for me and the whole of sport."

Roger Draper, Chief Operating Officer of Sport England said:

"I am absolutely delighted that Patrick Carter is to be our new chair. To have someone with Patrick's authority, influence and track record at the helm of Sport England will be a huge asset to the organisation.
 

"Patrick Carter's energy and expertise have already helped Sport England steer through two challenging projects, the new national stadium and the Commonwealth Games.

"His leadership will be invaluable in delivering a new, modern Sport England."

Patrick Carter's biography is attached.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

 

1 This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the selection process was run in accordance with the Commissioner's Code of Practice.

2 Patrick Carter has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

 
PATRICK CARTER

BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

 

1999 – present  Private investor and director of various public and private companies

1985 – 1999 Westminster Health Care Holdings PLC Founded, built and sold a leading health care provider which grew from 0 – 12,000 employees in 12 years

1975 - 1985 MAI Plc (now United Business Media Plc) - Executive Director

  
1970 - 1975 Whitecross Equipment Ltd Founded, developed and sold this environmental engineering company

1967 - 1970 Hambros Bank Ltd

PUBLIC SERVICE

 

1998 – 2002 Non Executive Member, Prison/ Corrections Service Strategy Board

2000 - Member of Productivity Panel, HM Treasury

2002 - Non Executive Member, Home Office General Board

Chair of various reviews including Commonwealth Games 2002 (The Cabinet Office), the English National Stadium (DCMS), National Athletics Review (DCMS), Review of Payroll Services (HM Treasury), Criminal Records Bureau (Home Office) and the Review of Court Estate (Lord Chancellor's Department/ HM Treasury).

EDUCATION

 

1964 - 1967 Durham University BA Economics/Economic History

1957 - 1964 Brentwood School, Essex