Dame Sarah Storey and Dr Ed Barney join the UK Sports Institute Board
The UK Sports Institute (UKSI) is delighted to announce that Dame Sarah Storey and Dr Ed Barney have joined its Board following their nomination at a recent UK Sport Board meeting.
Both bring a wealth of athlete, leadership and high performance sport experience to the UKSI Board, as the organisation works towards delivering its strategy.
Dame Sarah Storey is the UK’s most successful Paralympian having competed across nine Games and two sports from 1992 to 2024.
Her career in sport has been accompanied by a series of roles in sport and public life. She has been a leading voice in active transport, beginning with her policy advocacy for British Cycling. Sarah has also served as an Active Travel Commissioner since 2019 in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
As well as being on the Board at the Department for Transport, Sarah is a regular sports broadcaster having worked at multiple events, including the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Dr Ed Barney brings over 20 years’ experience in elite sport as a coach, performance scientist, performance leader and Board director.
Ed is the Performance Director at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where he leads the strategy, planning and performance support functions that underpin England Men’s international cricket programmes.
Prior to joining the ECB, Ed spent almost a decade as Performance Director for Great Britain Hockey, leading teams to sustained international success including Olympic, Commonwealth and European medals.
He is recognised for his commitment to high performance culture, evidence-informed decision-making, and developing environments where athletes, coaches and practitioners thrive.
On the appointment, Dame Sarah Storey said: “I am thrilled to be able to make an impact in the work of the UKSI so soon after stepping down from my own international sporting career. I know first-hand the vital role the organisation plays in ensuring athletes, coaches and sports programmes are well supported, and am excited to bring my experience to the table.”
Dr Ed Barney added: “I am excited to be joining the UK Sports Institute Board. Throughout my career, I have seen and experienced the important role the UKSI plays in supporting athletes, coaches and performance programmes. As the organisation enters a new chapter, I look forward to working with colleagues across the system to help ensure we continue to contribute to inspirational performances and magical moments that captivate the nation.”
These appointments complete the UKSI Board, following the confirmation of Rachel Baillache as permanent UKSI Chair in May 2026 after she joined as the Interim Chair in November 2025.
Jamie Skiggs, Director of Finance and Business Services, will step down from the Board as planned, having served for nine years.
Rachel Baillache, UKSI Chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah and Ed to the UK Sports Institute Board. Together, they bring a wealth of experience across high performance sport, leadership and governance that will further strengthen our Board. With these appointments, our Board is now complete at an important moment for the organisation, as we deliver our new strategy and support the ambitions of the UK high performance system looking ahead to LA 2028, Alpes 2030 and beyond. Together, we will continue to ensure the UK Sports Institute provides world-class expertise and support to help athletes and sports achieve sustained success.
“In line with new governance arrangements, Jamie Skiggs now steps down from the Board. I would like to thank Jamie for the excellent contribution he has made to the Board, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as Director of Finance and Business Services at the UKSI.”
Professor Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport, said: “Sarah and Ed bring an exceptional depth of experience from across high performance sport, and I am pleased to welcome them to the UK Sports Institute Board.
“As we continue to keep Britain at the forefront of Olympic and Paralympic sport, we must continue to challenge ourselves to evolve, innovate and raise the bar.
“Sarah and Ed understand what it takes to perform at the highest level and the importance of creating the right environments for sustained success. Their insight will be invaluable as we continue to support British athletes and sports to perform at their best on the world stage.”
The appointments take effect in August 2026.