We’re delighted to have welcomed four new members of staff to our team during the last month, each bringing valuable skills and passion to support our work improving lives through the power of movement.

The expansion of our team brings new skills, resources, and experience into the organisation. This will enable us to deepen our impact and influence, help us to achieve the shared goals of the county-wide Let's Move Lincolnshire Strategy and deliver our place focused work, supporting communities most in need.

Niki Shepheard joins us as Head of Place. Niki is supporting us in our Sport England funded place-based expansion approach, working to create positive change in the health of our communities. Her role is dedicated to influencing and bringing together multiple parties to create a movement in enabling our communities to be active. Working closely with our Director of Strategy and Place, Jonathan Frary, Niki will ensure we enable partners and communities to address inequalities in physical activity in Boston and East Lindsey.

Prior to joining Active Lincolnshire, Niki has worked in Economic Development for eleven years and has gained an in-depth understanding of the role and importance of local authorities in driving economic growth and regeneration. In this time, she has developed a keen interest in the significant role of healthy communities in transforming the aspirations and prospects of an area.

As Head of Development - Physical Activity Sector, Katie Chapman will be expanding our impact by building strong partnerships and engaging a wide range of stakeholders throughout Lincolnshire. Her focus is on connecting with traditional physical activity sector and non-traditional partners to enhance local delivery systems and maximise opportunities.

Katie brings to the role experience of delivering National and International sporting events, driving significant economic and social benefits for host communities and using events as a vehicle to power positive change. She will be utlilising her experience of working in a sports National Governing Body to help develop and support a resilient physical activity sector across Lincolnshire.

Sophia Berladyn is our new Finance Manager. Sophia is responsible for maintaining Active Lincolnshire's financial controls, supporting budget management, preparing reports and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and governance requirements. She brings extensive experience of financial management and experience overseeing sports and charity accounts. She is AAT qualified and is currently studying for a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification.

In her role as Business Operations Lead, Emily Trevey is supporting Active Lincolnshire through the implementation of governance and compliance, including the Code of Sports Governance, and acting as secretary to the Board of Trustees. Emily's legal background and keen attention to detail, will ensure the highest standards of policies and procedures are developed and implemented.

Together, these new team members bring valuable skills and experience that will strengthen our existing skilled and passionate team, and support us in working towards our vision of Lincolnshire as a place where everyone has the opportunity to be physically active every day. If you'd like to get in touch with any member of our team, please follow the link below.

Find out more about the Active Lincolnshire team here.