Baroness Sue Campbell DBE

Baroness Sue Campbell DBE is a formidable force in British sport and an influential advocate for diversity and inclusion. Over a five-decade career, Sue has broken new ground in leadership, governance, and gender equality, driving cultural transformation in some of the UK’s most established institutions. Her work has consistently focused on widening access to sport, championing marginalised communities, and embedding inclusive values in elite performance environments. Whether in grassroots initiatives or national policy, Sue’s vision has always centred on empowerment, equity and excellence.

Beginning her career as a physical education teacher in Manchester, Sue quickly advanced to academia, lecturing at Loughborough University and later becoming Deputy Director of Physical Education at Leicester University. In 1980, she joined the Sports Council of Great Britain as Regional Officer for the East Midlands, a springboard to leadership roles including Chief Executive of the National Coaching Foundation and, in 1995, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, which she was instrumental in founding. Her work laid the foundations for better access to physical activity for young people of all abilities, especially girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In 2003, Sue was appointed Chair of UK Sport, where she led the organisation through a golden era, including Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s landmark success at the London 2012 Games. Under her guidance, UK Sport increased investment in Olympic and Paralympic disciplines and established performance systems that supported a more diverse generation of athletes. She was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) that same year, recognising her growing national impact. Elevated to the House of Lords in 2008 as Baroness Campbell of Loughborough, she continues to influence legislation on sport, health and education. In 2016, Sue became Head of Women’s Football at The FA, and was promoted to Director of Women’s Football in 2018, a role in which she significantly advanced the visibility, funding and infrastructure of the women’s game.

A renowned speaker and cross-sector advisor, Sue brings authenticity, insight and humour to conversations on leadership, inclusion and systemic change. She has addressed audiences at the highest level – from government bodies to global corporations – encouraging a rethinking of power structures and talent development through an inclusive lens. Recognised with a DBE in 2020 and featured on BBC Woman’s Hour’s list of the 100 most powerful women in Britain, Sue’s influence extends well beyond sport, leaving a legacy of opportunity, equality and courageous leadership.