Chair Walker proud of achievements during his eight years at helm

Whilst there have been many challenges over this period, these have been far outweighed by the organisation’s many achievements.  

Coming into post, he found Volleyball England at a significant crossroads, where its very existence was, in doubt. 

Eight years later, Volleyball England is now acknowledged by the sport’s key stakeholders as an excellently-run national governing body with strong and sustainable business foundations.    

Through the implementation of The Game Plan strategy, the board and staff team have consistently tackled challenges with skill and determination and have incrementally improved almost every aspect of the sport. This programme of transformational change ensures the sport has a bright future.  

Reflecting on his time with Volleyball England, he highlighted the many things he was proud of.  

Walker said: “I’m really proud of our sports growth, particularly the increase in the numbers of junior players. Similarly, I feel very privileged to have watched the Bellow’s win a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2022 and witnessed their incredible progression within the world beach rankings 

“ Underlying this, I am thrilled to see how this has provided the catalyst for a significant strengthening in the depth and abilities of our beach players and provided the momentum for the development of new elite beach venues.” 

Additionally, Walker outlined the fantastic strides in competition development, education and training of coaches and officials, and the significant improvements in international relations and standings as significant highlights that he was proud to have played a part in delivering.  

Above and beyond all of these achievements, Walker said one of the things he was most proud of was the development of the VE Hub team. 

‘It’s been a privilege to see a wonderful team achieving fantastic outcomes with minimal resource,” he said.  

“I haven’t always been able to spend as much time as I would like with them, but Charlie (Ford, CEO) and Guin (Batten, Deputy CEO) have always kept me fully updated.”    

“Whilst Walker has undoubtedly played his part in reviving Volleyball England’s fortunes, he was quick to pass much of the credit to those around him. 

“My role was to simply act as the conductor of a world-class orchestra,” he said. “Without the incredible efforts of my fellow board members, the fantastic Hub team and the many hundreds of volunteers, none of the progress we have achieved would have been delivered.  

“I’ve been so lucky to have worked with such brilliant people, who throughout my time have worked so selflessly.” 

When asked why he first looked to get involved with Volleyball England, Walker cited three reasons. The first was his connection to Janet Inman (then CEO). 

“I knew Janet from previous sports development work and had a huge respect for her and equally was inspired by her incredible passion for the sport,” he said. 

Secondly he explained that volleyball was an Olympic sport that he was always compelled to watch as it was incredibly skillful, fast-paced and exciting.  

Walker then added: ‘I’ve always seen volleyball as an amazing sport with incredible potential, not only does it have three very different versions, but it also has a fantastic gender balance and is appealing for all ages’     

Looking at the early years of his term, Walker said: “From the outset there were many fundamental business and governance challenges that urgently needed to be addressed.  

‘It was about saving the organisation in the first instance and we had to make some difficult decisions, including the commencement of a significant organisational restructure. 

“From a financial perspective, we had to rebuild fractured relationships with funding partners, prioritise our resources and negotiate with the tax authorities... you name it we had to do it. 

“Whilst this phase was not always enjoyable, it was the efforts put in during these early days that have facilitated such a strong and well-respected organisation today.” 

Having successfully navigated this initial period Walker, then reflected on more recent years.  

He said: “Having established such a robust organisation we have been able to make great strides in growing and diversifying our revenues, this in turn has enabled us to move from business prudence to innovation and investment.  

“I’m delighted to be handing over to a new Chair where the organisation is in such a good position to press forward. 

“And all of the changes that have been delivered have only been possible because we have had four brilliant CEOs during that time – Janet, Sue Storey, Sam Jamieson and Charlie Ford – all of whom have been incredible leaders for the phases that they have been at the helm... thank you team.”

When asked about his leadership style, Walker explained that he has consistently focused on a few key principles which he hopes has helped him to earn the respect and trust of his colleagues.  

He said: “I try to be as inclusive as I can. Everyone on the board has a right to contribute, and I have always tried to make sure that they can do that. 

“I have also tried to create a sense of fun because everyone is a volunteer. When you volunteer, you should have the opportunity to enjoy yourself. I haven’t come across to many volunteers that wouldn’t want this.  

“Underpinning that, I have tried to make sure the Board has been strategic, decisive and purpose-driven. I have wanted to make things happen and make decisions, rather than talking about things but not getting them done. 

“I have cared more about our board being respected rather than liked. I have wanted to positively move the sport forward and I believe that as a collaborative group of people we have done that, and done it well.”  

Although his tenure with Volleyball England will soon be at an end, Walker remains Chair of Welsh Cycling, Chair of GB Table Tennis and a trustee on the recently launched England Football Charity. 

Additionally he continues to be at the forefront of strategic development in European football through his business’ longstanding contract with UEFA.   

Nevertheless, he is looking forward to seeing what the future holds in store for volleyball in England.  

“I will really miss the people and sharing the volleyball mission, but as a consolation I get to continue the many friendships I have been able to make,” he said. “ I will now be able to enjoy volleyball as a spectator and have always said to Charlie, the board and the Hub team that I will always be there to help and support if needed.  

“I’ve loved my time and it has been eight great years, but it’s important that someone fresh comes in. It does take a lot of physical and mental energy, and it needs new impetus and creativity to take the next steps.” 

“I think the organisation is in a really good place. The Hub staff are fantastic people who enjoy making volleyball better and the Board is full of highly-skilled and committed people whose collective ambition to improve volleyball is infectious. 

“I want to say a massive thank you to the sport itself because I had spent eight incredible years, nearly 3,000 days in post – a big chunk of my life – and I have really enjoyed it. 

“So thank you and best of luck for the future.” 

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