"Ensuring sport is truly inclusive is a huge motivator for me, and I look forward to supporting the ongoing growth of Access Sport’s reach and impact."

Access Sport is delighted to welcome Rachel Baillache as our new Chair.

Martin McPhee will step down from the role and pass the baton to Rachel Baillache, who assumed the position on 9 June 2025.

Rachel joins us as Martin McPhee has stepped down from the Board of Trustees after nine years, including five years as Chair.

Martin commented, “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair of Access Sport. I have been continually inspired by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and most importantly, the young people we serve. We have expanded the organisation’s reach, built strong partnerships, and made significant strides towards a more inclusive sporting landscape. I thank our Nominations Committee for running an open, inclusive and rigorous Trustee recruitment process, and I leave the role with complete confidence in the future direction of Access Sport under Rachel’s leadership.”

Rachel is a community sports enthusiast. She holds non-executive director roles at the Lawn Tennis Association, UK Sport, and the Men’s Professional Rugby Board. With a wealth of experience, Rachel is well-placed to drive us forward as we continue to make inclusion the norm in community sport. 

Having been a former audit partner at KPMG for over twenty years, Rachel was also a member of KPMG International’s Global Executive, serving as the Global Head of People, Performance, and Culture, and was responsible for global communications.  

She has worked extensively in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), having led KPMG’s first Global Inclusion Strategy and is currently serving as the Chair of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Group.

Rachel brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, governance, and risk and crisis management. Passionate about elite sport and grassroots participation, she offers a unique perspective that spans the entire sporting landscape. 

Rachel Baillache, Incoming Access Sport Chair, commented:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Access Sport. Ensuring sport is truly inclusive is a huge motivator for me, and I look forward to supporting the ongoing growth of Access Sport’s reach and impact.”

Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport's Chief Executive, said:
“On behalf of the entire organisation, I wish to express my gratitude to Martin McPhee for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Access Sport. I am confident he will continue to support our mission and purpose. We are delighted to welcome Rachel and look forward to the next chapter of our journey.”

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