Special Olympics Great Britain has bolstered its core National Office team, that supports the network and membership, by appointing Vanessa Snell as Director of Operations and Emma Kane-McGuigan as Head of Network. Both appointments are newly created roles in its leadership team.
Emma has been promoted to the Head of Network role, following a competitive interview process, after working closely with Special Olympics GB clubs across the country for the last two years as Network Development Manager (clubs); a role that is currently being advertised to identify her successor.
In her new position, Emma will continue to work closely with the Special Olympics GB network and membership, and will lead on its development. This will include strengthening and supporting the team of essential volunteers, growing the number of accredited clubs and, therefore, creating more sporting opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
As Director of Operations, Vanessa will lead the operational and support services within the charity, including its governance, human resources, business processes, IT, and health & safety. She joins Special Olympics GB from a role as Strategic Business Manager within the NHS. However, she has also worked in education and boasts vast experience of managing change and improvement in the charity sector.
Colin Dyer, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “We welcome Emma and Vanessa into these two new roles, which have been created thanks to our Systems Partnership funding from Sport England and other new funding streams developed in recent months.
“For the last two years, Emma has played a key role in supporting Special Olympics GB clubs across the country. She has seen first-hand the challenges that are faced and she has established multiple processes to better support the membership and the wider network. She will continue that work, but with a wider view over all aspects of the Special Olympics GB network, to ensure current clubs and members are supported, whilst also delivering the growth and delivery model that is so important for people with intellectual disabilities across England, Scotland and Wales.
“Vanessa has a proven track record in generating positive change in the governance and operations of organisations in the NHS, charity and education sectors. We are delighted to add her to the Special Olympics GB team where she will support the organisation’s move towards the operating standards that were identified in our Inclusion In Action strategy.”