As I rebalance my portfolio in 'retirement' I am really pleased to say it has given me the chance to offer some volunteering time ahead of the general election on possibly my favourite and only skill area - Sport and physical activity policy formulation and delivery! I've signed on the dotted line and am now deeply committed to helping for this next period - who knows how long for!

At the The Sports Think Tank over the last decade we have been able to help check and challenge policy makers, and the sector to keep promoting the benefits of physical activity. And we are fortunate to have a combination of people involved who know politics, how SPADS and the civil service works. Hopefully I can bring what is now amazingly 27 years of experience since I first walked into DCMS ministerial team. (A civil servant reminded me just yesterday they were not born when I started!)

The #STT2024Manifesto project has been a great catalyst - helping prepare ideas and policies at a time when there is little likelihood of new money being available for the foreseeable future.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me/ us on the journey so far.

It is only part-time and voluntary. But with support from the hundreds of friends across the sector I am sure we can create something special, because the team 'get-it' and I believe the leadership does too.