Three Members appointed to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority board

The Secretary of State has appointed Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples as Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority Board for a term of three years.

Emma Clancy

Emma is an experienced leader in both the public and private sector and formerly served as Chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC). She served the committee for over 9 years and headed up a number of committees providing expert advice to Government, helping to develop the future regulatory framework for buildings addressing sustainability and safety issues.

She boasts a wealth of experience in consumer protection, public policy and regulation during a career covering sectors including construction, water, banking, retail and not- for-profit organisations.

Emma was CEO of Certsure LLP for 15 years – the leading voluntary regulatory body in the electrical contracting and energy sector which is focused on raising standards. Emma's leadership and innovative thinking was credited with modernising the not-for-profit joint venture – moving it up more than 20 places in The Times Top 100 Companies to work for in 2018.

She has also worked as Director of Care for BMI, the world's largest manufacturer of building products. She currently leads the development of strategy for a FTSE 50 company and is also a non-executive director on the UKAS Board.

Russell Procter

Russ has over 30 years' experience in the public sector, focussing on policing and community safety. He retired in 2024 as Assistant Chief Constable, known for his expertise in public order, public safety, civil contingencies, and major incident coordination. Russ spent the final 7 years of his service as a Gold Public Order Commander, leading complex operations and overseeing the planning and testing of emergency responses.

Throughout his career, Russ has worked closely with football clubs from League Two to the Premier League, along with a wide network of stakeholders, to enhance stadium safety and security. He has extensive experience of working alongside Club Executives, Ground Safety Officers, Safety Advisory Groups, Blue Light Services, Supporter Forums, and UEFA.

Currently, Russ serves as a consultant Match Day Safety and Security Observer for the English Football League, supporting ground safety teams nationwide. He is also an associate with the College of Policing, where he delivers Gold Public Order and Public Safety Command training, as well as re-accreditation courses to senior leaders across the country.

Kate Staples

Kate Staples has extensive experience in the regulation of safety-critical sectors and the protection of consumers. Kate was the General Counsel & Secretary to the CAA until December 2021, holding the role for over 11 years. During that time Kate was also a Trustee of the Air Travel Trust, and of the CAA's pension scheme, and company secretary to the CAA's two subsidiaries: ASSI Ltd and CAA International Ltd. She was Director of

Governance and Legal Services at the Care Quality Commission throughout 2023. Kate is now an Independent Commissioner at the Data & Marketing Commission, the guardians of responsible data and marketing. She is also a Director of CAAPS Ltd, a large defined benefit pension scheme. Before joining the CAA, Kate worked at the Department for Transport, and at a leading City law firm. 

Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples have been appointed for a term of three years, commencing on 12 January 2026 until 11 January 2029.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority are remunerated £265 a day.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office's Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples have declared no such political activity. 

Notes to Editors

DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.