Cerebral Palsy Sport (CP Sport) is delighted to announce the appointment of Brendan Tonks to the role of Chief Executive Officer. 

Brendan joins CP Sport as CEO to lead the charity in all aspects of strategic and operational areas. He will work closely with the Board of Trustees and provide strong leadership to the CP Team. Brendan will also be focused on delivering the vision that everyone with Cerebral palsy enjoys a lifetime habit of sport and physical activity. 

Brendan has always been hugely passionate about sports, and his work in the youth sector soon evolved into child protection social work. Brendan spent nearly ten years working for CAFCASS as a Children’s Guardian, advocating on behalf of children in the family court. In recent years he moved into the sports sector, working within the governance team at England Golf, before being appointed as a Senior Consultant at the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) at the NSPCC. For the last 18 months Brendan has supported National Governing Bodies, regional Active Partnership networks, and other sport and physical activity organisations with their safeguarding, governance, and compliance. Outside of the work environment, Brendan enjoyed being a board member at an inclusive sports charity, he chairs a local county sports association, and he also volunteers on a further education college strategic safeguarding group. Brendan enjoys learning and thrives in high pressure environments.  

Brendan commenting on his appointment, said: 

“I am thrilled to have been appointed as the CEO of CP Sport. Cerebral palsy is a condition close to my heart, and I have always been passionate about sports. I look forward to building on the fantastic work of the team at CP Sport, and I am excited to work with the Board at CP Sport to deliver their strong 2022-25 strategy and vision. My priority is to ensure that everyone with cerebral palsy has the opportunity and choice to enjoy sport and be physically active. This is an exciting time for everyone at CP Sport, and I feel privileged to lead the charity as we encourage people with cerebral palsy to live more active lives.” 

Lynne Wardle, Chair of CP Sport, said: 

“CP Sport offers a warm welcome to Brendan, we are very pleased he is joining us at this exciting point of development and at the time of the launch of our new strategy. Brendan will work to influence the sector and wider society. Brendan brings a wealth of experience that will support our partners and members in tackling inequalities.” 

CP Sport is the national disability sports organisation supporting people with Cerebral Palsy to be able to access and enjoy being physically active throughout their lives. We collaborate with local, regional, and national partners to provide physical activity that is accessible and enjoyable for people with Cerebral Palsy – children, young people and adults, all across the UK. We support everyone with Cerebral Palsy to have the opportunities, capability, and motivation to participate in a wide range of physical activities and which suit a variety of interests. 

We work hard to make physical activities accessible for everyone with Cerebral Palsy. Our expert specialist support for parents, support workers, teachers, coaches, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, sport providers and other professionals enable sport and sessions to be adapted to suit individual needs.