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UK Anti-Doping Board Strengthens with New and Reappointed Experts

The UK Anti-Doping Board welcomes two new members and sees two key reappointments, enhancing its expertise in medicine, research, finance, and elite sport. These strategic appointments aim to bolster the organisation's commitment to clean sport.

  • Moiz Moghal and Caitlin Notley appointed for four-year terms.
  • George Walker and Alison O'Riordan reappointed for four-year terms.
  • Appointments made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
  • New members bring expertise in sports medicine, public health, and addiction research.
  • Reappointed members offer continuity in finance, risk, and Paralympic sport.

The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Board is set to benefit from a bolstered line-up following the appointment of two new members and the reappointment of two existing members by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Dr Moiz Moghal and Professor Caitlin Notley will join the board, while George Walker and Associate Professor Alison O’Riordan have been reappointed for further four-year terms.

Dr Moiz Moghal, a Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine, brings extensive experience from the NHS, independent healthcare, and elite sport. His career includes senior medical leadership roles, such as Chief Medical Officer for GB and England Hockey and Lead Physician for the England Men’s Cricket Team. Dr Moghal has supported athletes at the highest levels, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games and The Ashes, with expertise spanning athlete health, performance, welfare, and clinical governance. His term begins on 1 August 2026 and runs until 31 July 2030.

Joining him is Professor Caitlin Notley, an internationally recognised research leader in addictive behaviours and harm reduction. Professor Notley leads the Public Health Research Department and the Addiction Research Group at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. Her research expertise includes clinical trials and mixed methods, with a focus on health inclusion groups and vulnerable populations. Professor Notley's appointment is effective from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2030.

George Walker, a Chartered Accountant, has been reappointed to the board, continuing his role as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. Mr Walker has held senior finance and IT leadership positions in international organisations, focusing on digitally-driven business change. He has served on the UKAD Board since 2022 and also chairs the Scottish Sports Futures charity and the Audit & Risk Committee at Scottish Swimming. His new term commences on 5 September 2026 and concludes on 4 September 2030.

Associate Professor Alison O’Riordan, an internationally respected sports professional and educator, has also been reappointed. With over 30 years of experience in high-performance sport, coaching, and athlete development, Dr O’Riordan is globally recognised for her expertise in Paralympic and disability sport. She has coached athletes to six Paralympic Games and held leadership roles with various national and international sporting organisations, including British Athletics and Paralympics Ireland. Dr O’Riordan's reappointed term runs from 5 September 2026 to 4 September 2030.

These appointments, made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, underscore UKAD's commitment to maintaining a robust and independent board. Board members are remunerated at £215 per day and typically attend six board meetings annually. The diverse expertise of the new and reappointed members is expected to significantly contribute to UKAD's mission of protecting clean sport across the UK.

Why this matters: These appointments are crucial for maintaining the integrity of UK sport, ensuring that anti-doping policies are robust, evidence-based, and effectively implemented. A strong UKAD board helps to protect the fairness of competition and the health of athletes.

What this means for you: What this means for you: If you are an athlete, coach, or fan of sport in the UK, these appointments help ensure that the competitions you participate in or follow are fair and free from doping. It reinforces the commitment to a level playing field and the protection of sporting integrity.

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