Ben O’Connell appointed to BUCS Board as Member Trustee for Welfare and Safeguarding

Cardiff Met Director of Sport Ben O’Connell has been appointed to the Board of British Universities and Colleges Sport, taking on the role of Member Trustee for Welfare and Safeguarding.

The appointment recognises Ben’s extensive experience across the sport sector, with more than 20 years spent working in senior leadership roles across local authority, leisure trust and higher education settings.

The BUCS Board plays a key role in shaping the direction of university sport across the UK, supporting the organisation’s work to deliver high-quality competition, inclusive participation opportunities and positive student sport experiences.

Ben’s appointment as Member Trustee for Welfare and Safeguarding will see him contribute to one of the most important areas in the sector, ensuring that student sport continues to place wellbeing, safety and support at the centre of its development.

Alongside his role at Cardiff Met, Ben is also the founder and host of Sport H.E, a podcast dedicated to the higher education sport sector. Through the series, he speaks to leaders and practitioners from across the industry, exploring the challenges, opportunities and ideas shaping the future of university sport.

The appointment further highlights Cardiff Met’s influence within the wider higher education sport landscape, with the university continuing to contribute to national conversations around leadership, student experience, performance sport and sector-wide development.

Ben joins the BUCS Board, as the organisation strengthens its leadership across welfare, safeguarding and digital transformation.