British Cycling appoints people director to improve rider and staff welfare
The drive for results "has sometimes been at the expense of ensuring that our athletes and staff are looked after" says British Cycling's new people director, Michael Chivers


British Cycling has announced the appointment of a people director for the first time. The organisation says that the new role is part of a transformation that puts "the welfare of athletes and staff at its core".
Michael Chivers has been appointed to the role as part of BC's reorganisation of its executive leadership team. He has previously worked for the AA, Hampshire County Council, Sony, Sony Ericsson and Maersk Line.
The creation of the new position comes after allegations of bullying and sexism within the governing body, specifically from former Great Britain riders, and a subsequent internal investigation.
>>> How British Cycling hopes to change culture that led to allegations of sexism and discrimination
Upon his appointment in March, new BC chair Jonathan Browning unveiled an action plan that focused on the culture and behaviour of its staff and coaches, and the welfare of its riders.
“Michael Chivers’ experience and expertise in change and people management will be invaluable in pushing ahead British Cycling’s plans to ensure the organisation is effective and accountable in its management of athletes and staff so that it fosters a transparent and inclusive culture, following past failings in this area," said Browning.
In his statement, Chivers said that BC has previously been "results-driven" and that this has on occasion been at the "expense" of athlete welfare.
“There is no doubt that British Cycling’s major success story in terms of both elite glory and participation has been down to the exceptional work of its people," said Chivers. "But for too long we’ve been a purely results driven organisation and it is clear that this has sometimes been at the expense of ensuring that our athletes and staff are looked after, with due care and proper processes followed.
>>> Andy Tennant speaks out to defend British Cycling approach over bullying claims
“As part of the wide-scale professionalisation of our policies and procedures, we need to ensure that we have an engaged and motivated workforce and that our athletes are given the best experience from the moment they step on to one of our pathways right through to the time when they leave us.
"There are only six roles on the executive leadership team at British Cycling and the fact that one of them is solely dedicated to athlete and staff welfare and performance is a sign of how seriously the organisation is taking this. I feel privileged to be able to dedicate myself to making sure that we absolutely get this right.”
The people director role joins those of chief executive officer, chief operating officer, performance director, commercial director and director of cycling in BC's executive leadership team.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Inside the first Global Bike Festival: Road, gravel and mountain biking come together in the Austrian Alps
Cycling Weekly was there to find out why hundreds of people travelled to Austria with their bikes for a weekend
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Should cyclists be worried about skin damage? All you need to know about protecting yourself from harmful rays
As high summer approaches, promising long hours of sun-drenched cycling, here’s what you need to know about the dangers posed by the sun and how to reduce the risk
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
'British Cycling pulled trans policy because of public pressure' — Emily Bridges
Cyclist said she received threats of physical violence after Boris Johnson said trans women should not compete in women's events
By Adam Becket • Published
-
British Cycling receives £26.6m investment from Sport England
British Cycling will focus on increasing participation in the sport by tackling inequalities and issues of access into cycling
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
British Cycling call for Russian and Belarusian riders to be suspended from races after invasion of Ukraine
UK's governing body urged UCI to stop Russian and Belarusian riders from competing
By Adam Becket • Published
-
British Cycling announces team for UCI Cycling E-sports World Championships on Zwift
The line-up features 10 women and five men all competing for equal prize money and to become world champion
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
British Cycling announces 2022 calendar for National Road Series and National Circuit Series
The National Road Series begins on May 8, while the National Circuit Series gets underway on June 29
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Olympic gold medal sprinter Phil Hindes announces retirement at 29
Hindes was an essential part of the GB team sprint squad, winning gold in London 2012 and Rio 2016
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
British Paralympic hopeful cyclist banned for three years for doping offence
Erin McBride, who joined the British Cycling team after switching from athletics this year, tested positive for a banned substance
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
British Cycling staff carried out unauthorised doping tests in 2011, investigation confirms
The World Anti-Doping Agency has released its report into alleged wrongdoing at British Cycling and UK Anti-Doping
By Alex Ballinger • Published