NIKI Clemo has been appointed as a Trustee of Suffolk FA, taking on the role of Board Safeguarding Champion.

She has more than 40 years’ experience working in the public sector, including the last ten at corporate/executive director level, and in 2016 was awarded an OBE for services to children’s social care.

Niki (pictured above) has previously worked for Leicestershire and Suffolk County Councils.

She was then appointed Service Director of Children’s Social Care in Cambridgeshire from 2009-2015.

Niki than became Chief Executive of Slough Children’s Services Trust from 2015 until 2018, before working as an independent consultant.

She held the post of Hull City Council Interim Director of Children Services for 11 months in 2020 and then the same role with Stoke on Trent City Council from June 2021 until March 2022.

She has been a Non-Executive Director and Board Safeguarding Champion for Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association since August 2021 and also the Senior Independent Director since August 2022.

Niki, who is now back living in Suffolk, said: “Returning to the county I love has been a very rewarding move for me after so many years away, and this is made even more so by having the opportunity to be part of grassroots football in Suffolk.

“I am delighted to join such a committed team here at Suffolk FA and hope I can make a positive contribution as the new Safeguarding Board Champion.

“I know what a difference grassroots football can make to the lives of children, young people and adults and I look forward to meeting the many dedicated volunteers who make this such a success here in Suffolk.” 

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal said: “We are delighted Niki is joining the Board of Suffolk FA as Trustee and Board Safeguarding Champion.

“As well as her experience, her positivity and enthusiasm to ensure we continually put safeguarding at the heart of the organisation and Suffolk football as a whole came through very brightly throughout the recruitment process.

“With Kirsty Clarke resigning as Trustee having been appointed to the Chief Executive Officer role at Northamptonshire FA, Joanne Ogogo will be transitioning from Board Safeguarding Champion to Inclusion Lead for the Board.

“Joanne has been invaluable since joining the Board as Trustee and Board Safeguarding Champion in June 2023 and I know she will be equally as effective as Inclusion Lead.

“To have someone of Niki’s calibre, from her professional experience to her role-specific knowledge gained through her recent voluntary role with Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, gives colleagues and I the upmost confidence as we build towards our 2024-28 strategic period.”