Rachel Garbutt

Job Role: My job role is Sport & Physical Activity Welfare Lead, working alongside Katie Thompson, we're both part of a national network of sports welfare officers based in Active Partnerships across England. We'll work closely with National Governing Bodies and clubs and groups across Greater Manchester to offer support and champion positive safeguarding and welfare culture. Together we'll help to create a safe, inclusive space for children and people of all ages to participate in sports and physical activity.  

Date joined: April 2024 

Pronouns: she/her 

Professional background: My background is in the voluntary and community sector, delivering programmes for young people and adults, and working on place based systems change projects. I most recently worked as Head of Operations and Youth Programmes at Young Manchester leading on youth-led approaches to grant making in community safety, mental health, and social action, as well as supporting the city's vibrant youth sector to offer opportunities to the most excluded young people. I'm passionate about youth and community voice, and the potential this has to help us understand the barriers to change and how we can begin to address these to ensure all children, young people and adults feel safe and supported. I came to Manchester in 2008 to study politics at the university of Manchester and have loved living and working across GM ever since. 

Fun fact: I am a white belt in Chinese kick boxing.