The set up phase for England Athletics as a regionally focussed, de-centralised business is complete and the growth trend of last year for coaches, officials and clubs gaining clubmark accreditation is continuing well.

Systems are in place using Power of 10 data to drive a national and regional focus on athlete and coach performance and affiliation of clubs and competing athletes is growing at a pace.

The business is in good shape financially and has established a sound foundation for future development.

After a well earned holiday in August, Alan Harrison will now be leaving England Athletics to focus on his other business interests. He is increasing his responsibilities in his role as a Board member with the National Probation Service and will begin training to become a magistrate, which has been on hold since his appointment as a Justice of the Peace at the time of taking up his role of Chief Executive of England Athletics.

Alan has worked tirelessly in the interests of the business and the Board would like to thank him for his considerable effort and wish him well in the future.

The role of Chief Executive will be advertised in Athletics Weekly and the Daily Telegraph on Thursday 9 August and in the Sports Appointments section of the Daily Telegraph on 11 August, and an appointment will be made as soon as possible.

In the interim period John Graves will act as Executive Chairman, supported by other members of the Board in their particular areas of expertise.