The board is the senior body of Scottish Hockey. Here is an overview of the individuals sitting on the Scottish Hockey Board. Download the Scottish Hockey Board Terms of Reference for more detail on the board’s activity.

Board Minutes 

Chair: Neil Francis

Neil Francis joins Scottish Hockey as Chair, bringing over 25 years of senior leadership experience in economic development, international trade, and digital transformation. During his time at Scottish Enterprise, Neil held a number of senior roles—leading major divisions such as International Operations, Global Trade, and Digital & Major Projects. He played a key role in shaping Scotland’s “A Trading Nation” export strategy and oversaw operations in more than 40 countries, managing large teams and complex budgets.

In addition to his executive career, Neil brings extensive governance experience across education, technology, and international development. He currently serves as Chair of EMMS International, a global health charity working in low-income countries. His previous board roles include positions at Jordanhill School, technology spin-outs Optocap Ltd and VCX Software, and research partnerships such as the Institute for System Level Integration—demonstrating his strong commitment to public service, innovation, and collaboration.

Educated to MBA level with distinction, Neil is a values-led leader known for his inclusive and strategic approach. His experience across the public, private, and third sectors positions him well to lead Scottish Hockey through its next phase of growth, with a focus on good governance, sustainability, and building strong relationships across the hockey community.

Emma Douglas-Allan

Emma brings over 15 years of experience in internal communications, colleague engagement, and strategic leadership, gained through roles at major organisations including Sky UK, Tesco Bank, and the Scottish Government.

Emma is known for her people-focused leadership and operational expertise, with a strong track record of supporting transformation in complex, fast-paced environments. She is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging experiences that connect people to purpose — a passion that extends to her belief in the unifying power of sport.

Emma’s collaborative style, clarity of thought, and strong values will bring a fresh voice to the Board. Her insight into change leadership and strategic communications will be invaluable as Scottish Hockey continues to evolve and grow.

Mike Burnet

Non-Executive Director: Finance

A Chartered Accountant with deep expertise in audit, risk, and financial control, Mike works for global asset manager Franklin Templeton, where he leads an international team focused on governance and risk assurance.

Mike brings significant experience in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, corporate governance, and financial sustainability — areas critical to ensuring robust oversight and responsible financial management at Board level.

Alongside his professional credentials, Mike has a strong personal connection to the sport through his daughters’ involvement at school, club, and district level. His volunteer experience with Grange Hockey Club also gives him a practical understanding of the grassroots game. Mike combines financial acumen with a collaborative, strategic mindset that will help shape the future of Scottish Hockey.

Simon Clarke

Simon is an accomplished senior leader in risk, governance, and regulatory compliance, with a career spanning the financial services, banking, and energy sectors.

Currently Director of Risk at Paratus AMC, and formerly Head of Risk & Compliance at OVO Energy, Simon brings a proven track record in developing risk frameworks, leading internal audit and compliance functions, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. He has served on executive committees, led restructuring programmes, and engaged with regulators on behalf of major organisations.

Simon holds an MSc in Risk Management and professional certifications including PIIA and CIA from the Institute of Internal Auditors, and is a member of the Institute of Risk Management (CIRM). His breadth of experience and governance insight will strengthen our strategic decision-making, compliance culture, and stakeholder engagement.

Derek Keir

With professional experience across sport and physical activity, Derek began his career in Disability Sport with Sheffield Wednesday before studying for his Post Graduate Certificate in Physical Education at the University of Bath. During this time Derek took part in a programme with UK Sport for the International Development of Excellence and Leadership in Zambia and subsequently co-founded a charity to support young sports leaders with their education in Zambia.

Professionally Derek trained as a teacher in Bath and then spent time in London with roles in school sport and club sport before starting with sportscotland as a Partnership Manager in 2013. After four years with the national agency for sport Derek took on the role of CEO for the Camanachd Association (the national governing body for Shinty).

 

Gareth Tenner

Born in Northern Ireland, Gareth began his journey in Scottish Hockey at Edinburgh University learning in his first year that the umpires over here are a bit stricter than their Northern Irish counterparts.

From Edinburgh, he played with Inverleith for two years before a double hamstring tear led to six months on the side lines during which he took up a coaching role at ESM which eventually became a player coach role.

He remained at ESM for 12 years where as well as coaching and umpiring he held roles as secretary, men’s captain and Club President.

In 2018 he joined Watsonians (joining up with a number of former team mates and friendly adversaries) and has played with their 2XI in Central 1 since.

Between 2013 and 2015 he was Vice President of East District and President between 2015 and 2017 – this role also included sitting on the disciplinary panel. Gareth is currently a main board director and sits on the Audit Committee of Scottish Hockey.

Gareth is a qualified solicitor, with 15 years commercial and legal experience. He trained with and works for Dentons UK & Middle East LLP in Edinburgh who are the largest law firm in the world.

He works in commercial contracts primarily in the infrastructure and energy sectors (both conventional and renewable) which has provided a wide and varied experience across many areas of law.

When not playing/umpiring/coaching or working, he has two daughters and a new born son who keep him and his wife out of mischief.

Balvinder Sagoo

 

Balvinder is an experienced Pharmacist having worked in the community sector for more than 25 years promoting positive health outcomes for patients. He is currently the Scotland Pharmacy Manager for Boots UK with vast experience in both the retail and pharmacy business. 

 

He also represents the wider Community Pharmacy network with his role as Vice Chair for Community Pharmacy Fife and is on the Community Pharmacy Scotland Council.

 

At Boots he was Chair of the Race, Ethnicity & Cultural Heritage (REACH) business resource group working with a leadership team to create a more inclusive work place setting to support people reach their full potential.

 

At the weekend he coaches hockey to  P4/5 age group and after 25 years has returned to playing and is part of a development squad where he has the opportunity to be on the same pitch as his 13 year old son.

 

Jane Harvey

Jane Harvey has over 18 years’ experience working in sport, following an earlier career in private sector management consultancy. She has held a number of senior leadership and governance roles across the sporting sector, bringing extensive expertise in organisational development, governance, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Jane previously served as Chief Executive of Snowsport Scotland, where she led the organisation through a period of strategic development and change. She was also a Founding Director and Chair of The Scottish Council of Taekwondo, helping to establish and strengthen collaborative governance across the sport. In addition, Jane has held governance roles as Director of Safeguarding & Governance for Scottish Powerchair Football and the Autism Football Association, championing inclusive participation, safeguarding and good governance. Her broad experience across a range of sports and organisational settings provides the Scottish Hockey Board with valuable expertise in leadership, governance and the continued development of safe, inclusive and sustainable sport

 

Vishal Marwaha

 

Vishal Marwaha brings extensive leadership experience across high-performance sport, business and governance. A former Scotland and Great Britain international hockey player, he earned 256 international caps, competed at two Commonwealth Games and became the first person of Asian descent to captain Scotland. Following his playing career, Vishal has continued to contribute to the sport as a coach, currently serving as Director of Hockey at Western Wildcats, where he oversees both the men’s and women’s performance programmes, having previously led the club to multiple national titles.

Alongside his sporting achievements, Vishal has a strong background in business leadership and governance. He is Director of MM Eyecare Group and founded Visioncare At Home, growing it into a nationwide service. His governance experience includes serving as President and Director of Business at Western Wildcats Hockey Club, leading strategic development, finance and facility improvements, as well as serving as a Non-Executive Director of Scottish Golf, where he has contributed to performance strategy and talent development. His combined experience in strategic leadership, organisational development and high-performance sport brings valuable expertise to the Scottish Hockey Board.