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Carnegie School of Sport

Leeds Beckett University has awarded Michelle Carney an Honorary Doctorate

20 July 2022

Leeds Beckett University has awarded Michelle Carney, the former CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain, an Honorary Doctorate for her service to sport.

The Leeds Beckett University graduate has enjoyed a diverse career in the UK, USA, Australia and Africa leading grassroots sports partnerships and organisations.

Her passion for sport and business was ignited whilst studying Leisure Studies BA Hons at Leeds Metropolitan University 1991-1994 where she had the opportunity to volunteer with Leeds Sports Development and develop relationships which she still holds today.

Michelle Carney said: “I am shocked and humbled to have been considered worthy of this honorary award from Leeds Beckett University. It shows that no matter your background and whatever your journey, if you follow your passion, focus on making the world a better place and are always your authentic self, amazing things can happen.

“My career path has been unusual, challenging and exhilarating in equal measure, and to be recognised by the university where I got my undergraduate degree is amazing.

“I am so grateful to everyone involved in conferring this honour and delighted that all graduates can finally celebrate their achievements this year after the pandemic delayed them. I wish all those graduating in 2022 the very best of luck as they embark on their next journeys.”

Michelle has worked on major national and global sporting events and strongly believes in the power of sport to transform lives. She has worked in the commercial sector, professional sport and international sport.

This work includes working as country director for Kick4Life FC, based in Lesotho, Southern Africa which was the world's first football club exclusively dedicated to social change, where she built an innovative social enterprise. She also established Lancashire Cricket Club Foundation as a registered charity in 2011.

Most recently, Michelle spent three years as CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain.

She led the complete transformation of the charity and the development of a new Strategy 'Inclusion in Action' which was launched in June 2021.

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “Michelle has had a tremendously diverse and successful career helping people through sport and we are very proud of her multiple achievements. I’m delighted we are able to welcome Michelle back to recognise her international contribution with this honorary award.”

Michelle founded ‘Purpose Driven Impact Ltd’ in August 2021 and is currently leading the partnership between Sport Relief & 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the future development of Sport Relief to a year-round programme. She is also working with ‘Made by Sport’ to design and lead a major donor fundraising programme to unlock significant investment in the sport for good sector.

The Honorary Doctorate was granted on 20 July as part of the university’s 2022 Graduation ceremonies in the first direct arena in Leeds.

Honorary Graduate 2022 Michelle Carney, the former CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain

My name is Michelle Carney, I am the founder and CEO of Purpose Driven Impact. I studied for MBA Honours in Leisure Studies and graduated in 1994. Leeds Beckett is a really friendly place. I really liked the course, the campus of Headingley is absolutely beautiful. Every 18, 19, 20-year-old should experience the pride of coming out after three or four years with a qualification and knowing that you've really achieved, not only academically but in terms of life and friendships and general experience.

I started my career volunteering in Leeds Sports Development. I went over to America and worked with people with brain injuries and challenging behaviours. I worked in the Learning Disability Service and got my dream job in Sports Development in Stockport. I was then the Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics in Great Britain. I completely restructured and transformed the whole charity. My favourite bit was meeting our athletes. By giving young people with a learning or intellectual disability, the right opportunity, the support, amazing things can happen.

I set up my own consultancy called Purpose Driven Impact. I was lucky enough to be contacted by the Chair of Comic Relief to develop a partnership with Birmingham 2022, the Commonwealth Games, and the future of Sport Relief, to develop a true legacy and ultimately transform millions of lives. It's a passion and a passion for the athletes.

Harrison, his parents were told when he was born he would never walk, talk or sit up. In Abu Dhabi, he won a gold medal in judo. Niall Guites, he was pretty much non-verbal. Through the right support, he came up with this idea, he's drawn over 150 stadiums, raised over six and a half thousand pounds. Tasha Sweeney-Meadowcroft, she came to me as a 16-year-old, when I said, "Let's create an apprenticeship for you," and she's now supporting and creating programmes for young women, just like her.

A mentor of mine, Professor Margaret Talbot, she said, "Michelle, you have a voice and you should never be afraid to use it. Say what you think, because, you know, the more we do that, the more we get change." I used to say, "How do I thank you?" And she just said to me, "Pay it forward." Somebody did it for her many years ago. She did it for me. And that is my duty to pay it forward. And for all those people to continue to pay it forward. And that's how we get great change across the world.

When I got the news, I was being conferred this Honorary Doctorate, it blew my mind. I'm really humbled to have been recognised for my passion. I hope that I can help inspire a young Michelle or you know, young Michael to say: "Actually, you know, anything is possible."