Parkinson joins from the International Paralympic Committee where he is currently Medical and Scientific Director. His experience includes management of the IPC’s anti-doping programme, encompassing operations at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens and the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games in Turin.

 Parkinson takes on the number two role within UK Sport’s anti-doping operation, reporting into John Scott, Director of Drug-Free Sport. He will be responsible for ensuring UK Sport’s policies and practices continue to promote the highest standards in anti-doping; the nurturing and further development of relationships with key national stakeholders; and the ongoing learning and development of the team at UK Sport. He takes up his new role on August 7.

“I have immensely enjoyed my time at the IPC, but am really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead at UK Sport,” said Parkinson.

 

“With the spotlight ever increasingly on anti-doping it is vital for Britain, particularly with London 2012 on the horizon, to continue to build its reputation as a global leader in this field. UK Sport is already well-renowned for its contribution to the worldwide fight against doping in sport and my aim is to work with the team to enhance this further still.”

The head of operations post replaces that of head of national anti-doping Programme which was vacated by Andy van Neutegem in March. Scott explained that whilst the two roles were essentially the same, the new title better describes its function.

 

“This post is designed primarily to maximise the return on the wealth of experience, expertise and knowledge we have within the team: setting world leading standards in all areas of anti-doping, from testing to education, and results management to the training of doping control officers,” he said.

 

“It is a hands-on, operational role which allows me as Director to focus more on developing the overall strategy for tackling doping in sport, and building and maintaining beneficial relationships with our international partners.”

Parkinson will be joining at a busy time, with UK Sport having recently published its priorities for the year in its latest Manifesto for Drug-Free Sport. These priorities include the progression of the implementation of intelligent testing, increasing the level of out-of-competition testing, and the continued expansion of the 100% Me education programme.

 

He has been at the IPC since 2003, before which he spent four years as sport services manager at Paralympics New Zealand. Parkinson also spent two years as President of New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby and was a Member of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation’s Steering Committee.

“Andy brings with him a wealth of experience on the international sporting arena which will be of huge benefit in his role at UK Sport,” said Scott. “The level of expertise he has built up over his time at the IPC in particular will be invaluable as we ramp up our anti-doping activities over the coming years.