Martin Esom
Martin served as the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Waltham Forest for 13 years, during which time the Council earned the title of Local Authority of the Year. He spearheaded the successful bid to become London’s first Borough of Culture, driving major regeneration projects centred around cultural themes. These initiatives included the extensive refurbishment of the William Morris Gallery, which won the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year, the opening of the Walthamstow Wetlands, and the establishment of the Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a state-of-the-art 1000-seat venue housed in a magnificent Grade II listed building.
Currently, Martin is a Trustee of the Soho Theatre Company Limited and has been a member of the Health and Safety Executive Board for nine years, where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. Additionally, he has served as a Non-Executive Director for the Sports Grounds Safety Authority for the past three years, also Chairing its Audit and Risk Committee.
Bradley Pritchard
Bradley Pritchard is a former professional football player and member of the PFA. He currently sits as a Chair and Panel Member for the Football Association’s Judicial Panel and Exceptions Panel and is also a Specialist Arbitrator for Sport Resolutions. Bradley is CEO for the charity Sporting Way.
In 2020, Bradley was part of the Public Appointments’ Mentoring Programme designed to support individuals from a range of backgrounds who have not had experience sitting on Public Body boards. Since the programme, Bradley has been a Trustee for the social mobility charity, Groundwork London and a Board Member for Sport for Development Coalition.
Martin Esom and Bradley Pritchard have been reappointed for a second term of 3 years, which commenced on 14 March 2026 to 13 March 2029.
Remuneration and Governance Code
Board Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority are remunerated at £265 per day.
These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.
Martin Esom and Bradley Pritchard have declared no such political activity.
Notes to Editors
DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.