Leadership Through Sport & Business

About

LTSB is a social mobility charity that prepares and supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into meaningful careers with major firms. Since 2012, the organisation has worked with 1,963 young people, helping them access opportunities that reflect their ability and ambition. Its model combines outreach, workplace preparation, tailored support throughout the application process and continued pastoral care during a young person’s first year in employment.

The Brief

LTSB entered a pivotal phase of growth with the launch of its new five-year strategy in January 2024. Focused on expanding its programmes, supporting more young people into meaningful employment and strengthening a culture of high standards, wellbeing and belonging, the organisation required strong and purposeful leadership for its next stage of development. Prospectus was appointed to lead a rigorous, values-aligned search for a new Chief Executive Officer, attracting exceptional candidates and securing an outstanding appointment.

Prospectus worked closely with LTSB’s Board to understand the organisation’s mission, values and long‑term aspirations. The CEO brief required an inspiring and strategic leader with senior experience in the charity, youth or education sectors, combined with a strong track record in partnership development, income generation and organisational leadership.

Our Approach

To build a diverse and capable field, we utilised our extensive networks across the social mobility, youth, education and wider social impact sectors, alongside our well‑established relationships within sports charities. This ensured strong reach into both mission‑driven and operationally experienced leadership talent. It was important that the right candidate was aligned to LTSB’s values and would bring a determined, open-minded approach to the role, so initial conversations with candidates to assess cultural fit were of high importance. The campaign attracted more than 180 applications, and 8 candidates were invited to interview with Prospectus before proceeding to LTSB’s final stages.

The Outcome

Martin Talbot was appointed as Chief Executive Officer. He brings broad leadership experience across youth, sport and social mobility organisations, most recently as CEO of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, where he strengthened strategy, governance and income generation. His earlier roles at the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Liverpool FC Foundation and the EY Foundation saw him lead national programmes, develop significant partnerships and support impactful work with young people. Martin brings strong safeguarding expertise, a collaborative leadership style and a clear commitment to improving life chances for young people.

If you would like support in sourcing exceptional talent into a leadership role in your organisation, find out more about our Executive Search Service or Charity Board Recruitment Service.