Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, Joins Board of New Carnegie School of Sport
Photo: Robbie Carney
Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE has been appointed as a member of the advisory board for the new Executive Master of Sport Leadership course at Carnegie School of Sport, part of Leeds Beckett University.
The course aims to alter the landscape of sports leadership with equality, diversity and inclusion at the forefront of the ground-breaking course’s teachings.
On joining the advisory board, 43-year-old Jamie Jones Buchanan, said:
“this is about understanding what the fundamental principles of leadership are in today’s world. I was fortunate to be part of a special generation of players at the Leeds Rhinos during a period now referred to as the “Golden Generation”. At the centre of the group, we had the greatest leader and cultural architect I have ever met in Kevin Sinfield. Kevin surrounded himself with other great leaders like Jamie Peacock, and everything successful about that cohort of players revolved around the example they set.”
The course hopes to create pathways for its diverse range of students to enter the top levels of sport management within the UK.
It is open to people with five or more years of experience within the industry who are looking at furthering their knowledge and experience within modern sport.
On what the course will offer to those participating, Leeds Beckett alumni Jones-Buchanan said:
“it’s about understanding what it takes to impress a clear mission, vision and values on the hearts and minds of the people you are trying to lead. Learning how to manifest the skills needed to take people with you.”
“Society isn’t set up these days in a way that encourages collective fortitude, making the teachings of leadership and cultivating conducive environments that bit more important. We must foster environments in which everyone is allowed to realise their potential, find their place within a tribe, and go on a life enhancing journey that includes both triumph and disaster.”
“A diverse range of expertise, altruistic intent, and deep knowledge drawn from varied lived experiences is invaluable in addressing the challenges facing society today. By sharing insights with leaders across the city, exchanging ideas, and fostering collaboration, I believe there is no limit to what we can achieve or overcome when we commit to working together.”
Jones-Buchanan’s appointment highlights Carnegie School of Sport’s commitment to opening doors for a diverse range of professionals from inside and outside of Yorkshire.
After retiring from Rugby League following his two-decade playing career with Leeds Rhinos, Jones-Buchanan has helped to transform the landscape of rugby league within Leeds through his role as the Rhinos’ Director of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusivity.
On what his inclusion on the advisory board means for equality, diversity and inclusion, Chair of the RFL Inclusion Board Jones-Buchanan said:
“Who says what, when, and in what context, can be as important as the information that you are trying to deliver.”
“If you want to convey a message to a group of people, diversity lends itself to saying that, actually, you are more authentic at delivering this piece of information because of your culture, your background and your history. This dictates that you know what you are talking about.”
Alongside Jones-Buchanan, the advisory board also features stars from a range of sports including former netballer Geva Mentor and former footballer Shelley Kerr, as well as high-profile executives like Colin Povey and Steve Round.
The Carnegie School of Sport’s Executive Master of Sport Leadership course will launch in September 2025, with applications to join the first cohort.