About Platform Areas of Work Founder Contact

Governance · Integrity · Leadership

Independent counsel for
leaders in international sport

The Leading Standard advises leaders and organisations in international sport on governance, integrity and institutional reform — while contributing to the development of stronger standards across the global sporting system.

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About

An advisory practice and
intellectual platform

The Leading Standard is an independent platform dedicated to leadership, governance, and integrity in international sport. Rather than functioning as a traditional consulting firm, it operates as a trusted advisor and intellectual platform — engaging selectively with organisations facing complex governance challenges or pursuing institutional reform.

The platform combines senior advisory work with thought leadership and strategic reform initiatives. This hybrid model allows it to address the needs of individual organisations while also contributing to systemic improvements in governance standards across international sport.

Mandates are undertaken selectively to ensure senior-level involvement and genuine independence.

Leadership Perspective

Advice informed by experience at the highest levels of international sport governance.

Independence

Operating independently from institutional interests and commercial consulting structures.

Institutional Understanding

Deep familiarity with governance structures, political dynamics and accountability mechanisms.

Commitment to Standards

Contributing to strengthening governance and integrity standards across sport.

The Hybrid Model

Three complementary pillars

The Leading Standard combines advisory work, intellectual contribution and strategic initiatives to address governance challenges at both the organisational and systemic level.

I

Senior Advisory Practice

Independent strategic advice to leaders and organisations in international sport — from governance reviews and institutional reform to crisis advisory and safeguarding architecture. Engagements are selective and confidential.

II

Thought Leadership

Analysis and publications on institutional challenges in international sport — governance reform, safeguarding frameworks, the independence of ethics systems, and the foundations of institutional legitimacy and stakeholder trust.

III

Strategic Reform Initiatives

Collaborative projects aimed at strengthening governance and integrity systems across sport — from benchmarking initiatives and safeguarding frameworks to governance dialogue forums.

Areas of Work

Four principal domains

The platform's work spans the critical dimensions of institutional governance in international sport.

01

Governance &
Leadership

Advising sports organisations on institutional governance frameworks, leadership responsibilities and structural reform.

Governance reviews · Board advisory · Institutional restructuring · Leadership transitions · Crisis governance

02

Integrity &
Ethics

Supporting organisations in strengthening ethics and accountability systems that meet the demands of modern governance.

Ethics frameworks · Whistleblowing mechanisms · Integrity structures · Disciplinary system design

03

Safeguarding &
Athlete Protection

Supporting organisations in developing credible safeguarding frameworks that protect athletes and uphold institutional responsibility.

Safeguarding governance · Independent reporting · Trauma-informed investigations · Athlete protection policies

04

Conflict &
Accountability

Providing strategic insight on disputes and accountability mechanisms in international sport.

Disciplinary processes · Governance disputes · Crisis management · Arbitration strategy

Founder

Alex McLin

Alex McLin

International Sports Lawyer · Arbitrator · Governance Expert

Alex McLin is an international sports lawyer, arbitrator and governance expert with extensive experience in sports governance, integrity systems and dispute resolution. The Leading Standard draws on this experience to provide independent advice grounded in institutional understanding.

Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Director of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation

Governance and integrity advisor to sports organisations

Former chief executive of an international sports federation

Contact

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The Leading Standard engages selectively with organisations and leaders navigating complex governance challenges. Enquiries are treated with discretion.

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