ISABELLA BORG
Richmond
Summary
Governance Delivery Manager with extensive experience in legal and regulatory matters within the football industry. Proven track record in designing and implementing compliance frameworks in relation to the assessment of governance standards. Notable achievements include ensuring 50 out of 50 County FAs (CFAs) are compliant with the The FA's Code of Governance for CFAs and leading the creation of a Code of Governance for Grassroots Leagues.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Governance Delivery Manager
The Football Association
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented compliance frameworks in relation to the FA's Code of Governance for County FAs (Code).
- Assessed 50 County Football Associations (CFAs) against the Code. As of November 2025, all 50 CFAs are compliant with the code.
- Provide support with governance-related queries to external and internal stakeholders, including reviewing Articles of Association, and advising on governance structures.
- A leading figure in the creation and implementation of a Code of Governance for Grassroots Leagues.
- A leading figure in the creation and implementation of The FA's ED&I standard for County FAs, 'A Game for All Standard'.
Senior Paralegal
Fieldfisher LLP
London
09.2021 - 01.2024
- Seconded to The Football Association for 2 years.
- Management of football regulatory matters nationally for 'serious' cases within disciplinary and governance contexts.
- Advised Disciplinary Commissions and County FAs on applicable FA rules and regulations.
- Secretary to the FA's Disciplinary Sub-Committee.
Discipline Investigations Officer
London FA
London, United Kingdom
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Investigated and charged participants in accordance with The FA's Rules and Regulations.
- Managed and defended appeals, including providing both written and oral submissions to an FA Appeal Board.
- Prepared and delivered training sessions to Judicial Committee members, County FA Council members, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Led training sessions on regulatory compliance, enhancing team's knowledge and skills.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community leaders to support local engagement initiatives.
- Analysed incident reports, identifying trends and developing strategies to reduce future occurrences.
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Saunders & Partners LLP
London, United Kingdom
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Fee-earner in the Civil Litigation Department working on a wide range of matters, including debt recovery, injunctions, and contractual disputes.
- Prepared case bundles, liaised with third parties (including opposition solicitors) and drafted verbatim notes at court hearings.
- Drafted CPR-compliant letters before action, statements of case, and witness statements.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support case preparation and legal proceedings.
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Aston Brooke Solicitors
London, United Kingdom
09.2015 - 08.2019
- Fee-earner in the Civil Litigation Department dealing with a wide range of matters, including debt recovery, landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential), and personal injury matters.
- Supported senior members of the firm with complex matters such as leasehold enfranchisement and 'right to manage' applications.
- Prepared and drafted court documents and statements of case; drafted legal agreements; led client meetings; prepared hearing bundles, and instructed counsel on behalf of clients.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support case preparation and legal proceedings.
Education
Legal Practice Course - Commendation
BPP University
London01.2018
Master in Law - Exempting, First Class Honours
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne01.2015
Skills
- Opinion Writing
- Regulatory compliance
- Stakeholder engagement
- Proactive communication
- Analytical thinking
- Compliance assessment
- Legal Research
- Strategic planning
- Document Analysis
- Team collaboration
- Efficiency improvement
Additional Qualifications
- Qualified National Secretary (FA Serious Case Panels and County FA Panels)
- FA course - Safeguarding Children
- FA course - Safeguarding for Committee Members
- FA course - Guide to Safeguarding Adults
References
Available upon request.
Awards
- Sports Governance Academy - Winner of the 'One to Watch' award, 2025.
- The Charted Governance Institute UK & Ireland - Finalist for 'Project of The Year' award, 2025.
Timeline
Governance Delivery Manager
The Football Association
01.2024 - Current
Senior Paralegal
Fieldfisher LLP
09.2021 - 01.2024
Discipline Investigations Officer
London FA
08.2020 - 09.2021
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Saunders & Partners LLP
09.2019 - 05.2020
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Aston Brooke Solicitors
09.2015 - 08.2019
Legal Practice Course - Commendation
BPP University
Master in Law - Exempting, First Class Honours
Northumbria University