Hancock has been appointed to a non-executive director role and said she was delighted to join the organisation.

"As a long-standing advocate for disability sport, I’m so pleased to be joining the BPA Board, and look forward to being part of an ambitious 10-year strategy for the BPA," said Hancock.

Hancock, who was named one of the Most Influential Women In Sport in 2015, is a former director of the Olympic and Paralympic Games at Lloyds Bank.

In this role, Hancock was responsible for the initial assessment and negotiation of a successful partnership for the London 2012 Olympics.

She also directed energy company SSE’s partnership with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and is a former chair of the charity Women in Sport.

BPA chair Nick Webborn said: "I am delighted to welcome Sally to the Board of the BPA.

"Sally has huge expertise and experience in strategic brand partnerships in Paralympic and Olympic sports but has also demonstrated a passion for driving diversity and inclusion through sport.

"Her expertise will only strengthen the BPA Board and help us deliver on our new strategy for our athletes."