Explore the Leadership Skills Foundation logo and brand identity. Learn about the organisation's visual evolution and what their branding represents for youth leadership.
Written by Laura Bouttell • Fri 9th January 2026
The Leadership Skills Foundation logo represents more than four decades of commitment to developing leadership capabilities in young people across the United Kingdom and beyond. As the organisation evolved from British Sports Trust through Sports Leaders UK to its current identity, the logo has communicated the Foundation's mission: empowering learners with the confidence to believe, the qualities to lead, and the skills to succeed. Understanding the visual identity behind this influential youth development organisation provides insight into how branding communicates organisational purpose and values.
For centres delivering Foundation programmes, partners considering collaboration, or organisations studying effective nonprofit branding, the Leadership Skills Foundation's visual identity demonstrates how design choices reinforce mission and build recognition across diverse stakeholder groups.
Understanding the organisation provides context for its visual identity.
The Leadership Skills Foundation is a UK-based awarding organisation and registered charity dedicated to developing leadership skills in young people through practically applied qualifications and accredited awards. Operating since 1981, the Foundation (formerly British Sports Trust and Sports Leaders UK) has developed programmes that reach over 100,000 young people annually. Every programme develops teamwork, communication, self-belief, self-management, and problem-solving skills—capabilities that facilitate successful futures.
Foundation overview:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1981 |
| Charity number | 1095326 |
| Company number | 04597192 |
| Annual reach | 100,000+ young people |
| Geographic scope | UK and 100+ international centres |
The organisation has undergone significant identity evolution: British Sports Trust (1981-2004) established the foundation for youth leadership through sport, Sports Leaders UK (2004-2020s) focused on sport-based leadership qualifications, and Leadership Skills Foundation (current) reflects broader leadership development beyond sport alone. Each rebrand maintained continuity of mission whilst communicating evolved scope and approach.
Identity timeline:
| Era | Name | Visual Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-2004 | British Sports Trust | Sport and trust establishment |
| 2004-2020s | Sports Leaders UK | Leadership through sport |
| Current | Leadership Skills Foundation | Broader leadership development |
The logo comprises specific design elements communicating organisational purpose.
The Leadership Skills Foundation logo communicates the organisation's commitment to developing young leaders through its visual elements. The design conveys dynamism (active development and progression), accessibility (approachable youth-focused imagery), professionalism (awarding body credibility), and optimism (positive future orientation). These elements combine to represent an organisation that takes youth development seriously whilst remaining engaging and approachable.
Logo communication:
The Foundation's brand palette supports its mission through colour psychology: colours chosen convey energy (motivation and action), trust (credibility as awarding body), growth (development and progression), and inclusivity (welcoming diverse participants). Consistent colour application across digital platforms, print materials, certificates, and merchandise builds recognition and reinforces brand values.
Colour application:
| Application | Purpose | Consistency Need |
|---|---|---|
| Digital platforms | Online recognition | Cross-device uniformity |
| Print materials | Physical presence | Colour accuracy |
| Certificates | Achievement recognition | Quality reproduction |
| Merchandise | Brand extension | Faithful representation |
| Partner materials | Co-branded presence | Guidelines compliance |
Proper logo usage maintains brand integrity.
Centres delivering Foundation programmes should use the logo according to brand guidelines: approved versions only (using official logo files), clear space maintenance (appropriate surrounding area), minimum size adherence (ensuring legibility), colour accuracy (correct reproduction), and context appropriateness (suitable placement and association). Guidelines typically cover acceptable and prohibited uses, ensuring consistent brand representation across the centre network.
Usage principles:
| Principle | Requirement | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Approved files | Official versions only | Quality assurance |
| Clear space | Minimum surrounding area | Visual clarity |
| Minimum size | Legibility threshold | Recognition maintenance |
| Colour accuracy | Correct palette | Brand consistency |
| Context | Appropriate placement | Reputation protection |
Registered centres typically access official logo files and brand guidelines through Centre Hub—the Foundation's online platform for programme management. Marketing resources, including approved logos in various formats (print, digital, colour, mono), are available to active centres for legitimate promotional purposes. Centres should ensure they're using current versions, particularly following the organisation's evolution from Sports Leaders UK.
Access process:
The visual identity reflects organisational development.
Sports Leaders UK branding (2004-2020s) emphasised leadership development specifically through sport and physical activity. The identity communicated sport focus (clear connection to physical activity), UK scope (national reach and relevance), leadership emphasis (core development purpose), and youth orientation (young people as primary audience). This branding built strong recognition across schools, colleges, and youth organisations.
Sports Leaders UK identity:
| Element | Communication |
|---|---|
| "Sports" | Physical activity medium |
| "Leaders" | Development focus |
| "UK" | Geographic scope |
| Visual design | Dynamic, sport-oriented |
| Colour palette | Energetic, youthful |
The transition to Leadership Skills Foundation reflected: expanded scope (leadership beyond sport alone), programme diversity (Esports, academic awards, life skills), market positioning (broader leadership development), stakeholder clarity (clearer awarding body identity), and future orientation (positioning for continued evolution). The rebrand maintained heritage recognition whilst communicating expanded mission and capabilities.
Rebrand rationale:
Strategic brand application enhances programme delivery.
Strong Foundation branding benefits centres through: credibility enhancement (association with established awarding body), learner motivation (recognised qualification identity), stakeholder confidence (parents, employers, partners), marketing support (professional materials available), and community building (connection with national network). Consistent brand application reinforces the value of programmes and qualifications to all stakeholders.
Branding benefits:
| Benefit | Mechanism | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Credibility | Awarding body association | Stakeholder trust |
| Motivation | Recognition and achievement | Learner engagement |
| Marketing | Professional materials | Programme promotion |
| Network | National identity | Community connection |
| Recognition | Consistent visibility | Brand awareness |
Centres maximise brand impact through: consistent application (correct logo use across materials), quality reproduction (professional-standard printing), strategic placement (high-visibility opportunities), integration (combining with centre identity appropriately), and updating (using current branding versions). Effective brand use enhances centre reputation whilst building Foundation recognition.
Maximisation strategies:
Registered centres access official logo files through Centre Hub, the Foundation's online platform. Login to your centre account and navigate to the marketing or brand resources section. Multiple formats (print, digital, colour, mono) are typically available. Contact hello@leadershipskillsfoundation.org if you need assistance locating resources.
Active centres delivering Foundation programmes may use the logo for legitimate promotional purposes according to brand guidelines. Ensure you're using approved files, following usage requirements, and representing the Foundation appropriately. Non-centres should contact the Foundation before using their branding.
Sports Leaders UK has rebranded as the Leadership Skills Foundation, reflecting expanded programme offerings beyond sport alone. Centres should update materials to use current branding. The Foundation's mission remains consistent—developing leadership skills in young people—but the identity better represents current scope.
Download official files from Centre Hub rather than using images from web searches. Check that files are current versions (post-rebrand to Leadership Skills Foundation). Review brand guidelines for correct application. Contact the Foundation if uncertain about version currency or usage requirements.
Yes, brand guidelines typically accompany logo files available to registered centres. Guidelines cover approved uses, clear space requirements, minimum sizes, colour specifications, and prohibited applications. Following guidelines ensures consistent brand representation across the centre network.
Partnership branding arrangements are available for organisations collaborating with the Foundation. National governing bodies (LTA, Welsh Gymnastics, Swim Wales, and others) have co-branded sport-specific awards. Contact the Foundation's partnerships team to discuss co-branding for formal collaboration.
Update materials to reflect current Leadership Skills Foundation branding. Using outdated branding may confuse stakeholders and misrepresent current organisational identity. Access current logo files through Centre Hub and plan systematic replacement of legacy materials.
The Leadership Skills Foundation logo represents four decades of commitment to developing leadership capabilities in young people—from the British Sports Trust through Sports Leaders UK to today's expanded identity. Understanding and applying this brand correctly reinforces the credibility and recognition that benefits centres, learners, and the broader youth development community.
For registered centres, ensure you're using current branding across all materials and applications. Access official files through Centre Hub, review brand guidelines, and replace any outdated Sports Leaders UK materials. Consistent, correct brand application enhances your centre's professional presentation whilst building Foundation recognition.
For organisations considering Foundation programmes or partnership, the visual identity reflects an established, credible awarding body with proven track record in youth leadership development. The branding communicates professionalism, dynamism, and commitment to developing the teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that enable young people's future success.