A recently retired Assistant Chief Constable from Merseyside, Andy Ward, has been appointed by the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Board to lead the independent review into UKAD’s handling of intelligence in relation to Dr Mark Bonar.

Ward, who retired from police service in January 2016 has built up extensive experience of serious organised crime, counter terrorism and the use of intelligence.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale, has agreed the appointment of Andy Ward to lead the independent review.

UKAD Chair David Kenworthy QPM DL said: “Andy Ward is a strong choice to carry out the review into UK Anti-Doping’s handling of intelligence in relation to Dr Mark Bonar. He is independent of sport so will bring a fresh and uninfluenced perspective, whilst his extensive experience of intelligence handling will be critical to the review.

“Andy’s role will be to examine how the information supplied by the sportsperson was handled and whether proper procedures were followed. Andy will also be asked to make any recommendations to improve processes in the future.

“As a publicly funded body, it is correct that UKAD be held to account for any actions it takes and the team is very supportive of, and will fully cooperate with, the review process.”

• This media release was originally published on the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) internet site on 5 April 2016. To view the original, please click here.