DOCIAsport is delighted to have worked with so many organisations.

Please see testimonials from various clients below.

As I know from personal experience, Ian is a hugely dedicated and committed professional, who fights for the rights of athletes and coaches, bringing with him huge experience and connections within the sporting world. I recall in particular both of us succeeding on behalf of a para-athlete in having an unfair selection decision overturned. Ian has since continued with that same determination with his stellar recent work on duty of care in sport.

John Mehrzad KC, Littleton Chambers

Gary Laybourne,  CEO Coach Core Foundation

I cannot speak highly enough of Ian. An incredible subject knowledge born from experiences that are not only real but are told with such passion. We all have a duty of care and Ian definitely ensures you will bring this into action.

A tremendous tutor, presenter and educator – highly recommended.

Adrian Christy CEO Table Tennis England

Wellbeing has never been a higher priority, especially given recent events. It makes us realise that maybe even before the pandemic we probably didn’t give it the necessary attention we should. Even before the pandemic, Ian was a driving force for wellbeing, applying his knowledge and expertise in the sport and physical activity sector. We are both grateful and privileged that Ian is working with UK Coaching, sharing his extensive insight to help us ensure that coaches not only look after the wellbeing of their participants but that we, UK Coaching, look after the wellbeing of coaches.

Mark Gannon CEO UK Coaching

Its sometimes difficult to know where to go for expert, independent, confidential advice. Especially when the culture within your own sport makes you too frightened to speak up. As a Rio podium athlete I had struggled on alone- not really knowing who to turn to or what to do. My mental health had suffered. I was advised by someone in a different sport to talk to Ian Braid. From the start Ian was really approachable and professional and by the end of our 1st meeting he had confirmed that the problem wasn’t in my imagination. He also said he could help me. As promised he came back to me the next day with a clear plan working towards a solution. I felt that the weight of the world had lifted from my shoulders. Ian was amazing. He genuinely made me feel like I was his only project as he conscientiously liased with my sport on my behalf while also supporting me.  Thanks to Ian I’m now a happy athlete and my sport has made many governance changes ensuring that the next generation will benefit from excellent duty of care.

Anne Usher MBE

I first met Ian two years ago and have worked alongside him for six months now. We have been collaborating on a mental health project in a sporting context. Ian has a wealth of knowledge and experience in both domains. He also has a broad network of contacts. The introductions he has made have been beneficial on this project and others I am involved in separately. On a personal level he is optimistic, encouraging, and supportive and he has been invaluable in my own personal development. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Ian.

Dr Richard Sille. Psychologist , Isle of Man Sport

Working with Ian at DOCIAsport has been a really positive experience. His knowledge and experience, as well as his extended network, have added significant value to the way the Rugby Football League is implementing our Social Impact Strategy. Ian has always been happy to listen to others involved in the Community Wellbeing Hubs project and always given helpful, informative feedback and challenged us when necessary.

 I look forward to the next projects that we work on together.

John McMullen.  National Clubs Manager, The Rugby Football League

I had the pleasure of working with Ian and DOCIAsport as Salford City Roosters was selected as one of the clubhouses to pilot the community wellbeing hub scheme.  Ian was incredibly supportive throughout the process and listened closely to the needs of the club whilst offering guidance on how best we could support the needs of our local residents and community groups.  Since the launch of our community wellbeing hub we have seen a huge uptake from local community groups including schools, NHS teams, housing associations and charities utilising our facilities. This has not only supported our club in increasing much needed revenue streams but more importantly it has significantly improved and developed relationships with the community we represent. 

Chris Irwin, Chairperson at Salford City Roosters ARLFC

We are proud to work with DOCIAsport as mental health partners for Switch the Play Foundation. We have a shared sense of purpose for how we can best support the mental wellbeing of sportspeople and Ian has been invaluable in helping to inform our strategic approach in this area. This includes developing our service offering, creating connections, training staff and associates as mental health first aiders, and providing direct support to athletes. We continue to really value our partnership with Ian and DOCIAsport

Rob Young MBE CEO, Switch The play Foundation

I was fortunate to meet Ian while working at the Commonwealth Games, at a pivotal moment in my life. It was a year after retiring from international sport, and during the closing ceremony, the reality of no longer representing my country hit me unexpectedly.

Sitting next to me was Ian. He didn’t try to fix the moment or fill the silence; instead, he simply let me be, giving me the space to feel exactly what I needed to feel. Since then Ian has been a mentor who has guided me through the complexities of retirement, helping me redefine my identity beyond sport. He has continually reminded me of my value, challenged me to grow, and supported me in shaping a future career with confidence. Ian is not only an outstanding mentor but also a compassionate leader who truly understands the human side of transition. His unwavering belief in me has made all the difference, and for that, I am forever grateful. Lucky to have met you, Ian, and even luckier to have you by my side on this journey.

Susannah Townsend, OLY MBE

Ian is a beacon of common sense when it comes to looking after the wellbeing of others. Having known him for 30 years, it’s a privilege to be working with him recently on how physical activity can play a role in improving mental health at a time when our young people in particular, require help to do so. His experience, expertise, and ability to distil complex issues into usable interventions is second to none. A great person to have in your corner, and that of your team.

Andy King, Independent Consultant, Chair GM Active

Ian’s passion and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of sportspeople is truly remarkable. As a leader, thought leader, and trailblazer, Ian has made a significant difference in the world of sport by prioritizing mental health and wellbeing. He leads with values rooted in helping others, equality, inclusion, fairness, and honesty, always championing the welfare of those in the sector. If you want to feel energised, heart-warmed, and inspired, listen to one of his podcasts. Ian’s palpable enthusiasm and visionary ideas will leave you motivated to make a difference. He continues to birth innovative projects that support growth and development in fresh, meaningful ways. Ian is not just a leader—he is a true pioneer in the field of mental health and wellbeing in sport.

Gale Vincent, Executive Business Coach

Ian Braid is a genuine one-off. Not only does he know the sport and physical sector inside out, but he also understands the people, the organisations, and the dynamics. He’s an engaging storyteller, equally at home in front of 300 people in a theatre or just few folk in a room. On an individual level, he is an expert listener, taking in what others’ say without judgement and providing guidance only when asked. He chooses his words carefully to fit the situation, never resorting to clichés or platitudes. And if you’ve got “stuff going on up here” [taps forehead], Ian is empathetic and supportive. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ian as a coach, mentor, facilitator, and mediator.

Marcus Kingwell COO, Skateboard GB