Episode Details

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In this episode of The Heritage Show, we sit down with Janet Inman to explore a remarkable life in volleyball — one shaped by leadership, service, vision and a deep commitment to people.

Janet shares how her journey first began at an all-girls school, where volleyball gave her the opportunity to compete against a local boys’ school — a connection that would later lead to meeting her now husband. From there, her love for the sport grew through college, club volleyball and into coaching, where she was influenced by some of the people who helped shape her own style, standards and approach.

We explore Janet’s evolution from player and coach into local, regional and national leadership roles, including her long-standing contribution as Chair of Lincolnshire Volleyball Association. Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that Janet has a natural ability to bring people with her, build trust and step forward when the sport needs leadership.

Janet reflects on her time with Volleyball England, including her work on the Whole Sport Plan and the safeguarding standards that helped position volleyball as a model of good practice for other sports — all while working full-time in education.

She also shares what it was like to become CEO of Volleyball England at a challenging time, when trust in the sport’s leadership needed to be rebuilt. Janet talks openly about making tough decisions, working incredibly hard, and helping to steady the organisation so it could move forward.

We also discuss her role in helping secure Beach Volleyball’s place at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, as well as her ongoing work with the Volleyball England Foundation, supporting grassroots volleyball, inclusion, sitting volleyball, club development and access to the sport.

This is a conversation about leadership, volunteering, legacy and using your talents in service of something bigger.

Janet is no-nonsense, direct, passionate and deeply committed to the sport. Her belief is simple: if you have a talent, you should use it — and this episode shows just how powerfully she has lived by that.

A true volleyball legacy, and a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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