Here, we seek to update you on some of the key workstreams we’re focused on, as well as provide an overview of the ways in which you, our members, can foster more inclusive, equitable, and diverse environments for your organisations, including advertising some of the training options we provide (at discount!) and job postings too.
EDI Networking Event in Partnership with Admincontrol
We recently hosted an inspiring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Networking Event in partnership with one of our corporate partners, Admincontrol. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the sector to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore meaningful collaborations. The event fostered open discussions on the evolving intersection of EDI and governance, the challenges organisations face, and the opportunities to create real, lasting impact.
Our keynote speaker, Viveen Taylor, Director of EDI at Sport England, shared her thought-provoking insights into the latest trends and challenges in EDI and governance. One of her key messages was: "The future of our sector depends on the choices we make today."
This event reinforced the importance of embedding EDI principles at every level, ensuring that diversity, inclusion, and equity are not just discussed, but actively integrated into decision-making across all areas of our work.
International Women’s Day
In advance of this year’s International Women's Day (8 March), we wanted to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality in sport and recreation, while acknowledging the continued need for female leadership. Despite advancements in participation and visibility, leadership roles - particularly board chairs and CEO positions - remain predominantly male. The under-representation of women at decision-making levels limits the sector's potential to address gender-specific challenges effectively. It’s clear that fostering diversity in leadership is crucial for the future growth and success of the sector.
You can read our full article here!
EDI Roundtable – Thursday 27 March
We are hosting a virtual Roundtable event on how to create a Diversity and Inclusion Plan (DIAP). This event will cover the importance of a DIAP, how you can create your own DIAP which is proportionate and suits your organisation needs and benefits of including an action plan. You can also expect practical tips on creating and maintaining a DIAP.
If you are a member of the Alliance and keen to attend, then please sign up here.
Roundtable on Welfare Cuts
In response to the Government’s proposed changes to the welfare system, the Alliance facilitated a roundtable discussion around disability benefits with key members and stakeholders, such as Activity Alliance, Wheel Power, UK Deaf Sport and other NGBs.
The Alliance is committed to working with its members - and the sector more broadly - to review the prospective impact of the measures and consider what action can be undertaken to better support people with disabilities, and improve participation in sport, recreation and physical activity.
EDI E-Learning Courses for Members – in collaboration with Accelerate Sport
Alongside Accelerate Sport, the Alliance has a number of bite-sized courses available to members on our e-learning platform, including Equality and Diversity in Sport Level 1, LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport, Accelerating Good Governance and others. By digitalising elements of our EDI and governance work, we are making learning more accessible for our members (who also receive a discount on courses!).
These courses are accredited by CIMSPA. Take a look at the courses that are currently running by clicking here.
Board Effectiveness Reviews/Board Evaluation
The Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Board Evaluation service helps sport and recreation organisations strengthen their governance by providing independent assessments of board effectiveness. Through confidential surveys and tailored feedback, the Governance Team identifies strengths, areas for development, and practical recommendations to enhance decision-making, strategic oversight, and overall board performance. This service supports national governing bodies in ensuring they operate in line with best practices and maintain strong leadership for long-term success.
You can view our Board Effectiveness Review Prospectus here – if of interest, please get in touch to discuss how we may be able to support you further.
Governance and EDI Training
Every year we run a number of training programmes to keep the sector up-to-date on best practice across topics including good governance, board performance, strategic planning, effective chairing skills and much more. Please contact us on governance@sportandrecreation.org.uk for further information.
Job Adverts
The Sport and Recreation Alliance - Finance And Audit Committee Position
UK Deaf Sport - Board Director - 3 positions available
UK Deaf Sport - Senior Independent Director
Access Sport - Board of Trustees
Helping Us Connect with Your Governance and EDI Leads
As we continue to enhance our engagement and communication efforts, we want to ensure that important updates and opportunities reach the right people within your organisation. If you have designated Governance or EDI Leads, we would appreciate it if you could share their contact details with us. This will help us tailor our outreach and keep them informed about relevant initiatives and discussions moving forward.
Please contact us on governance@sportandrecreation.org.uk to do so.
Here is an end-of-week wrap on some key workstreams we’re undertaking for you, our members, that we want to bring to your attention. It covers a number of important pieces of information for consideration or action.
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Read the statement from Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO, Lisa Wainwright MBE.
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International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality, not just in society at large, but in all sectors, including sport and recreation. While progress has been made in many areas, there remains a glaring need for greater representation of women in leadership roles, particularly on boards and as chairs of sports organisations.
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Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
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