The modified Code seeks to drive significant progress around diversity and inclusion in the sector, with those in receipt of funding now required to devise a diversity and inclusion action plan.
Relevant bodies will also have to appoint a director in welfare and safety in sport as well as promote good governance standards throughout their operations and consider the impact their decisions and actions have on stakeholders, the environment and wider society.
Responding to the news, Vijaya Panangipalli, Head of Governance at the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said, “We welcome the amended version of the Code requirements which puts greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion and looks to cascade good governance to grassroot level.
“The new sustainability requirements will also see funded boards take a step in the right direction to secure a better future for sport and recreation organisations.
“The Alliance has been an advocate of supporting grassroot governance and our new strategy, Support. Recover. Achieve. sets ambitious goals to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our sector.
“In the new year, we will be setting up an Inclusivity Hub – a dedicated webpage which will support sport and recreation organisations with all things EDI, from detailed frameworks to training opportunities.
“2022 will also see us deliver an equality-focused Talking Topics session for our members, where we will share sector-leading knowledge and expertise from our EDI specialist partner.
“Alongside this, our regular support services such as board evaluations, director training and our newly-established Management and Leadership Programme continue to support boards and leadership teams in the sector to strengthen existing practices.
“With the support of our partners and members, we hope to help more sport and recreation organisations adopt positive behaviours and actions to ensure people from all backgrounds feel welcome in our sector, whatever path they choose to take.
“The changes to the Code will go a long way to help strengthen the transparency of our clubs and organisations and we look forward to working with and supporting Sport England and UK Sport to achieve the Code’s full potential beyond funded bodies.”
