Minutes from the Major Spectator Sports Division Meeting- 6 September 2017

Major Spectator Sports Division Meeting

Date: Wednesday 6 September 2017

Time: 11:00am

Venue: Sport and Recreation Alliance, 14-16 Caxton Street, London, SW1H 0QT

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Ben Calveley (RFU)

Deputy Chair: Jane Nickerson (Swim England)                    

MEMBERS: 

Will Aitkenhead (Racecourse Association), Richard Baldwin (Adviser to Sport and Recreation Alliance), Tristian Crew (Professional Golfers’ Association), Charlie Dewhirst (RFU), Scott Dougal (British Cycling), John Gerrie (The R&A), Sam Gould (LTA), Will Lambe (British Horseracing Authority), David Mahoney (ECB), Tim Payton (Sport Communications), Andy Reed (Sport and Recreation Alliance), Janice Shardlow (BEF), Simon Taylor (PPF), Andy Wright (Professional Golfers’ Association), Anne Usher (Sport and Recreation Alliance), Nick Vaughan (FA)

ABSENT WITH APOLOGIES: 

Fredrik Lindgren (PGA European Tour), Hannah Murphy (ECB), Nick Pink (England Golf), Kevan Taylor (UK Athletics)

IN ATTENDANCE: 

Emma Boggis (Chief Executive), Leigh Thompson (Policy Manager), Rob Arnott (Communications and Engagement Manager), Tom Morgan (Membership Development Officer)

For items one and two only: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

For items one and two only: Ralph Knibbs (UK Athletics)

For item seven only (Drinkaware): Elaine Hindal (Chief Executive), Lizzie Worth (Public Affairs Manager)

1. CHAIR’S REMARKS

The Chair (Ben Calveley – BC) welcomed everyone to the meeting and extended a special welcome to Scott Dougal (SD) and British Cycling for their first MSSD meeting. Brief introductions were then given around the room.

2. DUTY OF CARE

Emma Boggis (EB) introduced Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (TGT) to the room and asked members to give a brief report on what steps they have been taking around duty of care and what role they would like the government to play in assisting them in achieving their goals.

Jane Nickerson (Deputy Chair - JN) spoke about Swim England’s DOC matrix and highlighted particular areas, including safeguarding and anti-doping, where they have put procedures in place to benefit their participants and athletes. She then eluded to some of the areas that Swim England will be concentrating on in the future including education and support.

David Mahoney (DM) updated that the ECB have set up a new sub-committee of their board to put procedures in place for the plan, as they felt the job is too much for one Director. They are working with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and funding six dedicated Sports Welfare Officers. They have also formed a partnership with MIND to create mental health awareness training throughout the ECB. They are now funding a pilot featuring Graham Fowler, an ex-professional cricket player, to tour the North East of England and talk to the grassroots community about the importance of raising awareness of mental health and the link with sport.

Will Lambe (WL) explained that the British Horseracing Authority have sharpened their focus and their Chief Medical Advisor is currently working with the FA to form new concussion protocols and a dietary education program. They have also built in processes for jockeys for after their career ends and they are currently rolling out a mental health research project with Liverpool John Moores University. 

TGT explained that the industry must show DCMS and the wider government how important sport is. Having spoken to 200 athletes, medics, performance directors and grassroots participants, she found that there are still problems within sport that need to be resolved.

Charlie Dewhirst (CD) enquired about the Ombudsman idea outlined within DOC and if brought in how it would be resourced and managed. TGT explained that it should not be a large organisation but there needs to be a degree of separation to make sure UK sports bodies tighten up their own procedures.

EB called for the DOC to incorporate the grassroots as most case studies taken are at elite level.

JN – called for a link up with universities for flexible degrees and a need for pushing successful stories of athletes after they have retired.

ACTION - TGT happy to pick up discussions after meeting, expressing that she won’t be involved in implementation of any queries but she has the ability to ask questions in parliament. Alliance to provide TGT’s parliamentary email address for members to follow up.

ACTION – Members to keep in touch, be proactive share the good things they are doing with the Alliance. 

ACTION – Alliance to arrange a time to reassess and report on good practices and processes put in place by members

3. SPORT AND RECREATION ALLIANCE UPDATE

· SPORTS BUSINESS COUNCIL 

EB provided summary of the first meeting of the Council and the 12 members it consists of which

includes a mixture of NGBs, broadcasters, an equipment/clothing manufacturer, infrastructure/building organisation and a tech company. During the first meeting there was a clear message from the DCMS minister that the group is to be industry lead and the members are responsible for raising issues. The three themes covered during the meeting were:

· Brexit implications

· The role of capital investment

· The role of regulation

Four working groups were established across:

· Intellectual property

· Events staging and venues (not just to concentrate on major events)

· Skills – importance and recognition of the work force

· Sports economy evidence and local partnerships (EB co-chair)

ACTION - EB to send out details and terms of reference

· SPORTS BETTING CODE

Tim Payton (TP) gave a quick update on the Sports Betting Code and is currently working on  drafting a terms of reference. He explained that the code could be a good opportunity to introduce a new potential funding scheme. 

· SCHOOLS FUNDING

Leigh Thompson (LT) gave an update on the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). Originally it was suggested that money went into extending the school day so that sports specific activities could be run.

There has been a significant reduction in funding to go to schools through the Healthy Pupils Capital Programme (HPCP). The Alliance has responded publicly criticising the move and also wrote a letter to the minister without response. There is still £100m in the fund which is positive, however, there is no plan for how it is going to be spent.

ACTION – Members to submit ideas in how DfE might spend the £100m left in HPCP.

· UKAD

LT thanked the members for the research provided and gave an update on the lack of movement from the government.

· GDPR

LT updated on the progress being made to influence the bill across sports however unfortunately no time timeframes have been announced.

ACTION - Alliance to follow up with DCMS to try and get commitment in writing to amend bill

ACTION - The Alliance to resend invitations to GDPR event

4. GOVERNANCE CODE AND FUNDING

EB addressed the attendees and asked if there were any pressing matters to be answered. BC explained that the RFU had has had contact with the government but no specific information given. The deadline is still the 31^st of October for all organisations receiving funding from Sport England.

5. SECONDARY TICKETING

TP spoke about a meeting between the DCMS and a number of members including the Racecourse Association, RFU, ECB and LTA where unique ticket numbers were discussed and how NGBs can produce them. An extension will be asked for a response until after the 20 September 

ACTION – Members to get in touch with TP if they would like to get involved or have any questions. 

6. MEMBER REVIEW

RA gave an overview of the project and the timeline. A survey will be released towards the end of September to which all members are urged to complete. The recommendations will be presented to the Alliance board in December.

RA also asked the members to note down three priority policy areas which the members would like the Alliance to provide support on.

ACTION – members to complete online survey when it is distributed in late September.

7. DRINKAWARE

Elaine Hindal (EH) and Lizzie Worth (LW) provided an introduction to Drinkaware and the background of the organisation. Their interest in sport is based on the fact they would like to encourage particular groups with unhealthy drinking habits to take part in a sporting activity instead of drinking.

LW went over 4 main points on the pre-read document.

Will Aitkenhead (WA) commented on the Pace Yourself campaign and how it has given customers better experience at horse racing events.

Drinkaware crew started in nightclubs, expanded into festivals and is now working with the RFU to go into large events. BC briefly spoke about range of benefits Drinkaware has had on the RFU including the education on a healthier life and also raised the point of how their work with Drinkaware helps to make sure the local community around Twickenham is not adversely affected by fans leaving the stadium after major events. 

ACTION - Alliance to facilitate any follow up contact between members and Drinkaware.

8. AOB

No AOB was stated

9. DATES FOR NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 22 November

Minutes from the Major Spectator Sports Division Meeting - 6 September 2017

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