Recognition Policy Review

The purpose of the exercise is to understand how important the current policy is and to identify ways in which it could be improved.

Alliance consultation

In late 2018 the Alliance conducted a preliminary analysis on the current policy and its perceived value and ways in which it could be improved.   

We have started to look at the wider relevance of the policy to other government departments – including, for example, in terms of tax and immigration.  

In January and February 2019, the Alliance will conduct further analysis and consultation of the sector. As part of that process, we are seeking your views and need your help to shape this policy for the better.

We are encouraging members to be as expansive as they wish in expressing views on the policy and ways in which it could be improved (or, indeed if it has little visibility or perceived relevance). To aid discussion, we would suggest you consider the following questions:

1. What is your current level of knowledge of the recognition policy?
2. Is a policy of this nature important – i.e. a formal recognition process?
3. Have you had any experience of the policy and its implementation?
4. Do you have any suggestions for how the policy may be improved?
5. If this policy were to disappear, or to fundamentally change, what would be the implications for your organisation?

You can view Sport England’s full Sports Councils’ Recognition Policy here. A summary of the Definition of Recognition is as follows;

Definition of recognition

1. Recognition is a process shared by all five Sports Councils (UK Sport, sportscotland, Sport England, Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland) which: a) Determines the national governing bodies (NGB) responsible for governing the sporting activities that the Sports Councils are willing to consider supporting and working with. b) Acknowledges the status of the NGB as a private organisation which governs a particular sport through the common consent of the sport itself.
2. Recognition status does not mean that the Sports Councils have approved the internal structures of the organisation or take any responsibility for its operations.
3. Recognition does not in itself confer additional rights or authority or endorsement by the Sports Councils. It is not the role of the Sports Councils to establish or appoint NGBs or to regulate them. A sports body’s membership of an International Federation does not automatically mean that the body will become recognised as an NGB by the Sports Councils.
4. Recognition status does not necessarily mean an NGB is eligible to receive Sports Council funding. Conversely, funding of a sports body by a Sports Council does not necessarily mean the sports body is eligible to become recognised as an NGB.
5. The Recognition Review process checks to see that an NGB or NGBs continue to meet the recognition criteria.

We very much welcome views from the whole of our membership on this issue – from organisations that are already recognised, those who may seek recognition and those that are not recognised at all under current arrangements.

To discuss the review further and to share your views, please contact James Allen (Director of Policy, Governance and External Affairs) at info@sportandrecreation.org.uk or via 020 7976 3900.

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