CEO Forewords

The home country sports councils are united in their determination to ensure that sport and physical activity organisations fully embrace diversity and are truly inclusive for all, at every level.

As part of their ongoing support to partners, the sports councils commissioned a comprehensive review into the effectiveness of the Equality Standard for Sport in helping organisations drive purposeful change.

Feedback from partners highlighted the need for more help in identifying and dismantling the barriers to participation faced by different people as well as for guidance and practical support to create processes, structures and systems that will promote sustainable inclusion.

In response, the Moving to Inclusion Framework has been created. This new, flexible development tool is focused on 5 key pillars around leadership, culture, experience, relationships and communications. It will help organisations, regardless of their size or function, to challenge and improve their existing practices through a continuous cycle of self-reflection, planning, implementation and review.

The sports councils are confident that the new Framework will be welcomed and adopted by organisations that are committed to increasing the diversity and improving the positive experiences of those leading, governing, playing, coaching, officiating or volunteering in their sport.

Sally Munday

UK Sport CEO

“UK Sport is on a mission to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments; reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation. It is critical to our future success that Olympic and Paralympic sport is where our nation’s diverse and exceptional talent feels belonging and can thrive. We are determined that high performance sport is an environment in which talent and hard work are the only determinants of success.

We recognise that we still have work to do, and working closely with sports and NGBs is central to enabling us to achieve this ambition. The new Moving to Inclusion Framework and dedicated mentor support are aimed at helping our partners understand and tackle barriers to inclusion in their sport. I believe this new facilitated process of continuous improvement will help us to deliver a sporting system which represents the rich diversity of UK society.”

Simon Hayes

Sport England CEO

“Since its introduction, Moving to Inclusion has helped organisations of all sizes across our sector take meaningful steps toward creating environments where everyone feels welcome and valued.

This encouraging progress aligns closely with our long-term Uniting the Movement strategy, which envisages a nation where everyone can enjoy the positive benefits of playing sport and being active, regardless of their background.

As we look ahead, our focus must be on deepening this impact and developing the framework as a learning tool and a catalyst for change.

Together with the other sports councils, we’ll build on the momentum already created, helping our partners become more inclusive, resilient and representative of the communities we serve.”

Brian Davies OBE

Sport Wales CEO

“We have a genuine ambition to create a nation where everyone has the opportunity to a lifelong enjoyment in sport. The Moving to Inclusion Framework is an invaluable tool for all of us operating within the sector in the journey to achieving this. I urge all our partners to engage with the framework, seek guidance and support on how to get the most from it. Together we can make the much needed and long overdue improvements to increase diversity and provide positive experiences for everyone that takes part.”

Forbes Dunlop

sportscotland CEO

“We believe that sport is for everyone and that no-one should be excluded from taking part. Our aim is for inclusion to underpin everything we do at sportscotland and the launch of Moving To Inclusion will foster a culture that breaks down barriers to participation and creates opportunities for all across the sporting system.

We are committed to playing our part in ensuring that our wider partners including SGBs embark on this journey so that everyone who wants to can enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity. By embracing Moving to Inclusion programme, the sporting system will empower clubs, communities, and individuals to be part of positive change and become truly inclusive.”

Richard Archibald

Sport NI Interim CEO

“Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Sport NI’s five-year plan, The Power of Sport. As an organisation, we are striving to address inequalities within the sports sector and maximise the power of sport to change lives for everyone in society.

“Sport is for everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexuality, gender or ability. The Moving to Inclusion Framework is a vital resource for the sector as we work to overcome the barriers to participation and empowers sports to put in place processes, structures and systems to promote inclusion.”