As part of continued governance support for the organisations in their countries, UK Sport has come together with Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland to confirm the continuation of the Sports Governance Academy for a further 5-year term via a £1.8m of investment commencing December 2022.
The Sports Governance Academy is delivered by the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, the international chartered governance body, and is a governance support hub for the sports and physical activity sector, helping everyone leading, working and volunteering in sport organisations to achieve their goals through establishing a framework for effective and fair decision-making. Embracing good governance is key to building a diverse and inclusive sector where those taking part do so in a safe and positive environment.
This renewed investment underlines the Sports Councils’ commitment to helping organisations become more transparent, diverse and inclusive, promoting high standards of accountability and integrity. Today’s announcement follows on from an award in December 2019 in which the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) were commissioned to create and deliver the SGA for 3 years.
This next phase of the Sports Governance Academy will continue to deliver across its three core pillars of learning, knowledge and community. New elements will be added to develop these further including new courses, a re-designed website, more integrated professional development opportunities, a peer-to-peer mentoring scheme and a new modular approach towards gaining this valued governance qualification.
Networking events and regular forums will also allow those gaining their qualification with the Sports Governance Academy to connect as a community and support one another within the sector.
Rob Morini, UK Sport Head of Sporting System, said:
“In recent years, there have been great improvements in sport governance across the sector. In the face of constant change and challenge, we must all continue to maintain high standards in this area to strengthen decision-making and build healthier, more inclusive and more resilient organisations.
“This is why we are excited to come together with all the Home Country Sports Councils in partnering with the SGA, with the aim to provide best practice governance support and guidance as well as learning and networking opportunities.
“We look forward to working with our partners to ensure a collective voice on governance matters, whilst supporting the development and health of the sector.”
Sara Drake, CEO, from The Chartered Governance Institute, UK and Ireland, said:
“We are excited to be extending this unique partnership, and the opportunity it provides to offer the benefits of better governance practice to sports organisations across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The sector has truly embraced the SGA since its launch in February 2020 and has demonstrated a considerable appetite for governance development.
“We believe that effective governance delivers better decision making and incorporates the benefits of diversity and inclusion. Encouraging effective and accountable leadership will help underpin a trusted, vibrant sports sector where talent can flourish at every level. “