At UK Sport, one of our aims set out in our 2021-31 Strategic Plan is to ensure the UK remains a world-leading, influential player, using our expertise and influence to shape the future of performance sport on the world stage.
One of the ways we do this is by positively shaping the direction and development of the international sporting system. This includes having a strong and respected voice in the major decisions taken by international federations which could affect the future of sport – in areas such as rules, regulations, qualification processes, eligibility, new disciplines and major events bidding. As a result, we invest strategically into NGBs’ International Relations Strategies in a network of high calibre British postholders who have the influence and capability to effect meaningful change at the international level.
However, many of the biggest challenges facing the international sporting system go beyond rules and regulations and are about the integrity, credibility and legitimacy of international sport itself. We want to ensure the UK, as one of the world’s leading sporting nations, plays its part in building effective international sport governance, promoting ethical leadership and decision-making, achieving gender equality - and wider diversity and inclusion - in sport, and ensuring the highest standards of athlete welfare.
We also invest in the growth of the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth movements through innovative international partnerships and projects that enhance the UK’s global standing, whilst contributing to a thriving international sporting system. These partnerships – a key part of the UK’s Sport Diplomacy strategy - support the UK Government’s ambition for the UK to be a force for good in the world.
Our objectives
Through our 2021-25 International Relations strategy, we:
- Play a leading voice in international sport through targeted investment into all UK Sport-funded bodies – and through the development of a connected, high calibre and truly diverse network of British postholders on international federations.
- Position the UK as a critical, global player in driving influential, meaningful reform in the way international sport is governed.
- Develop and implement an ambitious sport diplomacy strategy that significantly enhances the UK’s international partnerships, influence and impact – in and outside sport.
- Ensure UK Sport and our partners are systematically informed by – and able to act on – the latest IR developments and issues that directly affect our investment and the future of international sport.
For more information, please contact: international.relations@uksport.gov.uk