How to use the code

At the heart of the Code are five basic Principles of good governance. These set out high level statements of good governance, and provide the structure of the Code.

The Code then lists a set of Requirements within each of the five Principles. These Requirements are mandatory subject to (as noted above) the Tier into which each investment is placed and, in the case of Tiers 2 and 3, the setting of bespoke timelines for implementation.

You can then read the detailed Commentary in respect of the Requirements. The Commentary is not mandatory, and is included to provide further advice, guidance and support to organisations by demonstrating how they can evidence compliance with the Requirements.

Some terms have specific meanings when they are used in the Code. These defined terms can be accessed in two ways;

1. Via the ‘Tier 1 definitions’ and ‘Tier 3 definitions’ page

2. Or by clicking on any word displayed as follows; Board A formal way for the governing committee (often known as a board) to make and document an action or decision.

References to UK Sport/Sport England (or vice versa) in the Requirements and Commentary should be interpreted as references to whichever of the two funds an organisation, or to both in the case of a jointly-funded organisation. 

Where relevant within the Code Commentary of a number of Code Requirements, are several downloadable UK Sport and Sport England produced resources, designed to guide and assist sport organisations in achieving compliance with the Code.

As best practice evolves, UK Sport and Sport England will look to make further resources available.