The UK’s Olympic and Paralympic system is one of the best in the world and we are proud of our shared success, enabling extraordinary sporting moments that enrich lives.
But we know we need to keep an eye on what’s coming ahead and plan for the future. The complex operating environment, pressures on leadership, concerns over financial health and relevancy issues, particularly among young people, are some of the challenges are see facing British Olympic and Paralympic sport.
What is System Master Planning?
System Master Planning is a change programme, developed by the leaders of the Olympic and Paralympic sport, which seeks to address these issues and identify areas for reform.
By doing this we will be better positioned to safeguard our future - and continue to reach, inspire and unite the nation.
What are the key phases of System Master Planning work?
- Case for change - defining the challenge and identifying recommendations for reform (November 2022 - June 2023)
- Plan for change - scoping solutions, agreeing options and identifying resources (July 2023 - December 2024)
- Pilot the change - test the potential solutions (July 2024 - December 2025)
- Implementing the change - implement an agreed “System Master Plan” (2025+)
What are the recommendations for change?
Facilitated by UK Sport, British Olympic and Paralympic sport leaders along with national agencies (Sport England, Sport Wales, sportScotland and Sport Northern Ireland) have identified the following themes and recommendations for change:
Engaging closely with all partners, the project will explore in greater level of detail each of these recommendations and map out options for the future by the end of 2024.
Operational efficacy
- Unified approach to safe sport and welfare for organised sport across the UK (grassroot to elite).
- Transform the sporting systems data and digital capability and capacity to deliver greater audience engagement, business efficiency and effectiveness, and data security.
- Consolidated corporate services - the transformation of service capabilities in our sporting system (e.g. in areas such as HR, finance, legal, IT etc.), to become more effective and efficient.
- Consolidated performance operations – for example: a specialist and focused organisation that offers performance benefits to certain World Class Sports programmes, such as shared expertise, increased stability and improved efficiency.
- Specialist major events unit.
- Understand and support the health of the organisations within the sporting system.
Relevancy, engagement and revenue
- Central fanbase service to drive professional storytelling in a unified for Olympic and Paralympic sports in order to drive operations and engagement.
- Consolidate fan data across all partners.
- Review national and international events calendar and wider major events opportunities.
Structural alignment and integration
- National agencies more aligned to reduce complexity across the sporting system.
- Structures more streamlined within and between sports.
A “people” system
- A people-centred, inclusive system, with a shared identity and where diverse talent is recruited, developed, supported and retained.
- Dedicated expert people services.
- Intentional network creation.
- Blended learning and development offer to support the people within the sporting system.
One system, One team
- A shared vision, purpose, values and belonging for a sustainable, agile and effective system, aligned across sports and national agencies.
Would you like to understand more?
You can contact us via email at sportingsystem@uksport.gov.uk