Question mark over long term sustainability of sport and recreation sector

Emma Boggis at the 2017 Sports Summit ()

Less than one in five professionals from across sport and recreation believe the sector is well equipped to face future challenges 

A new poll from the Sport and Recreation Alliance reveals that just 18% of sport and recreation organisations are well equipped for long term sustainability. The poll was conducted at the Alliance’s annual Sports Summit yesterday which focused on issues around diversity, volunteering, safeguarding and culture change. The Summit also marked the launch of The Principles of Good Governance for Sport and Recreation, a practical framework for the sector to implement good governance.

Emma Boggis, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said:

"Good governance is at the heart of any organisation’s long term sustainability and incorporates areas including safeguarding, diversity and long term funding. Our poll of delegates demonstrates that there is a huge amount of work for us to do as a sector to make sure that we are fit for the future but the fact that we had such a great range of organisations in the room, who are engaged and committed to this agenda is encouraging.”

The Principles of Good Governance for Sport and Recreation has been developed with the input of experts from across sport and recreation, drawing on best practice in governance from the public, private and charity sectors. First launched under the Voluntary Code of Good Governance title in 2011 – there are seven guiding principles in total which cover topics such as integrity, the role of the board and accountability. The Principles are designed to reflect the diverse needs of organisations from all corners of the sector and give guidance for any type and size of organisation to work towards implementing good governance.

Emma Boggis continued:

It’s important to make sure that governance doesn’t become a tick box exercise for the sector and The Principles are designed to be accessible for all our members regardless of size or type of organisation.

“The sector and its governance has been cast into the spotlight recently and with significant changes to regulation, we felt it right to make sure that our framework is refreshed to reflect the challenges we face today.”

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has also launched a new training and events programme created to provide individuals from any size and type of organisation with a means to achieving the gold standard of governance. The training will be delivered via a series of workshops, webinars and podcasts covering areas from within The Principles and themes of good governance more broadly.