How the Race Representation Index is Holding Sporting Governing Bodies to Account
Published in March 2022, the Race Representation Index was developed by the Sport Monitoring Advisory Board (SMAP) and supported by Sporting Equals https://www.sportingequals.org.uk/
The Race Representation Index seeks to hold National Governing Bodies in Sport (NGBs) to account. The purpose of the index is to measure and monitor sport and physical activity organisations in respect of their race equality agendas and, in particular, ethnic representation.
This ethnic representation spans the organisations hiring practices from Board, Senior Leadership/Management Teams to Senior Coaching and Players/Athletes. The output of the index is a grade for each group and an overall grade. The grade is determined by comparing the NGBs to the national ethnic representation with a 10% mark up against the Census 2011.
75% of the NGBs in the UK who were invited to take part returned data. But there are a number of notes in the report where data was not submitted at all, or was not applicable or incomplete. In some cases, their structures do not map across to index, hopefully this can be amended for 2023 and that all these organisations will work towards ensuring that they can submit data for next year’s report.
Sport is often considered a vehicle for leadership and inspiration, and sporting organisations and their governing bodies speak out regularly on matters related to discrimination and racism. So, it is essential that they are demonstrating their commitment by taking part in the index, but more importantly right now they can consider and action the report’s recommendations for achieving greater ethnic diversity. https://www.sportingequals.org.uk/
Those sporting organisations which seek – or receive – funding from the UK Government and National Lottery via Sport England and/or UK Sport will have also seen changes to “A Code for Sport Governance” which has been reviewed and re-published in December 2021. This includes new requirements under the Tier 3 section (the top level of mandatory requirements).
Critically any organisations in this category must demonstrate a clearly articulated Diversity and Inclusion action plan and this must be published with annual updates. There is a very clear articulation of what is required and a commentary on why these governance structures are important. https://www.uksport.gov.uk/
Ultimately this isn’t about governance it’s about inclusion. Unfortunately, without this kind of clearly articulated good governance in place we won’t achieve the changes we wish to see in sport.
How can ODISEE help your organisation with your plans for equality, diversity, equity and inclusion?
If you need assistance and practical help with your plans for equality, diversity, equity and inclusion in your organisation then complete the form here. With over 20 years in HR and hands-on experience in creating, delivering and maintaining EDEI (Equality, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) in sport we can help you achieve your inclusive sport ambitions.
