What is Sport Governance? Ensuring legal obligations are met and appropriate policies are in place Putting an organisation in a position to control and plan for the future in a sustainable way Imbedding structures, processes, systems and behaviours to help the organisation and the sport run better Good sport governance is to lead an organisation effectively to ensure not only that the organisation itself is well run but also that the activity and the environment of the sport can grow and develop in a controlled and sustainable way. The National Occupational Standards define Sports Governance as: to lead and manage an organisation so that is creates, maintains and improves the structure and environment in which sport and physical activity is delivered.

What are we being asked to do? The Sport and Recreation Alliance are asking members to sign up to the Code We are not being asked to tick or commit to achieving everything that is detailed in the Code We are being asked to sign-up to the Code in an aspirational way We are being asked to look at each of the principles of the Code and to make them work in a way that works for our organisation We are being asked to self-regulate how well we are doing in terms of practicing the principles of the Code

Why is the Code relevant for us? Organisation Specific Background and Context for your Board Insert here: A summary of how you think your organisation has performed in relation to governance in the past An example of where your organisation has already been practicing some of the principles of the Code How you think the Code could be used by your organisation in the future

What is the Code? A tool to help Boards perform their role Provides Seven Principles of Good Governance for the Sport and Recreation Sector Suggests practical considerations and thinking points for each Principle A voluntary code of practice for sport and recreation organisations that is not linked to funding and not designed to be a one size fits all mandate A dynamic document that allows organisations to set the standards of what good governance looks like for them under each of the Principles provided Created by the Sector, for the Sector

Why was the Code created? Deloittes (2003) Investing in Change Report identified a need for one single vision of good governance for all sport and recreation organisations to aspire to The Dutton Inquiry recommended that sport and recreation organisations needed to take ownership of their governance in a positive way to prevent regulation and government intervention Prevent more red tape being imposed on sport and recreation organisations and allow them to govern their own future NCVO played a role in creating the Voluntary and Community Sector Code of Good Governance and recognised that sport and recreation organisations were unique and needed a sector specific code

What will the Code help us do? Self Regulation illustrate commitment to good governance reduce the risk of external regulation or legislation Sustainable development thrive beyond the working lifetime of current administrators Reassurance to stakeholders credibility with participants, funders and commercial partners

How was the Code created? Created by the Sector, for the Sector Sport and Recreation Alliance Governance Stakeholder Group Partner Organisations Sector-wide consultation Endorsement by Minister for Sport and the Olympics Comprising of nine NGBs (small voluntary led and large funded organisations) Identified a need for one single governance vision Supported by Birkbeck University, British Olympic Association, British Paralympic Association, SkillsActive, Sport England and UK Sport NGBs, CSPs and representative bodies fed in responses to a consultation and the Code was re- drafted based on the views of the sector Welcomed commitment to good governance from the sector and urged organisations to embrace the Code

Why is sports governance unique? Governance beyond the organisation – in sport and recreation organisations governance extends outside the organisation to the wider environment and includes anti-doping, safeguarding, integrity and equality policies to name a few Voice of the Athlete/Participant – involving the participants in governance is a unique and important feature of governance in sport and recreation organisations Role for Sport Heroes – a role for former athletes needs to be created in the governance structure to ensure their experiences and knowledge can be shared appropriately and acted upon Passion of volunteers – strategic and operational roles will be carried out by volunteers and they will need tools to help achieve these aims Inclusivity of the sector – the governance of the organisation must reflect everyone and including its sport or recreation members Organisation Specific You may want to add what makes governance unique in your organisation

How can we use the Code? Not as a checklist Apply the Code in a flexible way Define what each Principle means for our organisation and create our own blueprint of good governance based on the Seven Principles Use the Principles as a rationale and stimulus to examine and improve governance structures Measure our own success in terms of governance Define how we help to clarify the role and function of the Board Use the Principles as an aspirational plan and a step-change; Not all or nothing

The Principles

Do we want to sign up to the Code … What does signing-up to the Code mean? Achieving Board approval of the Code Including the Code as an objective in the organisations strategic plan Selecting an individual to take responsibility for the Code Sending a letter to the Sport and Recreation Alliance to confirm commitment to working on achieving the principles of the code There is no timeframe for implementation but signing up to the Code is a statement of intent to maintain or improve governance standards in our organisation. Signing up to the Code is not saying we have done everything – it is more an aspirational sign-up that we will work towards achieving the Principles in a way that works for us.

Do we want to sign up to the Code… What are the benefits to signing-up to the Code? Demonstrating to members, funders and partners that we are taking governance seriously and are a well run organisation We will be able to access help and support in maintaining and improving our governance We will be working on the same basis as other like minded sport and recreation organisations and will benefit from the sharing of best practice Aid the recruitment of skilled, knowledgeable volunteers and staff We will be able to benchmark our own success in terms of governance Ensure a sustainable, successful, and self-governing organisation