Sport Governance ConferenceIn Partnership with the Legal Panel Framework

Cynhadledd Llywodraethu ChwaraeonMewn Partneriaeth â’r Fframwaith Panel Cyfreithiol

KeynoteAmanda Bennett

Governance Adviser / Ymgynghorydd Llywodraethu Sport & Recreation Alliance / Cynghrair Chwaraeon a Hamdden

Voluntary Code of Good Governance for the Sport and Recreation Sector

Amanda BennettGovernance Adviser to the Sport and

Recreation Alliance

• Sport and Recreation Alliance

• Good Governance

• Voluntary Code of Good Governance

Who, What, Why and How

• Non-governmental umbrella body

• Over 320 members:RepresentPromoteCampaign

• Support, guide and equip through:ExpertiseEventsResources

Sport and Recreation Alliance

Think…• Lehman Brothers “cosmetic accounting”• News International phone hacking• MP expenses • Nick Leeson, Barings Bank

Why Good Governance?

Think…• British Athletics Federation

• Snowsport GB

• Amateur Boxing Association of England

Why Good Governance in Sport?

Process

What went wrong?

Behaviour

What went wrong?

You have an obligation to protect:

• Your people

• Your resources

• Your sport’s reputation

What’s my role?

• Voluntary - not a funding requirement

• Enables self-regulation

• Sport-specific – adaptations from other sectors

• Flexible and adaptable

• Backed by Government and National Sport Agencies

Voluntary Code of Good Governance

• Enables self regulation

• Inspires effective leadership

• Boosts stakeholder and investor confidence

• Promotes transparency

• Assists in building sustainability

• 21st century organisations

• Promotes stakeholder and investor confidence

What benefits can Voluntary Code provide?

Seven Principles

Over 70 sports bodies signed up

“The Amateur Swimming Association used the Voluntary Code of Good Governance for the Sport and Recreation Sector as a key element of a thorough review of the governance structure of the ASA. The content and the structure of the Code meant we could start people thinking about the governance structure and to stimulate debate.

Throughout the process it served as a valuable reference tool, enabling us to check and challenge our thinking against the principles set out in the Code. Signing up to the Code focussed minds on governance and the principles led us through the process of change“

Voluntary Code 2 years on – what has been achieved?

Lisa Wainwright

• Signing up process:Secure Board approval and examine what the principles mean for your sportInclude the Code as an objective in your Strategic PlanIdentify an individual who will lead on implementation of the Code

• Communications plan – promote your commitment

• Seek support and guidance

• Celebrate progress and positive change

Sign Up and Make the Commitment

• SRA courses and events:Board Skills for Sport – Institute of Directors training 28-29 NovemberLeadership Convention – 13-14 NovemberBoard Members for Sport – access to skilled non-executive Board membersVoluntary Code workshop – 13 November (Principle 7)

• SRA Members – Governance Advisers, Business Helpline and peer support

• SRA website – www.sportandrecreation.org.uk

SRA Support and Guidance

Created by the sector, for the sector

www.sportandrecreation.org.uk abennett@sportandrecreation.org.uk

Thank you for listening