Unhealthy and toxic cultures in sport and activity increase the risk of abuse and negatively impact welfare, safety and wellbeing.
What is a safer culture?
A safer culture is where this doesn’t happen. We believe the foundations of a safer culture are to:
- Listen
An environment where everyone is confident their concerns are welcomed, listened to and addressed appropriately. - Learn
Where organisations encourage continuous learning and reflection at all levels. Applying this to improve and adapt. - Lead
Organisations should lead by example to empower everyone with the confidence to challenge and instigate change.
What is an unhealthy or toxic culture?
An unhealthy or toxic culture is one where individuals fear speaking up, that serious complaints will be dismissed and brushed under the carpet while inappropriate behaviour is ignored.
Values that underpin safer cultures
While all organisations will have their own set of values, we believe organisations that positively promote safer cultures follow similar values. For example, an environment where everyone:
- Has the right to have fun and be safe from harm and abuse
- Is treated with respect and dignity
- Feels valued and treated equally
- Has a say – their voice is listened to, welcomed and encouraged
- Has the chance to thrive
- Is empowered to recognise and report concerns without fear or judgment
- Knows concerns are actively followed up and taken seriously
- Has the right to organisational transparency, honesty, integrity and fairness
- Is offered equal opportunities
- Is encouraged to, and has the opportunity to, learn, reflect and improve
Join the #SaferCultureSaferSport Campaign
We’re asking organisations to commit to focusing on and improving their cultures and the #SaferCultureSaferSport campaign is here to provide you with the tools you need to help.