We welcome the independent report of the Whyte Review which was released last week.
The review, which investigated allegations of abuse within British Gymnastics from 2008 to 2020, describes the culture of fear and abuse that so many experienced and the issues of emotional and physical abuse within the sport as systemic.
We agree with the recommendations and would champion the role of a sports ombudsman so that all participants in sport can be protected. It is time for everyone to recognise the need for safer cultures in sport and for safeguarding to be properly embedded throughout the National Governing Bodies, clubs and organisations through to grass root level.
We call for all sport and activity organisations to ensure that sport has in place safeguarding strategies so that participants can enjoy sport in a safe environment. This would include hearing and responding to the voice of participants when they raise any concerns and to creating a safer culture that ensures everyone participates free from the fear of abuse and harm.
We need everyone to make a commitment and to take responsibility for the safety of all young people and adults.
You can read the full report hereFor more information on creating positive culture change in your sport please take a look at our #SaferCultureSaferSport campaign.