UK Sport CEO Sally Munday Demands Highest Standards Of Ethics And Integrity

Photo Courtesy: Jza84

UK Sport CEO Sally Munday says “there is no room in sport” for those who do not adhere to highest standards of ethics and integrity after the government agency released its Culture Health Check survey.

More than 1500 – 1,517 to be exact – athletes, coaches and stakeholders across high-performance sport completed the survey.

Data released on Tuesday showed only 53% of respondents believe there are consequences for inappropriate behaviour – a rise from 44% in 2018 but lower than the 61% recorded in 2017.

So too did it reveal that 10% of athletes and staff experienced and/or witnessed unacceptable behaviour albeit representing a reduction from the 24% reported in 2018.

Photo Courtesy: UK Sport

Since the first Culture Health Check in 2017, several measures have been introduced including a code for sports governance and the creation of an integrity unit.

A spotlight has been shone in recent weeks on British Gymnastics after allegations of mistreatment with several top-level gymnasts talking openly about abuse in the sport.

Munday is unequivocal in her zero-tolerance approach, saying:

“We remain absolutely committed to a high-performance system which places the wellbeing of our athletes at its core.

“I also believe the vast majority of people in high-performance sport are doing the right thing, but we are very clear that there is no room in sport for anyone who doesn’t want to behave to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.”

There were positive findings with 79% of athletes believing measures are in place that improve their mental health and wellbeing, a significant improvement on the 65% first reported in 2018.

The training, in conjunction with the English Institute of Sport, of 300 mental health champions and the creation of 200 culture champions across the high-performance system are among initiatives being pioneered in this area by UK Sport.

While welcoming the positive outcomes highlighted in the survey, Munday pulled no punches, saying:

“It’s encouraging to see that there is progress in important areas, especially around athletes’ mental health, but I am under no illusions that there is still plenty of work to do in this space.

“Culture takes time to evolve but the overwhelming majority of national governing bodies share UK Sport’s view. A positive organisational culture is absolutely essential to the continued success of our athletes and those who support them, both in competition and as role models in society.”

Photo Courtesy: UK Sport Twitter

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston echoed Munday’s words, saying:

“It’s vital that everyone taking part in sport feels safe and secure and that they have people they can turn to for support when they need it. Today’s results are encouraging but it’s clear there is still work to be done.

“We will continue to work closely with UK Sport and national governing bodies to drive progress and set new expectations as we approach next year’s Olympics and Paralympics, with the welfare of our athletes and staff at the heart of everything we do.”

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