RYA achieves full compliance with world-leading Governance Code for Sport

RYA © RYA

UK Sport and Sport England have today confirmed high levels of full compliance with the ambitious new Code for Sports Governance.

The two sports councils have written to 55 of the 58 national bodies for sport involved in the process so far, to confirm that they have met all the necessary requirements of the new Code, following the most widespread and exacting set of sports governance reforms implemented anywhere in the world.

The organisations judged to be fully compliant range from some of the largest in the country, such as the Football Association, Rugby Football Union, the England and Wales Cricket Board, British Cycling and the Lawn Tennis Association, to some of those with the least resources, such as British Wheelchair Basketball and England Handball.

Regardless of the size or resources of the organisation, many have had to make large scale reforms to their leadership teams, constitutions and governance structures among other changes.

To achieve full compliance with the Code, the RYA has implemented a number of constitutional changes. In addition to the changes to the way Board Directors are recruited and appointed, the requirement to consult with members and stakeholders is now enshrined in the Articles of Association.

All governing bodies, including the RYA, will have to remain compliant with the Code and will now be expected to put action plans and commitments into practice. UK Sport and Sport England will continue to work closely together to support and monitor this progress in the months and years ahead, especially with regards to qualitative and behavioural change.

UK Sport Chief Executive Liz Nicholl said: "Our National Governing Bodies should take great pride in what they have achieved. As a nation we have delivered on our promise to develop the strongest set of sport governance requirements anywhere in the world.

"The impact of these reforms will take time to have an effect however, and the true test will be in how sport in the UK operates every day in its leadership, management, decision-making and commitment to diversity and engagement."

Jeanette Hopkins, RYA Director of External Affairs, added: "I'd like to express our sincere thanks for the hard work and engagement of our staff, members and volunteers in working towards compliance with the new Code for Sports Governance.

"UK Sport and Sport England have today recognised that this has been a significant undertaking across sport. The changes we have made to ensure compliance with the Code are entirely consistent with the commitments made in our Strategic Plan to increase our relevance and value to Members, affiliates and stakeholders."