Annual Conference 2023

We kick off the conference with an introductory message from the Minister for Sport, Stuart Andrew MP.

• Perrin Carey, Founder, CoSteer
• Sam Little, Head of Sports Services, CMP Solutions
• Geraldine Costello, Director of Welfare & Safe Sport, British Gymnastics
• Craig Beeston, SGA Programme Manager, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (moderator)

What do we mean when we talk about establishing a positive culture? How do we ensure that our values are put at the heart of what we do and how we do it? How can we change a prevailing culture to one that better reflects our aspirations?

In this session we explore essential factors to address when creating the environment that defines an organisation and those who are at its core – staff, volunteers, participants and athletes. We look at the impact which this has on inclusivity, wellbeing and how considerations such as psychological safety and an understanding of the impact of decision making can contribute to safe, open environments where your most important assets – your people – can flourish.

• Caragh McMurtry OLY, Former Olympic rower, Found & Director, Neurodiverse Sport CIC

Neurodiversity and neuroinclusion are now a common part of ED&I conversations. With up to 20% of the population having a neurodivergent condition, understanding of the principles of neuroinclusion is essential. A greater awareness of neurodivergent strengths and vulnerabilities will help you to foster an environment that, in embracing neurodivergence, will allow your people to be themselves, thrive and ultimately excel in their positions.

Former Olympic rower and founder and Director of Neurodiverse Sport, Caragh McMurtry will share her experiences of overcoming adversity as an Autistic athlete. She will also share her observations as to how the sports sector as a whole, through better understanding of neurodivergence, would benefit from neuroinclusive practice becoming the norm.

• Emily Ford, Policy Adviser, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
• Eve Joseph, Head of Social Impact, British Triathlon
• Denise Ludlam, Environmental Sustainability Strategic Lead, Sport England
• Tom Hammond, Assistant Director, Sports Business Group, Deloitte

Our sector feels the effects of climate change as keenly as any other. If not more so. Heatwaves, pollution of air and water, flooding, reduced snowfall – all of these have direct consequences for athletes, participants, fans and events.

But what about sport’s impact on the environment? From travel, to partnerships, to the design of facilities, there are many ways to tread more lightly. And this is in addition to the moral obligation that we all share to minimise – and reverse – our impact on our surroundings.

Hear about why climate action has never been more important, how to get stakeholder support when tackling your organisation’s approach, and what practical steps to take next.

More and more sports are taking action and using their influence for good. What will you do?

• Dr Nathan Eisenstadt, Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol/Kindling Interventions
• Dr Rachel Fenton, Associate Professor in Law, University of Exeter/Kindling Transformative Interventions

Bystander intervention is a critical component in creating a more equal world and in establishing an environment where people can feel safe and included. Complementing the conference’s themes of values, culture and integrity, this session will explore how being an active bystander puts these positive values into practice.

Nate and Rachel will draw on their work on the prevention of violence against women and girls through sport and in communities, and their experience of implementing bystander intervention around axes of difference and inequality, including race, disability, seniority, sexuality, age and gender.

• Emma Gibson, Head of Safeguarding Adults in Sport, Ann Craft Trust
• Liza Ware, Senior Consultant, Child Protection in Sport Unit
• TBC, Sport Resolutions

Drawing on several themes of the day, this session will address how to ensure your organisation puts the safety and wellbeing of its people at the heart of its culture.

We will discuss how the values and behaviour demonstrated throughout the organisation can establish an environment where safeguarding and wellbeing are embedded effectively, from looking after oneself and others, to proactively managing low-level concerns and understanding the importance of correctly flagging issues early.

This year's annual conference will see the first ever SGA Awards. We want to celebrate the fantastic work being done in sports governance and showcase the dedication, talent and achievements of the SGA community.

We invited nominations for two categories:

• Outstanding Governance Contribution
• One to Watch

Find out more about the categories and check out our shortlisted nominations here.

• Darnelle Morgan-Johnson, PlayZone Programme Manager, Basketball England
• Hasan Mussa, Head of Governance & Compliance, CIMSPA
• Abhishek Sudhakar, Chair of the CIMSPA Youth Panel
• Craig Beeston, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (moderator)

Young people are, quite literally, the future of sport. In this session, we explore how organisations can tap into the thinking and views of youth, incorporating their voice into decision making, strategy setting and the general life and activities of the organisation.

We look at this in terms of formal structures, such as youth boards and advisory groups, the more ad hoc collection of viewpoints, and the benefits both the organisation and community of young people with which it engages.