Creating a more inclusive workforce across sport and physical activity

By Jessica Capelli Beavan, EEDI Manager at UK Coaching

UK Coaching is the UK’s independent body for coaches and the wider sport and physical activity workforce.

We support organisations by developing the people who deliver activity, helping to create safer, more inclusive and higher-quality environments. We do this through learning and development, qualifications, workshops and practical support tailored to workforce needs.

We are often asked what the secret is to the progress UK Coaching is making around workforce diversity. The honest answer is that there is no single reason. It is a combination of different factors, all connected to one another.

UK Coaching has a clear ambition: to create a diverse workforce that reflects society. A workforce with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can challenge thinking, shape culture and encourage creativity.

It is a challenge we welcome. But it is not something one organisation can achieve alone.

Sport England’s 10-year strategy, ‘Uniting the Movement’, highlights the importance of creating a diverse workforce. At UK Coaching, equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI) is a priority across our work.

So, what does this look like in practice?

Collaboration

Each quarter, UK Coaching brings together the Diversity Expert Group to share good practice and explore challenges and solutions.

We were also involved in the recent launch of the Inclusive Learning Principles, led by Activity Alliance. These have been embedded within our Inclusive by Design standards and shared across the sector.

Internally, our EEDI working group gives staff a voice and helps us look at campaigns and events through an EEDI lens.

Visibility

Our Inclusive Recruitment Strategy is used for both staff and board recruitment.

The annual UK Coaching Awards also provide a platform to recognise and celebrate coaches. External partners take part in shortlisting, criteria development and promotion.

Learning

Raising awareness and keeping knowledge current is key. Our Introduction to Inclusive Coaching workshop was developed in response to insight and feedback from across the sector. It brings inclusive practice to life through practical scenarios, reflection and discussion.

The workshop is available to everyone in our sector who want to build more inclusive environments across their organisations

Lived experience

This is crucial. We cannot learn and improve if we do not listen.

UK Coaching runs Equali-tea sessions for staff, focused on different EEDI topics. These sessions have helped build understanding and strengthen colleagues’ sense of belonging.

We have also commissioned research to better understand what helps coaches feel that they belong, and what can stand in their way.

Language matters too. Equality impact assessments are a non-negotiable part of our projects, helping us identify any disproportionate impact on specific groups early on.

Changing the language used in the UK Coaching EEDI survey resulted in a 25% increase in responses from disabled people and people with a long-term health condition.

At a recent BADU Black Women in Sport Summit, I heard a concept that stayed with me: when you create something for specific groups, you often create something better for everyone.

Everyone benefits when inclusive spaces are created with people, not simply for them.

At UK Coaching, EEDI is a golden thread throughout everything we do. As a sector, we need to keep listening, learning and working together.

The result is a workforce where people feel heard, valued and able to access opportunities. In short, a diverse workforce.

Find out more about UK Coaching’s workshops – click here.

Alliance Leisure is a member of the ukactive Strategic Partner Group – find out more here.

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ukactive.