British Gymnastics has provided an update on their continued progress in reforming the sport to create safe, positive, and fair experiences for all in gymnastics, six months on from the publication of their Reform’25 action plan.
Following the Whyte Review which was released in June 2022 and detailed "systemic" issues of physical and emotional abuse in gymnastics, the Reform’25 action plan was developed by British Gymnastics. The 40-point action plan was published in October 2022 to make changes in the sport over a two-year period and the actions are focused across four key, interconnected areas:
- Culture & Strategy
- Welfare, Safeguarding & Complaints
- Education & Development
- Performance
In a statement the British Gymnastics said “Of the initial 40 actions included in the plan, 11 have now been completed, meaning that we remain on track to deliver what is a comprehensive programme of transformational activity up to 2025.”
- British Gymnastics has had 1,326 concerns raised with the welfare and safe sport team since 2020.
- Prior to 2020, the governing body would typically receive 200-250 concerns a year in relation to welfare and safety. Since 2020, this figure is an average of more than 400 complaints a year.
- Of the 1,326 concerns that have been raised in the past three years, over 75% of them are 'Level 1' concerns, which relate to poor practice or are matters that require advice and guidance.
- And 22% are 'Level 2' concerns, which are more complex and can often involve legal authorities.
- The £1m-a-year figure is double British Gymnastics' previous spending total on welfare and safeguarding from 2020.
Sarah Powell, Chief Executive of British Gymnastics, said: “Our commitment to ensuring we do everything in our power to change gymnastics for the better remains steadfast. We know that there are already thousands of gymnastics coaches, club staff, officials and volunteers doing great work to ensure our sport has a positive impact on individuals, communities, and society. The progress we have made so far in delivering the actions within Reform ‘25 now provides us with a strong platform to build on so that everyone in gymnastics has a safe, positive and fair experience.”
To view the full update report please click here.
