British Gymnastics today announced a specialist Independent Complaints Process (ICP) to handle existing individual complaints that were made to the British Athletes Commission (BAC) between July 6th and October 9th 2020.
Under this process, all decisions about the management and outcome of those complaints will be made by an independent person, or an independent panel. British Gymnastics has also contracted Sport Resolutions to assist with nominating and appointing the independent person and to work at the outset with these complainants who lodged their concerns via the BAC/NSPCC helpline between July 6th and October 9th 2020.
To lead the ICP, Sport Resolutions has appointed Christopher Quinlan QC, a highly experienced criminal and regulatory silk with pre-eminent expertise in sports law.
Commenting on the new Independent Complaints Process, Mike Darcey, Chair of British Gymnastics said:
“Since July, British Gymnastics has been working with support from UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Resolutions and the British Athletes Commission to establish and agree an Independent Complaints Process for those complaints received by the BAC/NSPCC helpline between July 6 and October 9, 2020. This process will provide an independent means of addressing those concerns raised to the BAC/NSPCC helpline during this period.
“We have a duty of care to our members and hope this step will give confidence to those gymnasts who chose to raise their concerns in this way.”
Vicki Aggar, the Chair of British Athletes Commission, added: “The BAC has worked hard on behalf of every individual who has contacted us since 06 July to ensure that their concerns are acknowledged and that they are supported appropriately. This work has included ensuring that there is an independent process for any complaints to be dealt with. Today’s announcement by British Gymnastics of an independent complaints process for those individuals being supported by the BAC is a welcome step forward and the BAC will now support individuals who chose to submit a complaint through this process.”
British Gymnastics continues to cooperate fully with the Whyte Review and is committed to actioning its recommendations.
