Sport England has been working with UK Sport, the other Home Country Sports Councils and most importantly National Governing Bodies of Sport, on a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing safeguarding practices in sport throughout the UK. As a result of this a report was published on 24 June 2025 which sets out the findings of and recommendations of the Safe Sport Project. This report has emerged from a shared recognition of the challenges faced by the sport sector in keeping people safe and has been led by sport and for sport.
The Safe Sport Project has been co-chaired by Sarah Powell (CEO, British Gymnastics) and Andy Salmon (CEO, Swim England), and involved an independent consultation with 146 organisations and more than 200 voices. The consultation was survivor-led, involving individuals with lived experience in sport, with interviews conducted to understand how safeguarding practices can be developed further to create a positive and safe environment for all.
The collective mission is to establish a comprehensive and integrated approach to safeguarding in sport, prioritising the wellbeing, enjoyment, and fulfilment of every person involved in sport. The report outlines the next steps and recommendations for safeguarding in sport, and we believe it will play a crucial role in establishing a safer and more inclusive sporting environment throughout the UK.
The next phase of the Safe Sport project will be guided by an Oversight Group and Executive Team, which will contain a blend of relevant experience. This will include an outline of the function and services required by the sector, an appraisal of the delivery options, and an implementation plan for those options agreed with by March 2026.