Independent Governance Review
As part of our wide-ranging strategic re-imagineering of Play England and to ensure Play England remains at the forefront of ‘good governance’, we undertook an independent governance review in December 2023. The independent governance review was conducted by the Sport + Recreation Alliance (SRA).
For context, Play England became members of the SRA in August 2023.
Why was the SRA are best placed to deliver the governance review?
The SRA is the representative body of sport and recreation organisations in England, with nearly 300 members (incl. various charities), many of whom are UK wide organisations. The membership includes all the recognised National Governing Bodies of sport as well as many national (England and UK wide) representative bodies, similar to Play England. The strength of the SRA in relation to this review lies in their governance, policy, and research experience, and the insight drawn from their various members.
With relevant industry knowledge and expertise, they have developed quality products to support members in maintaining high standards of governance and promoting leadership within organisations. Their governance support programmes include training, workshops, independent board evaluations, governance assessment, developing governance documents and board support - including board skills audits and board recruitment. They have provided governance support to over 80 NGBs, and numerous organisations to develop sustainable governance practices.
The SRA’s Head of Governance and EDI, Vijaya Panangipalli, was seconded to Sport England to work on drafting and developing the UK Code of Governance. She also set up and manages the SRA’s Co-Sec and Governance Forum and Network.
What was the approach to the review?
The SRA have developed the content for good governance to assist organisations in improving governance, particularly around leadership, fiduciary duties, and appropriate behaviours.
They work with various organisations within the sector and have a comprehensive understanding of their challenges. The review will aim to improve governance standards across the organisation.
Their approach included a triage meeting with the executive director, the chair and the board to review and understand current governance needs.
They reviewed compliance against Tier 3 of UK Code of Governance.
What was the scope of the review?
The SRA reviewed the current governance of the organisation to indicate the current governance standards.
A review survey for the board to complete. The survey included questions on good governance practices and Tier 3 requirements proportionate to the size of Play England.
The final reveiw report was presented to the board, to indicate the progress made and gaps within our governance standards. The analysis also included an action plan for the board to review and undertake.
What is the timescale of the review and action plan?
The review was completed at the end of March 2024. We will take forward the recommendations and action plan over Spring/Summer 2024, as part of the wide-ranging strategic re-imagineering of Play England and the development of a new 10-year strategy for Play in England, with a view to adopting new Memorandum & Articles of Association at our 2024 AGM.
Read the independent governance review report by clicking the link below;