British Cycling Names External Diversity Advisory Group Members

British Cycling has unveiled a new external Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, and has named its first members.

The governing body is preparing to publish its five-year strategic framework to tackle the diversity and inclusion gap in cycling which will aim to ensure the sport is ‘truly reflective of Britain’s communities’.

14 experts from a variety of industries and backgrounds have been named in the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, which will be responsible for tracking British Cycling’s progress against its long-term Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Framework. The Group will also provide advice to the governing body’s Executive Leadership Team, its Board of Directors and the wider British Cycling staff. 

The organisation has also created an internal working group to work alongside the new external body, comprising a cross-section of the British Cycling workforce. It will be tasked with embedding the upcoming strategic framework across their respective teams.

British cycling says the long-term framework will be published in the coming weeks.

Among the new external Group is former cyclist and current broadcaster Philippa York, Sky HR Director, Louise Johnson, Stonewall’s Associate Director, Communications and Campaigns, Robbie De Santos, and Business consultant and British Cycling coach Lloyd Grose, who rides with the Black Cyclists’ Network and Kingston Wheelers Cycling Club.

The Group will be Co-Chaired by British Cycling Board member and Senior Clinical Manager, Julie Watts, and Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager at the Scottish Parliament, Mòr Diversity Consultancy Services, Aneela McKenna.

“I am delighted to be joining this advisory group at an exciting time when we have a real opportunity to embed change into the work of British Cycling, and to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in cycling where everyone can feel they belong,” said McKenna, Co-Chair of the Group.

“This group demonstrates that high-level commitment from British Cycling to develop a strong framework that will set the strategy for the future and put diversity at the heart of everything it does.

“We know that there will be challenges ahead, but I look forward to working with an exceptional group – between us there is a diverse range of skills and broad representation of people with lived experiences who will each have a positive influence on this vital work. British Cycling has made some great progress so far and I personally look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience to help us lead by example and create a vision that will inspire and empowers others to do the same.”