ECB Announces New Commission For Equality In Cricket
The ECB has unveiled a new plan aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the sport, as well as the introduction of a new Commission for Equality in Cricket.
As part of the next stage in the organisation’s Inspiring Generations strategic plan, the new measures were were approved by the ECB Board and are set to build on initiatives the organisation has taken in recent years, such as its South Asian Action Plan – an initiative which won the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Sport Industry Awards 2019.
The measures include the creation of a new Commission for Equality in Cricket, which will assist the ECB Board in assessing the evidence of inequalities and discrimination and will be made up by independent members and will have an independent Chair.
The ECB will also create a new Forum for Race in Cricket to provide a confidential, safe space through which the ECB can ‘listen to, and learn from, the lived experiences of people from across the game’ and a new Equality Code of Conduct, which will be enforced by all cricket organisations operating under the ECB’s jurisdiction, enabling discriminatory behaviour to be sanctioned through disciplinary processes.
The news comes in the wake of allegations of institutional racism within the organisation, made by two former umpires, who have higlighted a lack of Black and Asian officials on the first-class list.
“The primary aim of the ECB’s Inspiring Generations strategy is to make cricket a game for everyone and many actions are well underway and helping to make cricket more diverse and inclusive,” said Ian Watmore, Chair, ECB.
“While continuing with this work and increasing its impact, we are equally clear that all discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable, and are committed to drive it out of the game through better governance, education, training, role modelling and behavioural change, but also through disciplinary action when necessary. Continuing to listen to the experiences of people, whether positive or negative, and engaging with independent expertise will help to inform, strengthen and challenge our thinking and plans as we move forward. Taken together, these steps will ensure that the ECB achieves lasting change.”
Tom Harrison, CEO, ECB added: “This year we have listened to many people from across the game and beyond, to understand where we must be better in making our sport inclusive and diverse, and tackling discrimination. The measures we have announced today, and the broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan we will launch, build on and accelerate the work we have already done in recent years. We will continue to learn how, as a game, we become more representative of the communities we strive to serve.”
According to The ECB, a full Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan for 2021/24 will be launched next year. The organisation has also announced that its work on diversity and inclusion will be led by its Senior Independent Director, Brenda Trenowden, whose expertise is in the field, while the Board will have regular oversight over the agenda.
