Tracey Crouch Hosts Sport Industry Nextgen Leaders At DCMS
The 2016 Sport Industry NextGen Leaders had a private meeting with Tracey Crouch MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, as part of their ongoing Leadership Package.
The group spent an hour together at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) in London earlier this week discussing key topics facing the industry including ethical leadership, the need to increase diversity and core leadership lessons and values.
Tracey Crouch MP explained how the new governance codes for governing bodies would create a sense of accountability, transparency and diversity, which the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders had raised as a key requirement in the sector.
Admitting that the country’s governing bodies have improvements still to make but are often quick to highlight issues of global organisations, Crouch said: “I aim to make sure all our NGBs have a gold standard and then when they have reached this standard they can then criticise international federations.”
Crouch explained her vision of the role government should play in providing a structure, but also added: “I have great faith in our NGBs and how they deliver sport. I like the separation of power and responsibility between government and sport but it is right that we as a government set out the framework.”
The group also explored the role that brands and broadcasters have and the influence they can yield to drive change. However, there was a general agreement that it was ultimately the collective power of the consumer that would force any real action to ensure a more ethical approach in sport leadership across all elements of the sector.
Diversity in the industry was also discussed at length and specifically steps that are being taken to increase this. Different programmes were explored and actions have already been put in place to see how as a working group the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders can use their knowledge and network to improve this with further announcements expected in the coming months.
Regarding her approach to leadership, Crouch spoke of the need to show that a clear direction is being taken and not shy away from tough conversations with the biggest players in the industry.
Lastly Crouch highlighted her immense respect for the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders, saying: “I am inspired by all of you. It is fantastic to hear you all talking about what you hope to see from the industry as a whole and I hope you maintain your network and encourage each other throughout your careers. Keep fighting for change.”
Sport Industry NextGen in partnership with Barclays will maintain a regular dialogue with the DCMS and support each other’s initiatives and programmes as appropriate, to help continued growth for our sector.
The visit was part of the 2016 Sport Industry NextGen Leaders’ Leadership Package, the 2017 Sport Industry NextGen Leaders have been announced and you can meet them on 2nd February at Sport Industry NextGen: A Celebration, find out how here.
Sport Industry NextGen is backed by Barclays who return as headline partner for a second year.
In addition to Barclays, Sport Industry NextGen is also supported by Official Academic Partner Loughborough University London.
