Leaders unite to drive cultural change across UK sport 

Senior figures from across the sporting world came together in London in October for Changing the Routine: Rethinking Culture in Sport, a landmark event hosted by British Gymnastics in partnership with Sport England and UK Sport, aimed at reshaping how the sector approaches culture, welfare and leadership. 

The event marked a significant milestone in British Gymnastics’ Reform ’25 journey. It brought together National Governing Bodies (NGBs), coaches and policymakers to explore how sport can build healthier, safer and more inclusive environments. 

Opening the event, British Gymnastics Chair, Mike Darcey, and Chief Executive, Sarah Powell, called for the sector to “move from policy to purpose” and focus on culture as the foundation of sporting success. Powell reflected on the organisation’s reform journey, urging leaders to collaborate and learn from what has and hasn’t worked. Powell said:  

“Culture needs constant attention. If we truly want to realise the positive impact sport can have on people’s lives, we have to look to ourselves and commit to faster, deeper change.” 

Panel sessions tackled key challenges, from embedding athlete wellbeing and safe complaint systems to developing learning cultures that support coaches and performers at every level. 

Attendees from sports and physical activity organisations – including the FA, UK Athletics, British Cycling, Swim England and CIMSPA – shared experiences and explored practical routes to lasting culture change. 

Closing reflections emphasised the shared responsibility of leaders to prioritise welfare alongside performance. Dr Cath Bishop, Independent Expert on the Reform ’25 Oversight Board, described the day as “an opportunity to challenge ourselves and contribute to moving thriving cultures across sport,” while Powell called it “a uniting moment” for the sector. 

Changing the Routine forms part of British Gymnastics’ commitment under Reform ’25 to share lessons learned and promote cross-sector collaboration. Organisers said the discussions will inform next steps in embedding positive culture, measuring progress, and supporting a new generation of leaders in sport. 

The tone of the day was summed up by one key takeaway repeated throughout the event: real culture change takes courage, collaboration and consistency and the future of sport can, and must, be better.