British Gymnastics has announced there will be a specialist Independent Complaints Process (“ICP”) to handle the existing individual complains that were made to the British Athletes Commission (“BAC”) between 7 July and 9 October 2020.[1] Fulcrum discussed in detail the investigation into physical and emotional abuse in October 2020 when the news came out.
British Gymnastics contacted Sport Resolutions to assist with nominating and appointing an independent person who would handle the management and outcome of the complaints, and to work at the onset with the complainants who lodged their concerns through the BAC/NSPCC helpline. Christopher Quinlan QC, an experienced criminal and regulatory barrister with vast expertise in sports law, has been appointed by Sport Resolutions to lead the ICP.
Mike Darcey, Chair of British Gymnastics, commented on the ICP, saying:
“Since July, British Gymnastics has been working with support from UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Resolutions and the British Athletes Commission to establish and agree an Independent Complaints Process for those complaints received by the BAC/NSPCC helpline between July 6 and October 9, 2020. This process will provide an independent means of addressing those concerns raised to the BAC/NSPCC helpline during this period. We have a duty of care to our members and hope this step will give confidence to those gymnasts who chose to raise their concerns in this way.”
British Gymnastics will continue to cooperate with the Whyte Review and has expressed commitment to implementing its recommendations, as the athlete community reportedly remains hopeful that the Review will result in a revision of the training methodology and treatment of gymnasts.
In 2021, British Gymnastics will also see a new interim Chief Executive come in – it was announced in November that Alastair Marks would take up the position in early January 2021.[2] Mr. Marks will join from Nielsen Sports where he is a Business Development Director, having previously held senior roles at the Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby Football Union, among other big institutions.
[1] https://www.british-gymnastics.org/news-and-events/news/latest-news/9330-british-gymnastics-announces-independent-complaints-process-for-complaints-made-via-british-athletes-commission
[2] https://www.british-gymnastics.org/news-and-events/news/latest-news/9304-alastair-marks-named-british-gymnastics-interim-ceo
