An analysis: The Football Governance Bill and Child Protection in English Football
The Football Governance Bill (“the Bill”) is currently going through parliament. At the time of writing, it is due to go to the House of Lords for the Report Stage in the next few weeks. The Bill’s purpose, as set out, is to “protect and promote the sustainability of English Football”, specifically, men’s football.
This Bill is an opportunity. Currently, the Bill gives consideration to the financial sustainability, fan engagement, and fair competition needs of men’s football with a view to protect the future of the sport. However, there are key gaps in the Bill that, without amendment, will not be able to fully protect and promote the sport’s future.
I have created a brief that has been sent to the Lords who have taken part in the debates around this bill to date. The brief stems from a critical analysis using expertise in the field of child abuse, research into child protection issues in British sport(s), and the Independent Review into Child Sexual Abuse in Football 1970-2005 by Clive Sheldon KC (“the Review”).
My briefing includes nine key recommendations:
- Safeguarding and child protection as an active component of the IFR’s duties
- Addition of safeguarding and child protection within the IFR’s guiding principles
- Expansion of ‘serious criminal conduct’ definition:
- State of the Game report – reference to child protection and safeguarding
- Mandatory licence requirements for child protection and safeguarding
- Mandatory reporting of abuse/requirements in relation to abuses by owners/officers
- Appointment of experts by the IFR
- Inclusion of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the Bill
- Strengthening diversity, equality, and inclusion provisions in the Bill
If you would like a copy of my briefing or have any questions, please do get in touch.
