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Whistleblowing providers can help hit discrimination in cricket for six

In a ground-breaking report, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) recently shed light on the persisting issues of racism, sexism, and discrimination within the sport.

The report, released on June 26, states that cricket is marred by deeply entrenched structural and institutional biases that continue to hamper its progress towards equity.

Among the key findings, the report reveals a staggering 50% of respondents reported experiencing discrimination within the past five years, with ethnically diverse communities facing even higher rates. Recognising the urgent need for action, the ICEC offers a series of recommendations aimed at transforming the culture of cricket in England and Wales.

One of the critical recommendations put forth by the ICEC emphasises the importance of fostering a speak-up culture within the sport. By empowering individuals involved in cricket to voice their concerns through an independent and anonymous whistleblowing reporting system, transparency and accountability can be enhanced.

This recommendation underscores the significant role an independent whistleblowing provider can play in eradicating racism, sexism, and discrimination in cricket. I am delighted to say we already work with a range of sporting organisations who have taken proactive and positive steps to improve organisational culture, providing staff and players with the opportunity to speak up.

Recommendation 34 in the ICEC report specifically calls on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the wider cricket community to establish processes that facilitate the raising and addressing of complaints. The ICEC further advocates the introduction of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, who would provide essential support and guidance to individuals reporting incidents of discrimination. These measures would enable the ECB and other cricketing organisations to proactively address concerns, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable environment. We certainly welcome such initiatives.

To bolster the effectiveness of reporting avenues, Recommendation 30 suggests the ECB should provide centralised training and specialist support to all cricketing organisations, including leagues and clubs.

This training would equip managers and senior staff to identify and appropriately handle complaints of discrimination, ensuring those who come forward are adequately supported throughout the entire process. By implementing comprehensive training programmes, cricketing organisations can foster a workplace where dignity is valued and discrimination is swiftly addressed.

Furthermore, Recommendation 4 emphasises the need to conduct regular “culture health checks” within the ECB. This entails reviewing and enhancing the processes through which individuals can report wrongdoing, ensuring that those responsible for misconduct are held accountable. Such ongoing assessments demonstrate a commitment to improving equity and culture within the organisation and facilitate continuous improvement.

To support the implementation of these recommendations, several key steps should be taken. Firstly, the establishment of an independent whistleblowing hotline is essential. By offering a trusted and anonymous reporting avenue, individuals can safely disclose concerns without fear of retaliation. This commitment to confidentiality demonstrates a genuine dedication to the well-being and security of employees.

Additionally, engaging an independent whistleblowing specialist services provider can streamline investigations, improving their efficiency, reliability, and security. Outsourcing investigations also ensures impartiality, minimising any potential conflicts of interest and enhancing the credibility of the outcomes.

Another crucial step is to provide comprehensive training to managers and staff involved in the whistleblowing process. Training sessions tailored to the specific needs of the organisation can equip them with the necessary skills to handle whistleblowing cases effectively and avoid potential fallout from poorly conducted investigations. Educating employees on the whistleblowing policy and their rights in making a disclosure helps foster a culture of openness, transparency, and integrity.

In summary, the ICEC’s report has brought to light the disturbing realities of racism, elitism, sexism, and discrimination deeply ingrained within cricket.

To rectify these issues, the recommendations emphasise the importance of promoting a speak-up culture and implementing effective reporting avenues, investigation processes, and training programmes. All sporting bodies and organisations must strive to protect participants from discrimination, ensuring that sports serve as inclusive and unifying platforms. By proactively combating wrongdoing and discrimination, cricket can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

By Chris Boyle, Safecall Business Development Manager