Scottish Governing Body (SGB) Governance Framework

This iteration of the SGB Governance Framework represents a change to how the document is structured. The previous version contained 12 separate principles. The 2026 version has consolidated these into five, beneath an overarching assumption that SGBs are operating in accordance with their legal and regulatory obligations. The five principles have been chosen as they reflect commonly accepted pillars of good governance. In reducing the number to five, we hope that the Framework feels streamlined and manageable, while demonstrating coherence in terms of the practices that compose each.

Under each pillar is a rationale for the importance of the principle concerned, as well as the desired outcomes and a description of what adherence to the principle might look like in practice. Following this, we have given recommended practice and concrete examples of how SGBs will know when they are meeting the principles: these might be policies or processes that they have in place, behaviours and practices that manifest in the organisation, or evidence of planning or strategy-setting that demonstrate that the SGB is implementing best practice in each area. The suggestions are not exhaustive but rather provide a solid foundation for SGBs to build on.

The SGB Governance Framework does not set out mandatory requirements. Rather, it gives examples of what might be observed in well run SGBs as they strive to embed the highest standards of governance that they are able to implement. In this iteration, we have provided more examples of what good practice might entail. This is in response to SGB’s request for more detailed guidance on implementing high standards of governance.

The Framework is designed as a learning and development resource, supporting SGBs to strengthen their governance capability over time.

It provides a shared, practical reference point that encourages reflection, learning and continuous improvement, recognising that organisations are at different stages of their governance journey. In line with the approach of the Sport Governance Academy, the Framework aims to support understanding, build confidence and encourage progression, helping SGBs develop what effective, proportionate governance looks like within a sporting context.

Proportionality

sportscotland recognises the breadth of the sport and physical activity sector in Scotland. SGBs and other bodies that may wish to implement the Framework vary significantly in their size, the resources available to them – both in terms of the workforce and finances – and in the complexity of their operations. With this in mind, we know that not all practices and recommendations contained in this Framework will be applicable for all SGBs. Organisations should consider which recommendations are appropriate for their circumstances, having regard to their current levels of maturity and implications for resource, but also their ambitions for the future.

We want the Framework to be achievable but also aspirational. SGBs should strive for continuous improvement. Good governance needs to be sustainable. However, we would like to see SGBs adopt an approach to the Framework which is thoughtful and stretching. They should be honest about where they are, but ambitious about where they want to get to. By working together with sportscotland and engaging with the support it provides, we can continue to raise the standards of governance across Scottish sport.