Outcomes
The Scottish Governing Body (SGB) demonstrates the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity and probity in its decisions, operations, activities and the behaviour of all who represent it
Sport’s powerful capacity for role modelling behaviour is deployed for the benefit of society
Rationale
SGBs occupy an important and trusted role, shaping the lives and experiences of those they engage with and receiving public investment to do so. Having appropriate, positive values embedded in the SGB’s culture and modelled through behaviour at all levels enhances the reputation and effectiveness of the organisation, protects public money, earns stakeholder trust and helps to ensure safe and well-run sporting environments.
SGBs should aspire to the highest standards of behaviour and integrity delivering their vision and mission and strive to demonstrate through all activities and interactions their agreed values and commitment to inclusivity, openness and accountability
Vision, mission, values
The Board is responsible for setting the appropriate vision, mission and values for the SGB and ensuring that strategic and operational plans are aligned to these.
The values underpin the SGB’s activities and are reflected in the standards to which all within the SGB are held their conduct towards each other and to those they engage with in their duties.
Commitment to implementing the Nolan Principles
What does it look like?
The SGB is recognised by sportscotland and its peers as conforming to the highest principles of integrity, honesty and openness in public service, respected by members, participants, staff and volunteers, partners and other stakeholders.
Board members understand the value of implementing the Nolan Principles Key Principles of Public Life | The Standards Commission for Scotland in all they do, embedding ethical standards in the policies, practices and culture of their organisation. They should advocate for and demonstrate these key principles and complementary attributes such as competence, transparency, equity and fairness in their conduct and in the decisions they make.
How will we know we’ve achieved it?
Analysis through the Development Audit
Commitment to deliver against an equality, diversity and inclusion policy
Board members act in a way that reflects the Nolan Principles
Board members sign a declaration of good character upon appointment and adhere to an agreed code of conduct
The SGB has a conflict of interest policy in place which enables it to identify and manage any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest or loyalty
Board members sign up to a register of interests which is updated at least annually and whenever any material changes arise
Declarations of interests are made and noted at the start of each Board meeting, are raised at the relevant point on the agenda and are managed appropriately
Procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are robust and fit for purpose
Board members consider the SGB’s values and the social, ethical and environmental impact of their decisions
Culture and behaviours
The Board regularly considers, establishes and monitors the culture and behaviours that will best enable the SGB to deliver its mission and values in an ethical and sustainable manner.
The Board leads by example and promotes the culture of the SGB in its own conduct and in that expected at all levels of the SGB.
Where it becomes evident that standards and behaviours fall short of the agreed level, corrective action is taken.
How will we know we’ve achieved it?
The Board agrees an appropriate culture for the SGB, communicates it effectively to all within the organisation and monitors behaviour to ensure that its aspirations are met
Codes of conduct are in place for Board members, staff and members of the wider workforce. These are supported by appropriate grievance procedures and disciplinary policies
Clean sport
The SGB has in place policies for upholding the principles of Clean Sport and ensuring compliance with anti-doping standards.
How will we know we’ve achieved it?
The SGB actively promotes its commitment to clean sport and sporting integrity
The SGB is compliant with UK National Anti-Doping Policy and, where appropriate, has completed the UKAD Assurance Framework
Clean Sport is a Board-level priority and responsibility for ensuring [compliance] is assigned to individuals at both Board and operational level
Clean Sport and anti-doping education is provided to athletes, participants and all relevant staff and volunteers throughout the organisational structure
The SGB regularly reviews its Clean Sport and anti-doping policies and educational initiatives to ensure they are fit for purpose