Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan
AoC Sport is proud to share our updated Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2025-2026. This revised plan builds on our strong foundations and sets out ambitious new priorities to drive meaningful change. It reinforces our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where inclusivity, respect, and equality are embedded across all areas of our work and partnerships within the further education and sport sectors.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
The DIAP is a strategic priority for AoC Sport, aligned with our core values and the overarching AoC Strategic Framework. We believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to the success and growth of sport and physical activity within further education. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and has equal opportunities to thrive.
Strategic Framework and Objectives
The DIAP is built upon the AoC Sport Strategic Framework (2023-2028) and the AoC Strategic Plan (2023-2026). These documents emphasise the importance of inclusivity as a key strategic enabler, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are embedded in every aspect of our work. Our strategic priorities focus on creating aspirational sporting pathways, understanding barriers to participation, and developing a diverse workforce.
Key Actions and Initiatives
Our action plan outlines specific steps and initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within AoC Sport and our member colleges. Some of the key actions include:
- Creating a Diverse Board: We aim to establish an effective and diverse AoC Sport board, reflecting a range of skills, qualities, and life experiences. This board will better serve our staff, members, and students.
- Reviewing HR Policies: We will review and update relevant policies to ensure they align with our commitment to equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Champion the Rainbow Laces campaign throughout the academic year: leverage official resources to promote inclusive messaging, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices across all programmes to ensure visibility and allyship remain central to our work.
- Improve the diversity of young people studying sport at college: advocate and collaborate with key stakeholders to increase visibility and understanding of the range of careers in sport, ensure opportunities to study and work in the sport and physical activity sector are accessible, and strengthen representation in the workforce.
Diversify the volunteer workforce to better reflect the communities we serve and foster inclusive engagement: Use demographic data to identify any gaps in diversity and diversity of thought in voluntary staff.
Event Accessibility Audit and Improvement Plan: Conduct accessibility audits at regional and national event venues to create a minimum standards document to ensure that we are working with venues that are accessible and inclusive.
- Governance and Monitoring: Progress against the DIAP will be regularly reported at board level, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Commitment and Accountability
This action plan is not just a tick box exercise; it is a genuine commitment to which we will be accountable. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion is a core aspect of our organisational ethos, and we will hold ourselves responsible for achieving the outlined objectives. Regular monitoring and reporting will ensure that we remain on track and make continuous improvements.
Vision for the Future
Our vision is to attract and retain a diverse workforce, diversify participation in sports, and lead by example in creating an inclusive working environment. We are committed to continuous improvement, learning, and adapting to create a welcoming and equitable workplace for all.
Conclusion
The next phase of our DIAP marks a significant step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and equitable sports community within further education. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this important endeavour, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of everything we do.