The Final Report of the Whyte Review into mistreatment within gymnastics was published in June 2022. The review describes an 'unacceptable culture' of physical and emotional abuse.
To read the full report and find out more about the review, visit the Whyte Review website.
Following this report, Sport England, along with UK Sport, has released a policy response based on learnings and insight from the Whyte Review.
The response includes 19 commitments across coaching and workforce support, performance athlete support, good governance, dispute resolution and creating safer environments for participants.
To read the full response visit the Sport England website.
Michelle North, Head of the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, said:
“We heard heart-breaking accounts from young people who are now living with the long-term repercussions of the abuse they experienced. By bravely sharing their stories they have shined a light on a system with inadequate safeguarding and minimal support for young athletes that have suffered abuse.
“We welcome the recommendations set out by UK Sport and Sport England. Their commitment to investing in better safeguarding in British sports, partly through the implementation of a local register of coaches and a network of local welfare officers will be imperative in helping young athletes feel safe and supported when at their local clubs and working with coaches.
“Safeguarding must be at the heart of sport. The CPSU works closely with various sporting bodies to offer support and guidance for the benefit of young people and we look forward to playing our part in creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child who wants to play sport."
Reform '25
British Gymnastics launched an action plan called Reform '25 in response to the recommendations of the Whyte Review. The 40-point action plan, published in October 2022, aims to reform the sport over the next two years.
Seeking support
It is never too late to speak out about abuse and to seek support, so we encourage anyone who has been affected or anyone who has concerns about mistreatment in gymnastics to contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.