Governance
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If the UK's sports' system is to be truly world class then performance off the field of play will be as important as the results achieved on it. Being a publicly funded body, UK Sport rightly enjoys a high level of accountability. In turn, UK Sport similarly holds high expectations of the organisations it funds.
Beyond ensuring that sports' governing bodies are 'fit for purpose', well organised and structured bodies will use make more efficient and effective use of the resources at their disposal, which is critical as we face the challenge of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Accordingly, UK Sport published a series of 'Funding Release Triggers' that will ensure that the planning and governance of all the governing bodies is carefully monitored. Those not able to meet the criteria over a range of key issues will have performance funding withheld as they modernise their practices and performance systems.
The triggers - which also require performance targets to be achieved - look to set in place a range of sound governance processes, covering areas such as finance, anti-doping and human resources.
At the same time, UK Sport has developed some guidance to support governing bodies' efforts to comply with the 'trigger' requirements. Among these is the Investing in Change report which offers practical advice on the systems, structures and processes that national governing bodies can use in order to operate more effectively and more efficiently.