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Organisations share ways to shape opportunities in sport and activity

Members of the Include to Improve Strategic Partner Network met in Birmingham this week, sharing experiences, research and ideas.

A group of people sit on a stage as part of a panel discussion.

Organisations from across the sport and physical activity sector spent a day this week sharing ideas as part of the Include to Improve programme.

Led by Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence, the programme aims to create more opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in sports and activities.

More than 25 organisations who are part of the to Strategic Partner Network (SPN) came together in Birmingham at an event that featured research, key note presentations and passionate discussions.

The SPN is a collaborative group for organisations wanting to strengthen their commitment to disabled people's inclusion. There are currently more than 70 organisations that make up the network.

As well as presentations from Inclusive Employers and British Association for Supported Employment a panel discussion took place between members of the Lived Experience Network.

Discussions ranged from whether leadership understand the value of lived experience when it comes to shaping practice to what organisations could do to reach and attract disabled people.

One member, Charlotte, shared her thoughts on how to improve opportunities.She said:

"Don’t underestimate partnership working, Work with organisations that understand the communities they serve. Value that lived experience and actively listen."

Archie, added that to increase opportunities organisations need to understand who might be looking for work in the local area.

"Accept mistakes have been made in the past and going forwards, start talking to people in your local areas like your local employment centres and disability advocacy services. To understand who your potential workforce could be."

And Leanne’s piece of advice was simple, “ask one question of your employees ‘how can we make this job work for you’”.

The Lived Experience Network provides a safe space for disabled people to share their views of taking part, volunteering and working in the sport and physical activity sector. Through the network, we listen and learn from these experiences and then work together to influence change and shape programme activities. 

You can find out more information about the full programme on the Include to Improve webpage.