Kickstarting Inclusion: A Practical Roadmap for Beginner Organisations
INTRO ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
Building an inclusive organisation starts with strong foundations. This guide helps beginner organisations take their first confident steps across the six intervention areas of the ChangeMakers framework.
Important note: Although this resource is openly available on our website, it is designed to be used after completing the ChangeMakers self assessment. If you haven’t taken it yet, we strongly encourage you to do so to ensure your next steps are targeted and effective.
ACTIONS OVERVIEW
Your immediate priorities should focus on building foundations across all six intervention areas of the ChangeMakers framework.
The six intervention areas work together as a system where each intervention area reinforces the others, meaning progress in one strengthens progress everywhere. Strong prevention reduces the need for countering. Good monitoring improves reporting. Effective networking strengthens all areas. Focus on your gaps but remember that progress in one area supports progress in others.
For detailed guidance on implementing each intervention area, access the full ChangeMakers Policy and Practice Guidelines at changemakers.isca.org
CHANGEMAKERS DETAILED ACTION PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
We suggest you start with these essential actions (to be adapted to your own reality):
SAFEGUARDING - Immediate Priority (0-6 months)
1. Develop Core Anti-Discrimination Policy
For example:
● Draft a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy using templates from national sports governing bodies or equality organisations
● Get leadership approval and commitment
● Publish it on your website and display it at your facilities
2. Establish Basic Safeguarding for Vulnerable Groups
For example:
● Create or review your safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults
● Ensure it explicitly addresses discrimination
REPORTING - Immediate Priority (0-6 months)
3. Establish Basic Reporting System
For example:
● Designate one or more persons as the "Inclusion Officer(s)" or point of contact
● Create a simple reporting form or email address for discrimination concerns
● Include an option to report anonymously
● Ensure this information is communicated to all members
PREVENTION - Immediate Priority (0-6 months)
4. Start Education
For example:
● Access free online training resources for leadership (Coursera, Sport England, national equality bodies)
● Hold one education session for all members about respectful behaviour and your new policy
MONITORING - Medium-Term Action (6-18 months)
5. Assess Your Current State
For example:
● Conduct an honest audit of who currently participates, coaches, and leads in your organisation
● Identify which groups are absent or underrepresented
● Start collecting basic demographic data (with consent)
SAFEGUARDING (CONTINUED) - Medium-Term Action (6-18 months)
6. Build Accessible Infrastructure
For example:
● Conduct a basic accessibility audit of your facilities
● Make low-cost improvements (signage, designated parking, gender-neutral options)
● Address financial barriers through fee waivers or equipment loans
NETWORKING - Medium-Term Action (6-18 months)
7. Connect with Resources
For example:
● Join networks of sports organisations working on inclusion
● Apply for small grants supporting diversity initiatives
● Begin building relationships with community organisations
PARTNERS
:
SUPPORT:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.