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There is "deep dissatisfaction" with the arrangement between the Government and Jersey Sport, according to an independent review – which revealed that the local sports sector feels "alienated from the very organisation which is supposed to be serving its best interests".
A critical independent report of sport and physical activity policy, strategy and delivery, and the roles played by the Government and arm’s-length body Jersey Sport, was published yesterday.
The 114-page document, written by Simon Cooper, a former head of sport for the Mayor of London, contains interviews with key stakeholders, Jersey Sport staff, a range of sports bodies and other key organisations and individuals.
The report highlighted that although the existing arm’s-length agreement between the Government and Jersey Sport should continue, delivery must be “strengthened” and that consideration is given to creating a 'Statutory Strategic Body for Sport and Physical Activity'.
In Mr Cooper’s preface to his report, he said that, following consultation from the review, there are a "number of serious concerns, based on strong views, which are adversely affecting people’s views about that arrangement".
Pictured: "The ‘deal’ that was sold to the sport sector when they agreed to support Jersey Sport being established is not being delivered."
He added: "Consultation suggests overall that the ‘deal’ that was sold to the sport sector when they agreed to support Jersey Sport being established is not being delivered – and that there is currently deep dissatisfaction with the situation.
"This seems to be driven by a feeling that there has been a catalogue of broken promises and commitments, resulting in real concern among a large number of stakeholders."
Key concerns about Jersey Sport’s work raised during consultation for this review included high admin costs, its independence from Government, spending on promotion and PR, and the lack of specialist knowledge in some areas.
There was also "some confusion" about Jersey Sport's role on the issue of child protection and safeguarding.
Established in 2017 as an ‘arm’s-length organisation’, Jersey Sport was "intended to be an advocate and 'champion' for sport".
The report explained that the "impression given was one of a brighter future for sport, with an improved and richer experience for sports clubs and volunteers, with increased funding to help support their work".
However, it found that "in practice, the opposite has happened".
"Funding for sport has reduced and the sector appears to feel alienated from the very organisation which is supposed to be serving its best interests," the report concluded.
The report also called for "greater scrutiny" for all Government arm's-length organisations, not just Jersey Sport.
A total of 18 out of the report's 21 recommendations have been accepted by Deputy Lucy Stephenson, the Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport, who commissioned the review as part of the 2023 Ministerial Delivery Plans.
A review into funding available for sport and physical activity is now being undertaken, which will be completed by September 2024.
This will inform how sport and physical activity programmes will be delivered and funded from 2025.
Pictured: Deputy Lucy Stephenson, Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport, commissioned the review as part of the 2023 Ministerial Delivery Plans.
Since Jersey Sport’s launch in 2017 there has not been a review of the arrangement.
Deputy Stephenson said: “It has been more than six years since the Government changed the way it delivered sport and physical activity as well as related policy and strategy, and in that time there had been no formal independent review of how things were working.
"In commissioning this piece of work, I also listened to the concerns of many sporting organisations and other stakeholders, who told me that they believed the system was not working as effectively as it could or should be.”
The Deputy echoed the sentiments that both the Government and Jersey Sport need to work collaboratively in order to implement change.
“There is some very good work being carried out by Jersey Sport but it’s clear there are also some shared concerns, especially relating to support for sport,” she added.
“We will now work together to address the issues raised, and I am hopeful that the publication of this report can mark a positive reset in how we collaborate to deliver for islanders.
“I’m committed to improving the support for sport in Jersey and promoting the very many benefits it brings to our community.”
The publication of the review comes in the same month that it was announced Jersey Sport's CEO, Catriona McAllister, would be stepping down at the end of January.
Pictured: Catriona McAllister was Jersey Sport's first CEO, and will step down after six-and-a-half years in post.
After six years at the helm of Jersey Sport’s Board of Directors, Phil Austin MBE also stepped down in September.
At the same time, Jersey Sport announced the appointment of four new Directors to their Board and a new Interim Chair, all on a voluntary basis.
Steve Law became Interim Chair for a maximum of one year to "allow for a period of consolidation whilst the organisation beds in four new Directors and the Government of Jersey’s review on sport in the island takes place".
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