Diversity and inclusion
Our statement:
At Yorkshire Sport Foundation we include everyone, as we believe sport and physical activity is for everyone.
We’re building a culture where difference is valued because we believe diversity drives empathy, a sense of belonging and innovation.
We still have work to do, and we know a diverse team has a positive impact on everything we do and helps us better serve our communities and partners.
We are passionate about reducing inequalities in our communities and providing everyone with an equal opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity.
Each of us contributes to this mission – we all have a role to play. For some of us it means finding the courage to stand up and speak out. For others, it means listening with patience and empathy, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
For all of us it means asking questions, challenging unfairness and appreciating one another’s contributions to helping the people of South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire lead healthy lives.
Policies
Read our Diversity and inclusion policy, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) and also see our Accessible Communications guidelines on our Policies and Governance page
Our aim is that we will actively work to try to make our workforce truly representative of all sections of society and those we engage with, and everyone feels respected and able to give their best.
Yorkshire Sport Foundation recognises and embraces the benefits of having a diverse Board, and sees increasing diversity at Board level as an essential element to achieve our stated aims and objectives.
Standards
Yorkshire Sport Foundation have undertaken and completed the Disability Confident self-assessment
We are taking all of the core actions to be a Disability Confident employer
We are offering at least one action to get the right people for our business and at least one action to keep and develop our people.
In continuing our Disability Confident journey, we are ensuring that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
Read more about us as an employer.
In February 2023 we got the Investors in Diversity Award for small charities.
Accessible communications
We recognise that people need to access publications in a range of formats because of their different needs.
Publications will be designed in recognition of and available in a range of formats for people who:
- Are visually impaired
- Have a learning impairment such as dyslexia or a learning disability
- Have a low standard of literacy
- May not have English as their first language
- Have any combination of these.
We follow Plain English guidelines and the advice in Activity Alliance’s Inclusive Communications guide.
You can read more in our Accessible communications and branding guidelines
Pledges
We signed up to the Sporting Equals charter and were thrilled to have Arun Kang OBE, the CEO of Sporting Equals, as a guest on The YSF Podcast.
Yorkshire Sport Foundation is proud to be part of the Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group. We want to stand with community sports organisations in being anti-racist and signing up for the commitment to tackling racism and racial inequality
If you have a comment, query or complaint or to request documents in alternative formats, you can submit it via the form on the Contact Us page and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Provision for Textphone, Minicom, text enabled phones and hearing loops for meetings are available on request.
Supporting diversity
Women in Sports Panel - 17 February 2026
University of Leeds is hosting its annual Women in Sports Panel at Leeds University Union.
23 Jan 2026
Women who coach sport are twice as likely to be bullied as…
New research from UK charity Women in Sport shows that sports coaching in the UK is a hostile…
22 Jan 2026
Inclusive sport festival in Barnsley - 24 Jan 2026
What's Your Move Day is a sports festival is designed for everyone, so anyone is welcome to come…
16 Jan 2026
Sensory Badminton thriving in Halifax
Sensory Badminton, a programme created by Badminton England and the charity Sense aims to create…
9 Jan 2026
Who will you nominate for the 2026 Sporting Equals Awards?
The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of ethnically diverse communities and…
8 Jan 2026
EDI Roundtable - Building Inclusive leadership in sport
This Online EDI Roundtable on 22 Jan 2026 for members of the Sport and Recreation Alliance will…
19 Dec 2025