DUTY OF CARE IN ACTION
About DOCIAsport
Ian Braid founder and MD of DOCIAsport has significant experience in sports leadership having held senior positions in executive and non-executive roles. As CEO of the British Athletes Commission he gained considerable knowledge of the infrastructure of sport and its governance. He made important contributions to the development of sport – for example informing the DCMS report into “Duty of Care” in sport; the selection policies and processes for the Commonwealth Games 2018 and ensuring sport took more responsibility for “adults at risk” by securing Sport England funding for the Ann Craft Trust. DOCIAsport has been established to offer a collaborative partnership service to National Governing Bodies (NGBs), member associations and Higher Education institutions providing independent advice, support and guidance on all aspects of Duty of Care in Action.

“As an athlete, administrator, official, coach or volunteer, everyone in sport should expect a duty of care. Yet, with football referee numbers on the decline and increasing investigations into performance sport, change is needed. DOCIAsport helps to reinforce strengths and address weaknesses in the way that Duty of Care is applied.”
Ian Braid M.Sc.

DUTY OF CARE
DOCIAsport can independently evaluate the effectiveness of any aspect of duty of care in sport. We work with clients over a period of time to identify and build on strengths and to agree areas of weakness which we provide the support and framework for you to address.

SUPPORT & DEVELOP FUTURE LEADERS
It’s important to pass on knowledge and experience to the next generation of leaders so they can pick up the baton on Duty of Care in Action in sport and make informed decisions in how it is delivered. DOCIAsport works with athletes in transition, administrators, coaches and students to facilitate their development and growth.

MENTAL HEALTH
In order to give care, sports leaders have a duty to take care of themselves so they can successfully look after others as employees, members or volunteers. DOCIAsport works with administrators, coaches and volunteers to address mental health in sport.
Why DOCIAsport
DOCIAsport offers independent, expert advice on all aspects of duty of care in sport as defined by the terms of reference for the DCMS report into “Duty of Care in Sport” written by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and published in April 2017.
Sport is at a crossroads. In terms of performance this is because of a series of damaging allegations and protracted investigations into the culture at the top. Participation numbers continue to decline, and this will have an adverse effect on society with decline in physical and mental health. Without volunteers and officials sport will struggle and these valuable contributors must be developed and grown. DOCIAsport is here to help by working in collaboration with others to deliver sustainable effective solutions. Mental health is so important and sport or physical activity can help individuals both prevent mental illness or be a critical part of recovery and relapse prevention. The sports sector must look at its mental health too with many under the pressure of funding from the Sports Councils and the need to deliver being vulnerable. DOCIAsport can help based on personal experience, knowledge and collaboration with professionals in this area. Whilst DOCIAsport offers independent advice, support and guidance on all aspects of duty of care in sport its important to work with clients so they too take on responsibility to be more effective. Duty of care must be sustainable as well as effective so DOCIAsport works with the next generation of leaders, so they carry on this work based on their own experience, insight and culture.
Everyone involved in sport and recreation needs to feel valued, safe and cared for – Duty of Care in Action
Top news
Sport and Mental Health survey
The purpose of this research is to undertake the first nation-wide study of mental health in the sport and physical activity workforce (i.e. grassroots/community sport, high-performance sport, activity/lifestyle/recreation and education) in the United Kingdom. The study is intended for anyone aged 16 and above and is concerned with identifying the ways in which the mental health of those who work in sport and physical activity can be best supported and promoted.
Clients




