Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) can today, Friday 17^th May 2024, confirm an independent investigation has concluded there is no evidence to support the assertion that SDS systematically bullied an athlete or that the athlete was treated in an unfair manner.

In total, twenty-six specific allegations going as far back as 2016, were made by a complainant regarding the treatment of an athlete.  The allegations included claims of inappropriate or inconsistent behaviour or practice; a failure to maintain effective communication; exclusion from events; and a failure to support and develop talent.   The independent investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by SDS, or any member of staff or volunteer coaches. 

Twenty-four of the allegations were not upheld.  However, the report highlighted two occasions where communication with the complainant could have been better.  Allegations relating to these matters were upheld.

The complaint, lodged on 30^th October 2023, also alleged bullying by current and previous members of staff and volunteer coaches, and systematically bullying by SDS.

The independent investigation undertaken by Carmain Consulting Services, which commenced in early January 2024, found that allegations of bullying and systematic bullying were “neither plausible nor credible”.  

The report also makes twelve recommendations aimed at sharing learning and development opportunities and strengthen organisational governance arrangements.

In response to the Independent Investigation Report, SDS Chief Executive Gavin MacLeod, said, “These allegations were of a very serious nature and they have been extremely upsetting for all concerned.  It was important they were thoroughly investigated by an independent investigator.  

“We acknowledge Carmain Consulting Service’s findings of their independent investigation and welcome the clarity and reassurance the report provides.  Based on all of the evidence and documents gathered, their investigation found no evidence to support the claims made.

“Where communication could have been better, we will learn from the experiences of those directly involved along with the observations and recommendations contained within the report. 

“We recognise the two incidents where communication has fallen short of our expectation and we resolve to use the learning from the report to strengthen our processes moving forwards. Along with our Board of Directors, our priority now is to take forward the recommendations from the report and we have developed an action plan which will help us achieve this.

We were pleased to note that our staff and volunteer coaches were described in the report as, “passionate, motivated, dedicated and determined to deliver the best services and outcomes for participants and athletes with physical, sensory or learning disabilities.” 

“As individuals, an organisation and a sporting community, it is critical we uphold the highest standards and we are very proud of our values which are Inclusion, Respect, Integrity and Ambition.  Our vision remains that sport and physical activity in Scotland continues to grow, thrive and is welcoming and inclusive for all participants and athletes including those with a physical, sensory, or a learning disability, their families and others involved in disability sport.”  

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice 

From the 11th to 18th May the Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Programme is partnering up with Dundee Green Health Week and Dundee Green Health Partners (Dundee GHP). The Green Health Week is a Nature Scot initiative, that has four partnerships across Scotland – Dundee being one – that is aspiring to showcase the benefits of green spaces across Scotland. In addition, it aims to highlight how successful partnership working can have a positive impact on individuals’ psychological and physiological health through demonstrating the use of green spaces for physical activity.  

 GOGA is a collaboration between NHS Tayside and Scottish Disability Sport with the aim of strengthening links between physical activity and health. As people with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%) than those without a disability (23%) it is essential that our communities are encouraged to move more throughout their typical week and the GOGA programme is enabling many to do just that.  

GOGA’s partnership with Dundee GHP can help promote their work and provide more individuals across Tayside with opportunities to participate in outdoor physical activity. Lynsey Gerrie, GOGA Tayside administrator, explains why it is important to alter trends around physical activity. 

“There is a significant evidence base for the benefits of being outdoors on our health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.” 

With both the GOGA programme and Dundee GHP being supported by NHS Tayside, there is an opportunity to influence trends around outdoor activity. 

“Not only is it important for the NHS to get people outdoors and active but sustainability is also key. Therefore, we support these aims by offering activities on NHS sites and in the community,” said Lynsey. 

The GOGA programme is familiar with delivering outdoor activities, often using non-traditional spaces which proves to be an appealing aspect for many.  

Lynsey said: “Feedback from deliverers and participants have been very positive. As we deliver in non-traditional fitness settings, we are always trying to be more resourceful when it comes to where our classes take place to break down certain barriers in attending, for example, developing confidence.” 

“Delivering [activities] outdoors provides an excellent opportunity for us to do this. This helps people attend who wouldn’t necessarily access other opportunities.” 

Providing physical activities within these areas also promotes fun and social opportunities. This has been a key focus of GOGA: “Above all else, our classes are designed to be fun. The opportunity to be active is almost supplementary to the enjoyment aspect. If people are enjoying themselves, they are more likely to sustain these physical activity levels which helps us to change misconceptions of physical activity not being for everyone.” 

She continued to say: “Lastly, the fact that people are moving more than they possibly would have, is great for their physical health.” 

 When looking at GOGA’s involvement in Dundee’s Green Health Week and their partnership with Dundee GHP, there is an amazing chance to provide the Tayside area with more opportunities to become physically active. 

GOGA Tayside is an entirely participant-centred model. Lynsey explains the goal is, “To allow us to break down even more barriers of participation. We want to offer sessions in whatever way is comfortable to the participant, rather than expecting them to adjust.” 

“Therefore, we have classes in community settings across Tayside, indoors and outdoors, online and within NHS settings, allowing us to cover more bases to help more people feel comfortable to attend. Trying to find them the right activity in the right place that suits them.” 

 You can find out more about GOGA and their opportunities, here. To learn more and participate in Green Health Week, visit here.

Edinburgh, 2 May 2024 –  Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and the Motability Scheme have teamed up to make sport more accessible and fun for everyone in Scotland, especially for people with disabilities.   

The partnership will help showcase the range of disability sports available across the country, providing opportunities for disabled people to access them alongside their family members. It will also raise awareness and increase understanding among the hundreds of eligible Scots who are not yet using the Motability Scheme and benefitting from the independent mobility it provides. 

The Motability Scheme, delivered by Motability Operations, helps more than 72,000 disabled people across Scotland to access independent mobility through leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. It includes a worry-free package of insurance, servicing and breakdown cover. 

Gavin Thomson, managing director Scotland at Motability Operations said: “The Motability Scheme breaks down barriers to mobility across Scottish society and we are thrilled to be working with Scottish Disability Sport to support, encourage and improve participation in sport. 

“Sport has a unique capacity to bring groups together in an inclusive way and SDS’s values of inclusion, respect, integrity, and ambition align perfectly with ours. We are both purpose-led organisations that exist to improve the everyday lives of disabled people.” 

SDS, the governing and coordinating body for disability sport in Scotland, aims to deliver inclusion through sport, supporting individuals with disabilities to participate, perform and achieve at all levels.  

As part of the agreement, the Motability Scheme will become title sponsor of SDS’s 2024 national events calendar, which engages more than 2,500 disabled participants across Scotland. Offering disability-specific national championships and competition across seven sports including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, archery, bowls, and the Paralympic sport of boccia. 

The Motability Scheme will also become the title sponsor of SDS’s flagship education and training programmes, facilitating their work with primary and secondary teachers in eight local authorities, with a specific provision for educators on vision impairment, and a series of workshops for the SDS branch network, covering every region in Scotland.  

Gavin MacLeod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport said: “This partnership with the Motability Scheme represents an exciting opportunity to further our mission of promoting inclusion through sport. Together, we will work towards removing barriers that prevent disabled Scots from participating in sports and ensure that sporting opportunities are accessible to all.” 

SDS and their 14 member branches, work closely with 32 local authorities and 37 sport governing bodies across Scotland. They govern and coordinate sports for people of all ages and abilities with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities.