Governance

We are independent, not for profit, and use all our efforts and resources towards creating positive outcomes for people and communities affected or impacted by sport. Our work is underpinned by the Sporting Chance Principles, a set of principles that we work towards the promotion and fulfilment of. 

Launched in June 2018, the Centre is the outcome of a multi-stakeholder process convened by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB). We remain multi-stakeholder in character, and work closely with the members of our Advisory Council, each of whom have pledged support to the Sporting Chance Principles. We are also unique in having the intergovernmental standard bearers for human rights – the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) among the founders of the Centre. Our Founding Patron is Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Centre became fully independent in July 2021 with a unique governance structure. The custodians of the Centre are the seven governing Members of our Swiss Association: the Government of Switzerland (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs); the International Trade Union Confederation; the International Organisation of Employers; the Commonwealth Games Federation; Human Rights Watch, the World Players Association, and IHRB. The ILO and OHCHR are Permanent Observers to the Association, with their roles embedded in our Articles of Association. Each of the Members and Permanent Observers nominate two individuals to represent them in the governance of the Centre, including in the appointment of the Board of Directors, appointed by the Members on the recommendation of a Nominations Committee comprised of a cross-section of Advisory Council members. Our board of nine diverse and experienced Directors act in their own personal capacities and have legal and fiduciary responsibility for the Centre, as well as overseeing strategy. Chief Executive Mary Harvey reports to the board.

Our operating entity is a UK charity, wholly controlled by the Swiss Association.

Regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, we publish annual reports and audited accounts, each available in our filings with Companies House. The Board of charity is the same as the board of the association and our Directors are charity trustees.  

Further information about our governance, including our Code of Conduct, policies and procedures, and with regard to complaints and grievances is available under policies.