Press Release: McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc. to conduct analysis of safe sport models
Report will be critical next step in determining implementation of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)
OTTAWA, July 15, 2020 — On behalf of the UCCMS Leadership Group, the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) is pleased to announce that McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc. (MGSS) has been engaged to provide analysis, input and recommendations, based on Canadian and international models, for preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport in Canada.
“The national sport community is committed to creating a safe sport environment in Canada that protects athletes, and all participants, from abuse and harassment. We are entering a new phase in the UCCMS process having completed a wide-ranging consultation process that involved experts from across the country. MGSS’s report will ensure the approach to administering the UCCMS is informed by the latest research and best practices,” said Debra Gassewitz, President and CEO of SIRC.
MGSS was selected through a public request for proposals process in June 2020. The MGSS team brings a deep understanding of the Canadian and international safe sport landscape and an independent lens to this project – both critical to conducting a credible analysis that will help inform how the UCCMS is implemented and scalable to all levels of sport within Canada.
“MGSS is delighted to be working with SIRC and the UCCMS Leadership Group on this very important initiative for Canadian sport,” said Professor Richard H. McLaren, O.C., CEO of MGSS. “The MGSS team is confident that we can bring a unique level of expertise to the process. We will consolidate all research, review international and Canadian models, and consult with subject matter experts. Our goal is to deliver an analysis that can then be used to build a robust mechanism to protect all participants.”
This project will be the next step in a staged process to develop and implement the UCCMS. It builds on focused work within the sector over the past 18 months, including extensive stakeholder consultations and the engagement of external legal and maltreatment experts, and the release of the UCCMS (version 5.1) in December 2019. The analysis by MGSS will help inform the identification of proposed requirements, necessary structure, and key responsibilities and services for the UCCMS administrative body. It is expected that the administrative body will be in place by April 1, 2021.
MGSS will report by the end of September 2020 to the UCCMS Leadership Group, comprised of athletes and representatives from National Sport Organizations (NSOs), Multi-sport Service Organizations (MSOs), and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN); and subject matter experts and Sport Canada.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
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About SIRC:
Incorporated in 1973, SIRC, the Sport Information Resource Centre, is Canada’s leader and most trusted partner in advancing sport through knowledge and evidence. SIRC is committed to engaging with organizations and individuals involved in the development of sport, recreation and physical education in Canada and around the world, to enhance the capacity of our shared community to foster growth and the pursuit of excellence. Visit sirc.ca to learn more. SIRC is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
About McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc.:
Founded in 2014, MGSS helps sports organizations, at all levels, build effective and strong management structures that are based on robust governance and ethical frameworks. MGSS is an expert in building customized arbitration and adjudication services as well as developing processes to reduce risks, and creating ways of working that prioritizes ethical behaviour. Visit our website at www.mclarenglobalsportsolutions.com.
Media Contacts:
Peter Morrow
Knowledge Mobilization & Communications Specialist
Sport Information Resource Centre
pmorrow@sirc.ca
1-613-231-7472 ext. 3
MGSS Contact:
Catherine Doyle
Catherine.doyle@communicationsavenue.com
1-514-641-3266