Cricket Scotland can today provide an update on the progress of the referrals process. Nine further cases have been concluded and signed off by the Cricket Scotland board, bringing the total concluded to 21.
Beyond this, an additional number of cases are being completed by the independent investigating team and are expected to be handed over to the governing body shortly.
Across the nine cases, a total of 38 actions around Cricket Scotland processes were recommended as requiring improvement. All these actions have been included in agreed, and soon to be published, Cricket Scotland action plans.
Examples of new learnings for the governing body emanating from the nine cases include:
- Ensuring recruitment processes are conducted transparently and through an EDI lens
- Providing transparency and fairness in all selection processes and policies
- Training all Cricket Scotland players and staff in how to challenge racism, as part of wider EDI/anti-racism and terminology training
- Establishment of pastoral care and greater support mechanisms outside of regular team hierarchies
- Making improvements to Cricket Scotland’s disciplinary system and providing confidence to those engaging with it
- Ensuring protection to those who raise complaints and report allegations of racism
- Ensuring there is an improved, fair, and transparent development pathway for prospective coaches to increase skills, experience, and opportunities
Additionally, in some of the cases recommendations have been made that would improve the way in which the wider cricket community operates, including:
- Ensuring that all regions and clubs have transparent, robust complaints processes
- Ensuring that all involved within cricket are bound by the Cricket Scotland Code of Conduct
Complainants who asked to be advised about the process and decision to conclude the referrals in question are being notified accordingly.
The process of investigating the referrals has been conducted by an independent team made up of representatives from Harper Macleod LLP, Bishop Lloyd and Jackson Solicitors and Sporting Equals, with support for complainants where appropriate from Running Out Racism, and with overall oversight from sportscotland. Once investigation work around a referral is completed, the report and recommendations are passed on to Cricket Scotland.
Pete Fitzboydon, Cricket Scotland Chief Executive, said:
“I would once again like to place on record my thanks to the independent investigating team for their comprehensive work on these cases, and I am pleased that we can confirm the conclusion of another nine referrals.
“There are a series of learnings around the processes of Cricket Scotland which have been highlighted from these cases, and as with those cases already concluded, these learnings are already being acted upon.
“While we understand the wider cricketing community’s desire to see a conclusion to this process as soon as possible, in what has been a difficult period for our sport, it is imperative that every case is dealt with sensitively, and that those involved are supported and consulted appropriately.”
A guide to the referrals process, as well as a chart detailing workflow around the disciplinary process, can be found via the Cricket Scotland website.
Cricket Scotland will provide further updates on the remaining cases currently with the investigating team as they are progressed and concluded.
