Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group
Strengthening Leadership, Governance and Sector Influence
The Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group entered a new stage when Fatima Khan-Shah was appointed as Chair. Her leadership has brought clear focus, confidence, and strong direction to the group.
Fatima’s personal experience, knowledge of the sector, and values-led approach have helped the group better challenge racism and support partners to take practical, long-lasting action. Under her leadership, the group has become more visible, respected, and influential across sport and physical activity in the region.
One major step forward was creating clear Terms of Reference. This set out the group’s purpose, how it is run, and how decisions are made, all based on anti-racist principles. This has improved accountability, clarified roles, and set clear expectations around representation, allyship, and shared responsibility. The document will continue to develop as the group grows and learns.
Impact Across Active Partnerships and System Partners
The work of the Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group has had a tangible impact within our local Active Partnerships: North Yorkshire Sport & Yorkshire Sport Foundation.
Through honest conversations, shared learning, and supportive challenge, the group has helped these organisations review their policies, working practices, and workplace cultures. This has increased confidence in talking about racism, encouraged more meaningful discussions about equality, diversity, and inclusion, and strengthened commitment to anti-racist approaches across strategy, staff development, and community work.
The group has also helped bring partners together across the region, creating safe spaces for open and honest discussion. This has ensured anti-racism is treated as a shared responsibility, not a one-off project.
The growing number of people signing the group’s pledge shows the ongoing need for this work and the importance of continuing to develop and strengthen the group.
Growing Commitment Through the Anti-Racism in Sport Pledge
The rising number of Anti-Racism in Sport Pledge sign-ups shows a growing commitment across Yorkshire and Humber to tackling racism in sport and physical activity.
The pledge gives organisations, clubs, and individuals a clear first step to begin their anti-racism journey. It also helps those already doing this work to reflect, stay accountable, and keep improving. The group uses the pledge to encourage discussion, offer support, and promote shared responsibility across the region.
As more people sign up, the regional network committed to long-term cultural change continues to grow stronger.
Planning and Delivery of Anti-Racism in Sport Conferences
To build on this progress, members of the group from each Active Partnership have led the planning of three Anti-Racism in Sport conferences across Yorkshire and Humber.
These conferences aim to:
- Share learning, good practice, and lived experience from across the sector
- Support organisations at different stages of their anti-racism journey
- Push the conversation beyond good intentions and towards real action
- Build a strong regional network of leaders, practitioners, and allies
The conferences mark an important step in expanding the group’s impact. They create opportunities to influence policy, everyday practice, and organisational culture across the region.
While planning the conferences brought challenges, this only reinforced how important and necessary this work is, and how strong the regional commitment is to tackling racism directly and openly.
The St Lawrence Academy
The St Lawrence Academy in Scunthorpe has put multiculturalism and diversity and the heart of their values, with 56% of their students speaking English as a second language.
We spoke to staff and students at the school about fostering participation in PE and positive experiences of being active.
Sustainable Development Goals:
