UK Anti-Doping has strengthened its power to identify and punish drug cheats after announcing a refresh to its strategic plan.
The body, which is responsible for policing clean sport in the UK, has recalibrated its strategy and extended it by 12 months to 2026.
Key new additions include a clear focus on putting the athlete voice first, strengthening the organisation’s powers and capabilities to identify and act on wrongdoing, and to actively support and advise on wider sport integrity issues.
Launched in 2021, the framework sets out the requirements for National Governing Bodies to meet to fulfil their anti-doping role and 163 National Governing Bodies have now fulfilled their requirements.
A refresh has been introduced due to new developments in the anti-doping landscape globally, as well as organisational changes in the last few years, including the arrival of UKAD’s new Chief Executive, Jane Rumble, and other new additions at its Board and Directors team level.
Across the next two years, in addition to delivering to its revised plans, UKAD will also be pulling together another multi-year strategy.
Ama Agbeze MBE, former England netball captain and Chair of the UKAD Athlete Commission, said: “The Athlete Commission is delighted to see the thought and rigour that UKAD has put into this Strategic Refresh to ensure that athletes are at the heart of all that they do.
“The organisation continues to protect clean sport, but there is more work to be done and we look forward to supporting UKAD throughout.”
UKAD is hosting a panel event on 14 May with members of the sporting community coming together to look at the journey of para-athletes in getting to the podium.
With Mental Health Awareness Week running alongside Clean Sports Week this year, there will also be a range of advice published for athletes on how to look after both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Chair of UKAD’s Board, Trevor Pearce, said: “The Board is delighted to be sharing UKAD’s Strategic Refresh with the sporting community at the start of Clean Sport Week. Since the launch of UKAD’s Strategic Plan 2021-25, the organisation has made significant progress towards its goals.
“However, the threats to clean sport have evolved since it produced its original Strategic Plan and this refresh will help strengthen UKAD’s efforts to keep sport clean.
“This new document sets out a pathway to 2026, putting athletes at the forefront of all work. With huge sporting events covered by the span of this refresh, including the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, UKAD’s work has never been more important.
“This Strategic Refresh is ambitious, but with UKAD’s knowledgeable and passionate workforce, Athlete Commission, Innovation Commission, and with ongoing collaborations and partnerships, UKAD will continue to make great strides in creating a culture of clean sport in the UK.”
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