A new Sports Governance Academy (SGA), designed to support, develop and connect people working in the sport and physical activity sector, is set to launch in April 2020.

Set up in partnership by Sport England and the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), the SGA will offer those working in the industry a number of free assets aimed at improving sports governance.

A number of resources will also be made available through the initiative – ranging from CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity)-accredited training courses, dedicated networking events and an annual conference.

The resources will be made available to all Sport England and UK Sport-funded organisations.

Details of the GSA were revealed at the CIMSPA and Quest NBS conference on 27 February.

Speaking at the event, Sport England CEO Tim Hollingsworth said: “This important support hub will equip people in the sports and physical activity sector grappling with governance, with resources, training and access to a thriving network of like-minded individuals.

“Ultimately, it will help all those leading, working and volunteering in sports organisations to embed good governance at all levels, enhance performance and achieve their goals.

“We’re delighted also with the support that CIMSPA is providing by accrediting the training courses that the Academy will be running.”

The free ‘knowledge base’ will provide resources for raising governance standards such as guidance, template documents, webinars and blogs.

Sara Drake, the CGI’s chief executive, added: “Effective governance contributes to the success of all organisations and the SGA has been established to provide the tools necessary for people to drive that success.

“Sport enjoys a special place in many people’s hearts and providing organisations funded by Sport England or UK Sport and the wider sector with the tools to improve their governance will help build a successful and sustainable sector.”