The Sport and Recreation Alliance has partnered with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) as part of its strategy to help sports organisations in the UK to become 'the best run in the world'.

The Alliance and ICSA will provide training, qualifications and professional advice and guidance, for company secretaries and those tasked with leading governance and compliance in sport.

The partnership has ambitious plans to help sports put more effective governance policies, processes and systems in place and to ensure sports chiefs make better decisions which reduce risk and make their organisations more sustainable.

A reference group with representatives from some of the biggest governing bodies in sport is being set up to design the qualifications, training and guidance so that it is tailored to the sector's needs.

To encourage openness and information sharing, a "Chatham House Rule" forum will also be established where members can discuss their issues and concerns with fellow sports leaders in confidence. The services provided by the partnership will help every funded sport to meet Sports Councils' governance requirements that were brought into effect in 2013.

Andy Reed, chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said: "Through this new partnership, people tasked with improving governance in sports organisations will have an impartial place to turn to so that we can make coordinated, visible and measurable long-term improvements to the way they run and manage their sports."