The working group was led by NI Sports Forum and Sport Northern Ireland. The guide aims to provide organisations with principles, behaviours and case studies of what good governance looks like. The website includes resources on: athlete selection, safeguarding, equality, anti-doping and CASC v Charitable Status.
NI Sports Forum Services
A voluntary association of 70+ Full Members and 25+ Associate Members, providing the strategic framework for Northern Ireland’s sporting governing bodies
70
+
Full Members
25
+
Associate Members
14
Individual Members
Our Services
The Northern Ireland Sports forum offers a number of support services to member organisations. Whether it is seeking advice on Governance, new Directors for Management Committees / Boards or advice for disputes, we offer support and information for our member organisations. Check out just some of the services provided by the NI Sports Forum.
Sports Governance Guide
An online Sports Governance Guide for Northern Ireland, developed by a multi-agency working group, was launched at an All Party Group on Sport and Recreation at Parliament Buildings in November 2017. The guide is under review to reflect the new Code of Governance 3rd edition for the Voluntary and Community sector, launched in November 2021.
Board Recruitment Programme
Launched in 2019 to strengthen the boards of member organisations including: Ulster Rugby, Ulster Hockey, IABA, RYANI, Ulster Tennis, NI Commonwealth Games Council and Athletics NI.
PLACEMENT SUCCESSES
SKILLS WE LOOK FOR
Chairperson
Performance
Coaching
Secretarial & Administrative
Legal
IT
Accountancy / Finance
Public Affairs
Human Resources
Communications & Marketing
Business Development
Participation
- Individuals who would like to/be willing to join a sports organisation board complete an ‘Expression of Interest Form’.
- Member organisations will outline their recruitment requirements based on any skills gaps that they face.
- NISF will analyse expressions of interests from applicants and match potential skills gaps from member organisations.
- NISF will discuss possible organisations with applicants to see if this is an organisation they would potentially like to join.
- NISF will then arrange an informal meeting between the organisation and the applicant.
- NISF will take feedback from both parties and discuss any further arrangements if required.
Applicant details are retained for two years and managed solely by the Executive Manager
OUR VIDEO
Check out this video from 2020 with Archery NI where Chairperson Marc Scott outlines how successful engaging in the programme was from their perspective whilst Eilish Ward who joined Archery NI through the process gives her perspective on how she found engaging in the recruitment programme.
Expression of Interest
Interested parties are asked to return their Expression of Interest Form online, which can be found below. Applicant’s details will be retained for a period of two years and will be only given to member organisations with the applicants own consent. The database will be managed solely by the NI Sports Forum Executive Manager.
Access Northern Ireland
Does your organisation need support in processing Access NI applications?
Apply for an Access NI Check
From the 1st of April 2015 applicants who are required to undergo an AccessNI check will be able to apply on-line and registered/umbrella body signatories can countersign applications on-line, using the Government’s NIDirect web-site www.nidirect.gov.uk/accessni
AccessNI believe that these changes will benefit everyone, applicants, registered/umbrella bodies and AccessNI. AccessNI will, for example, be the first disclosure service in the UK to enable all applications to be made on-line.The changes also help AccessNI to control costs and should therefore avoid the need for any further fee increase for the foreseeable future (volunteers remain free). The use of the online system will also speed the process up enabling the applicant to receive their disclosure check much quicker.
Organisations who use NISF as an umbrella body to process Access NI applications need to use our new updated Pin Notification Validation Form. This pin number is specific to NISF and is for bodies who use NISF as an umbrella body to process their Access NI applications.
Technical Guidance
Paul Stephenson from the Child Protection in Sport Unit of the NSPCC has also provided an Applicant Instructions document which been devised to provide further information on the Access NI online process which can be found here.
Want to use NISF to process your Access NI application forms?
From April 2013 on wards if Governing Bodies do not meet the requirement of undertaking a minimum of 20 checks per year they will be deregistered by Access NI. The Northern Ireland Sports Forum has registered to become an Umbrella body to support those who do not meet the requirements of Access NI.
Northern Ireland Sports Forum processes applications for over 20 member organisations. If you believe that this is a service that your organisation would like to avail of then please contact us on 028 9622 1224 or email info@nisf.net
Safeguarding
Developed in partnership with the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
Thank you for taking time to visit the Northern Ireland Sports Forum’s (NISF) Safeguarding section. This section was developed by the NISF in partnership with the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit.
Statement of Commitment
"This Organisation is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. Every individual in the organisation should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organisation and the requirements contained in the Safeguarding Children in Sport Standards."
Members Statement
NISF
NISF Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding Young People in Sport
Safeguarding Children and Young People is a responsibility of all those who come into contact with them. The Northern Ireland Sport’s Forum is committed to promoting best practice which safeguards children and young people and as part of an organisation’s membership with NISF we will require those registering for membership to sign up to the following statement.
What Organisations / Club’s Should Do
Sport is an every-day activity for many children and makes a significant contribution to their wellbeing and development. All sports have a duty to safeguard children from abuse within their sport. They also have a role in recognising and responding to concerns that a child may be being harmed within another setting, such as the family home or school.
By encouraging all Governing Bodies to implement the Safeguarding Children in Sport Standards the NISF believes that everyone in children’s sport will benefit – children, parents/guardians and leaders.
CORE STANDARDS
CONTACT
For further information or advice please contact; Paul Stephenson
Child Protection in Sport Unit
NSPCC, Jennymount Court, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN
Child Protection in Sport Unit
NSPCC, Jennymount Court, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN
For club’s you can download the Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards in Sport which will help clubs review their own procedures below.
Disputes Resolution
"Are disputes taking up too much time and creating difficulties? NISF is committed to working with members to prevent disputes through appropriate processes."
Overview
The NISF Disputes Resolution Service is in place to support Member organisations where disputes may arise. The service provides access to trusted, specialist support to help resolve issues fairly, efficiently, and in the best interests of sport. Our focus is on early intervention, sound advice, and proportionate resolution, helping Members maintain good governance, protect relationships, and minimise risk.
Through our strategic partnerships with Sports Law NI, Dispute Resolutions UK, and other specialist bodies, Members benefit from access to experienced professionals with a strong understanding of the sports and voluntary sector environment.
Eligible Members have access to:
- Legal advice tailored to sports-related matters
- HR advice to support employment, volunteer, and organisational issues
- Dispute resolution support, including mediation and structured resolution processes
In 2026, NISF aims to further strengthen this service by developing a legal panel to support direct Members, ensuring access to relevant, high-quality advice aligned to the specific needs of the sector.
CONTACT
Richard has worked in sport for over 20 years. As a a youth, he represented Ireland at two Youth World Sailing Championships in 1998 and 1999 and won multiple youth national titles. Richard has worked as a watersports instructor and then became a coach, working with international athletes for a period, before then the NI Youth Squads and Irish Youth Academy.
He worked as Performance Manager for RYA Northern Ireland from 2006 to 2016, developing the performance pathway and supporting high performance athletes, including coaching the Irish men’s single handed representative at London 2012. From 2016 to 2022 Richard was Chief Operating Officer for RYA Northern Ireland.
Richards interests have always been in outdoor sports, from sailing to Stand Up Paddleboarding. His main hobby is windsurfing and now moving into foiling.
SPORTS LAW CONFERENCE
The Northern Ireland Sports Forum is a proud long-standing partner of the annual Sports Law Conference, delivered alongside the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Established in response to the growing intersection of sport and law, the conference brings together leading voices from the legal, medical, and sporting professions to explore key sports law themes, including governance, disciplinary processes, mediation and arbitration, equality, injury risk, and emerging issues such as concussion in sport. Its continued success is reflected in both the calibre of speakers and the strong attendance from across the sporting and legal sectors.
Insurance Advice
Official Insurance Partner to NI Sports Forum
NISF is proud to partner with Attis Sports Insurance to provide tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for the needs of our members and the wider sports sector. This collaboration brings access to specialist expertise, competitive cover, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by sporting organisations at every level.
Through this partnership, NISF members can benefit from trusted advice, comprehensive protection, and exclusive advantages that help safeguard their organisations, people, and activities—allowing sport to thrive with confidence across Northern Ireland.
About Attis Sport and Leisure
Attis Sport and Leisure is a full service specialist Sports Insurance Broker run by a passionate and dedicated team from our four offices across the UK.
Attis Sport and Leisure only work with insurers who have an expert understanding of the risks and challenges faced by individuals and businesses operating in the sports industries, and who are experienced in dealing with the various claims arising from all types of sports and activities, from sports travel and motorsport to sports facilities and major events.
Sports Travel Insurance
The following product is brough to you in association with Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). You will be directed to their website when obtaining a quotation.
Quotations are offered on a non-advised basis, and their terms and conditions of sale should be checked and agreed to before proceeding to purchase cover and to ensure the product meets your needs.
SPORTS TRAVEL COVER
- Cover for individuals, couples, families, groups and teams where sporting activities are your main reason for travelling
- Over 300 activities covered
- Includes cover for training, competition and course fees
- Single Trip or Annual Multi Trip policies available
- Maximum age limit 65
CONTACT
Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Event Management, Risk Management, Business Development, and Marketing Strategy. Specialising in the Motorsport and Sports insurance field, working with National Governing Bodies, Associations, Clubs, Competitors and Volunteers. All aspects of Motorsport and Sport insurances placed in specialist insurance markets. Strong business development professional.
Latest Events
Our Conferences and seminars for Members, clubs and associates
January
Stronger Proposals, Clearer Impact: A Practical Approach
Stronger Proposals, Clearer Impact: A Practical Approach
February
April
A Research Agenda Recognising the Value of Sport and Physical Activity in NI
A Research Agenda Recognising the Value of Sport and Physical Activity in NI
June
July
August
September
October
November
Sports Law Conference 2026 – Duty of Care in Sport 13/11/26
Sports Law Conference 2026 – Duty of Care in Sport 13/11/26
December
Sport and Leisure Procurement Service & Portal
The Welsh Sports association Procurement Portal is open to all NISF Members and clubs to access
ELECTRICITY
GAS
IT SUPPORT
SOLAR
About the Portal
The Sport and Leisure Procurement service is brought to members via an agreement between the Welsh Sports Association (WSA), Community Leisure UK (CLUK) and procurement specialists 2buy2. 2buy2 is a Cardiff based procurement specialist providing strategic procurement advice and education. The service provides a number of frameworks and surveys that can allow an organisation to gather quotes in areas such as energy, broadband and other expenditure items. To access the Portal, simply register via the link below and navigate across a number of areas for support.
The portal provides self-service access to a range of approved supplier lists, framework agreements, quotes & pricing from pre-accredited suppliers, and to access these via a RFQ (request for quote) process, will be Free. There will also be access to a series of best practice procurement guides, templates, and procedures free of charge.
There are opportunities available through 2buy2’s existing product categories, include Electricity, Gas, Water, Chemicals, Telecoms, Cleaning products, IT Support, HR support, Solar solutions, Broadband etc. Additional, demand led, services and products will continue to be added to the portal as and when required.
In order to access 2buy2’s energy frameworks, organisations are required to complete a manual 2buy2 DCF (Data Collection Form) and LOA (Letter of Authority).
For new products and services, where there is collaboration and the opportunity to aggregate data and spend, 2buy2 will source products and services free of charge, so please make sure you are expressing your ‘Additional Needs’ via the portal.
If your organisation has a bespoke requirement, or one that is above PCR2015 thresholds for public spending, 2buy2 will be required to procure using a compliant tender process and this may incur a fee.
