Chair And Vice-Chair Of Sport NI Resign

The chair and vice-chair of Sport NI have stepped down from their posts.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has appointed interim staff to take their places.

She has appointed Brian Delaney to act as interim chair and Dr Catherine O’Mullan to act as interim vice-chair.

The resignations followed an internal investigation into Sport NI after concerns were raised by its staff.

Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "There were some positive findings regarding teams, relationships with colleagues, line managers, motivation and equality. However, the survey confirmed the major issues of concern, including an absence of clear leadership and direction from the Board and Senior Management team, a situation which has improved recently but which requires urgent further improvement over the coming months. Importantly, nearly a third of staff said they had been subjected to bullying, harassment, victimisation or discrimination, a situation which clearly cannot continue. Overall the management of grievance processes has been poor and there has been evidence from the staff survey which indicates that Sport NI’s Dignity at Work Policy has not always been adhered to.

"The Team has now presented their report to me and I have given careful consideration to its findings. The report identifies a number of challenges and I am clear that we need to live up to our promises to staff that we will take action.

"I have discussed these findings with Brian Henning and Ian McAvoy. They both feel that the time is right for them to step down from their positions as Chair and Vice Chair respectively to make way for a new leadership team at Board level to implement the recommendations. I thank them for the commitment and passion to the furtherance of sport and for their hard work and dedication during their time as Board members."

The Minister plans to meet with the staff of Sport NI next week.

(CD)