Event Summary

2026 is a landmark year for sport with the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer and the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland, the spotlight on inclusion, representation and equal access has never been brighter. But beyond the headlines, significant challenges remain across the sport sector in ensuring that everyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or socioeconomic background can participate, progress and thrive.

Westminster Insight’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Conference will bring together influential voices from across sport, government, governing bodies and the third sector to explore how the sector can turn commitment into lasting, structural change.

Drawing on the DCMS Select Committee’s ongoing State of Play inquiry and Sport England’s guidance on achieving greater diversity and inclusion, we will spotlight what good practice looks like across sport and physical activity, and what still needs to shift. How can sporting bodies embed EDI not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a core driver of participation, performance and commercial success?

We will explore the power of major events as a catalyst for inclusion, including how the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow can leave a lasting legacy for underrepresented groups and inspire new generations to get active. How can governing bodies and local partners harness the visibility these events bring to drive grassroots participation and close persistent equity gaps?

A key focus will be race and ethnicity in sport from tackling racism on and off the pitch, to improving the representation of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in coaching, leadership and governance. We will examine what progress has been made and where action is still needed.

We will also address disability sport and inclusion exploring how clubs, governing bodies and venues can move beyond minimum compliance to create genuinely accessible and welcoming environments for disabled athletes and spectators at all levels.

Hear from those tackling LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, addressing homophobia and transphobia, and creating safe environments where everyone feels welcome to compete and participate.

Delegates will gain practical insights, case studies and innovative approaches to embedding EDI across their organisations. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with peers and play your part in shaping a more inclusive future for sport.

Key Points

  • Policy and funding developments: the DCMS State of Play inquiry and Sport England’s diversity and inclusion guidance
  • Major events and legacy: harnessing the Women’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games 2026 to drive inclusion and grassroots participation
  • Tackling racism and discrimination on and off the pitch and in online spaces
  • Improving diversity in leadership, coaching and governance across sporting bodies
  • Disability sport: creating genuinely accessible and inclusive environments at all levels
  • LGBTQ+ inclusion: tackling homophobia and transphobia and fostering safe sporting environments
  • Socioeconomic barriers to participation: cost, facilities and community access
  • Data and accountability: using evidence to measure progress and drive change
  • Grassroots inclusion: engaging underrepresented communities and widening participation
  • Best practice case studies from clubs, governing bodies and community organisations

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Group discounts

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