Our purpose is to stimulate brilliance in people and organisations. We recognise that we could hold the keys to people’s futures, unlocking potential and possibilities. We take this seriously.
We had the opportunity to disrupt and spark brilliance through our latest pioneering research #HorsesForAll commissioned by British Equestrian (BEF).
British Equestrian recognised a need to understand why ethnically diverse populations are underrepresented within the industry.
I’m excited for the wider audience to read and understand the range of experiences people from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds in the equine sector. What underpins it all, is everyone’s love for the horse world and the drive to be much a part of it as one’s heart desires. – Reyss Wheeler, Lead Researcher at AKD
BEF Chair Malcolm Wharton commented; “This is an important day for British Equestrian and our member bodies as we strive to create a community that is truly representative of society and where all participants feel welcome, included and free from discrimination. It was a huge step to directly engage with those in the ethnically diverse and underserved communities and get their feedback, but a vital one – we are extremely grateful to AKD Solutions for making it happen. The insight gained from this research puts us in a much stronger position to effect meaningful, systemic change and provides a foundation from which to make plans to deliver results, which will have impact on generations to come.”
AKD Solutions welcome the acknowledgement by the UK’s five Sports Councils that racism and racial inequality remain significant issues across sport in the UK at all levels and have had a detrimental and disadvantaging impact over many years.
With the publication of the #TellYourStory report and the wider review, the Sports Councils’ have accepted that the recommendations put forward should be used to develop and deliver tangible actions to tackle the issues raised. AKD Solutions hopes this commitment will be a springboard for positive and lasting change.
We are a Black-owned training and development consultancy, which researched and authored #TellYourStory, a lived experience report looking at the impact of race and racism on sporting lives.
In Autumn 2020, we began working with the Chief Executives of UK Sport, Sport Wales, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport England and sportscotland. With the murder of George Floyd, a catalyst, they had joined forces to commit to tackling racism and racial inequalities across their nations. Their goal – to develop a collective plan to help build sporting communities that truly reflect the societies they represent.
AKD has great hope for BEF and the equestrian industry, that it will continue to be driven to share their passion for horses with ALL communities. Akin Thomas, CEO of AKD adds; “Our hope is that this is not just a great piece of research project but also to build long-standing relationships between communities and equestrian sport, providing greater awareness, breaking down barriers, and bringing genuine opportunities for people.”
“I hope they continue to be brave enough to pursue better…”
“Much work is needed to reverse the outcomes of systematic racism in sport. However, the Sports Councils’ have started to address the inequalities, and I hope they continue to be brave enough to pursue a better, equitable and anti-racist sporting landscape”. Ladi Ajayi, Head of Sport Division – AKD Solutions.
Two key themes were established from survey responses: “Motivations, Barriers and Perceptions of Equestrianism” and “Lived Experiences of Ethnically and Socio-economically Diverse Equestrians”. In line with this project’s aim to understand the views and experiences of those from ethnically diverse and low socio-economic backgrounds, the data were analysed and interpreted, where appropriate, in the context of survey respondents’ reported ethnicity and annual household income. Statistics provided below are responses from all survey respondents, unless otherwise specified.
Ladi Ajayi the Head of Sport Division adds, “We are pleased and honoured to have undertaken the research on behalf of the BEF. The findings share similar themes and challenges in the equestrianism field as what was found in our ‘Tell Your Story‘ research. I truly believe by hearing lived experiences and stimulating dialog about challenges of race, class and socioeconomics, equestrian sport and leisure will be able to transform and be more inclusive. I welcome the journey BEF are taking to see their activities from an EDI lens and help change equestrianism for the better.”
AKD Solutions (AKD) is an international organisational change consultancy, whose purpose is to stimulate brilliance. We genuinely believe in the brilliance in people and organisations. We spark that brilliance by designing and delivering stimulating, challenging and fun learning experiences. Find
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber made disparaging comments about women’s football. He was asked about his experience of attending his first women’s football game,
Six weeks ago Ladi Ajayi, the Head of the Sport Division at AKD informed the team he was going to be on a national TV show, Race Across the World (RATW)! This was exciting and to celebrate we launched a
AKD has great hope for BEF and the equestrian industry, that it will continue to be driven to share their passion for horses with ALL communities. Akin Thomas, CEO of AKD adds; “Our hope is that this is not just a great piece of research project but also to build long-standing relationships between communities and equestrian sport, providing greater awareness, breaking down barriers, and bringing genuine opportunities for people.”
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Email: contact@akdsolutions.com
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