Sport review finds 'catalogue of broken promises'

Simon Cooper's review revealed "a catalogue of broken promises" to sports organisations.

An independent report into the government's sport strategy has revealed "a catalogue of broken promises" to sports organisations.

The 115-page review details "a lack of clarity" between the States and the Jersey Sport body which was founded in 2017.

Simon Cooper, former head of sport for the mayor of London, wrote the report and said "urgent action is required".

Deputy Lucy Stephenson said she hoped the report can "mark a positive reset".

Mr Cooper found clubs believed there would be a "brighter future" for sports on the island when Jersey Sport was formed, but the extra funding expected had not materialised.

'Never been funded'

He said: "Funding for sport has reduced and the sector appears to feel alienated from the very organisation which is supposed to be serving its best interests."

According to the report, Jersey Sport said it "had never been funded to undertake its original work programme" and this had "been repeatedly raised with government, to no avail".

The review said two concerns had been raised regarding Jersey Sport's budget.

It said: "First was the extent to which expectations have been met about the level of financial support from the Government of Jersey.

"Second was the importance of fundraising, with very different views expressed about the original commitments made."

The report also dubbed the Inspiring an Active Jersey scheme close to being a "serious and significant failure".

It said: "When the strategy was launched, no detail was given about how it would be implemented.

"There were no KPIs (key performance indicators), (and) no 'road map' showing the key milestones to achieve delivery of its target."

'Changing political priorities'

Catriona McAllister, CEO of Jersey Sport, said she "welcomes the report" and that it creates opportunity to "build a strong partnership moving forward".

She said: "One of the challenges we face is that we've dealt with a number of different people in government over the years.

Catriona McAllister, CEO of Jersey Sport, said she "welcomes the report"

"It's through nobody's fault that people naturally move on but it's always been difficult to get any continuity.

"And then you have to add into that changing governments and changing political priorities.

"So therefore it's difficult to get any longevity to some of those conversations."

Deputy Lucy Stephenson said when she was appointed to the role of minister for sport in 2022 "there was some ill feeling and concerns" raised by organisations.

She said: "That comes out in the report, and I think that's quite clear. There is good work going on in many areas, particularly around physical activity.

"But the report does make it quite clear that we need to be working better in the area of sport and more can be done to support our sports organisations."

The report recommended continuing the agreement between the States and Jersey Sport, but with "delivery strengthened".

Costing more than £18,000, it is the first such review of the relationship between the government and the body.

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