Top 10 Tips for launching an ‘Independent Review’ in Sport

John Mehrzad KC FCIArb of Fountain Court Chambers, sets out an updated top 10 tips for conducting an independent review in sport.

John draws on his extensive experience as member and chairperson of several independent panels that carried out the reviews into actions relating to sporting governing bodies. He has also written, lectured and spoken widely about best practice for sporting independent reviews.

By way of handful of examples only, since 2016 there have been independent sporting reviews British Cycling, the British Equestrian Federation, UK Athletics and the Professional Footballer’s Association, elsewhere in football and tennis, gymnastics and swimming.

At the outset, it must be stressed that an independent review is not an internal investigation. A review’s purpose is to consider contributions, in oral or paper form, and documents to build a factual picture in order to inform the review panellists of issues that need be addressed by way of suggested recommendations in a final review report. A review is, therefore, primarily a forward-looking process. An internal investigation, on the other hand, is usually an initial step as part of a disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing or safeguarding procedure, which may lead to disciplinary or similar action. Of course, as part of a review process, investigations need though to be carried out.