British Cycling to act after 'toxic' survey responses

Key points

• British Cycling is launching an action plan after a confidential survey described its World Class Programme as 'toxic'.
• The Times reported a drop in morale among riders and performance staff, with 'toxic' a joint-second most common response.
• Matt Richardson was withdrawn from the Great Britain squad for the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai amid a misconduct investigation.

British Cycling has announced it will implement an action plan following a confidential survey in which some responses described its World Class Programme as 'toxic'. The survey, funded by UK Sport and conducted by an independent company earlier this year, was reported by The Times to show a decline in morale among riders and performance staff.

A British Cycling spokesperson said the wellbeing of staff and riders is fundamental to the organisation. While the majority of team members report loving their jobs and overall favourability has increased, the spokesperson acknowledged that others want improvements and said the organisation is committed to listening and acting.

Details of the survey

The Times reported that 'toxic' was the joint-second most common response when participants were asked for words to describe the World Class Programme. The survey also indicated a drop in morale among both riders and performance staff.

The survey was independently run to provide a tool for learning and improvement, according to British Cycling. The organisation said UK Sport is aware of and supports the action being taken.

The wellbeing of our staff and riders is fundamental to everything we do at British Cycling

— British Cycling spokesperson

Richardson investigation

The reports about the survey come after Matt Richardson was withdrawn from the Great Britain squad for this week's World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai. He is reportedly under investigation for misconduct.

Richardson has said he will co-operate with a British Cycling investigation and promised to do so with 'contrition for the feelings of anyone involved'.

UK Sport response

A UK Sport spokesperson said it is critical that the sports it invests in have a safe, healthy and high-performing culture where athlete voice is included in decision making. The spokesperson explained that periodic independent surveys form part of the assessment of culture within performance programmes.

UK Sport said it has engaged with British Cycling on the findings and is aware of the action plan already being implemented. It will continue to work with British Cycling to ensure its performance culture is of the highest possible standard.