The charity was recently recognised in the Institute of Fundraising Awards, winning the Change Collective Award, after climbing more than 200 places in Stonewall’s third sector Top 100 Employers list for 2020 to first place in one year.

With its headquarters in Loughborough, Leicestershire, the Youth Sport Trust has embedded policies in all areas of the organisation, creating an inclusive culture in the workplace. This has disseminated through its projects, programmes and events, empowering the next generation to shape a more diverse and inclusive world for all.

Charitable organisations including British Red Cross, RNLI, Macmillan Cancer Support and UNICEF UK were all named as winners in categories through the Awards.

Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver said:

We are thrilled to have been recognised in the Change Collective Institute of Fundraising Award.

Promoting inclusion and championing diversity are central to our charity’s mission. We know that young people who feel they don’t fit in – perhaps due to a disability, their background or sexual orientation - are most likely to miss out on sport. Yet often it is these young people who would gain the most from the aspirations, life skills and belonging that sport can offer.

Turning this around goes to the heart of what we do and is reflected in the way we go about our work, with a strong culture of respecting difference, valuing individuality and welcoming all.

In 2019 we were particularly proud to establish a new LGBTQ+ Sport Network Group for staff of the Youth Sport Trust and our partners which is continuing to grow in membership. In addition to this we put on awareness training for staff and partners, made our procurement procedures more inclusive and stepped up our engagement in important national campaigns like LGBT history month and supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces movement.

The judges were impressed with the Youth Sport Trust’s inspirational approach to its policies and thought that it shows that when an organisation puts its mind to it, change can happen and make a difference.

To see the full list of award winners, please visit: www.new.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/awards/winners-(1)