Who Can Be On a British Gymnastics Case Panel?
We’ve been having a look at BG’s new Safeguarding and Disciplinary procedures. This is how we think the make up of the new panels compares to the ICP (Independent Complaints Process) panels.
1. Triaging & Executive Governance: CMT vs. CMG
Old ICP Case Management Team (CMT):
- Structure: A 3-member panel comprising the external Independent Person as Chair plus two members appointed by the Independent Person.
- Member Selection: Drawn from an internal pool of BG directors and managers (e.g., Safeguarding Case Manager, Integrity Director, Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer). If delegated externally, members were drawn from the Sport Resolutions National Safeguarding Panel.
- Decision Authority: The Independent Person held sole, final decision-making authority and could not be outvoted by the other two CMT members.
New 2026 Case Management Group (CMG):
- Structure: A standing, bi-weekly operational body composed of no fewer than two Independent Members and one BG representative (who cannot be part of either the Safeguarding or Resolutions Teams).
- Decision Authority & Quorum: Quorate with 2 Independent Members and 1 BG representative present. Unlike the old CMT, all three members are voting members operating by simple majority, with an Independent Member acting as Chair.
- Independence & Recruitment: Independent Members are recruited through open competition for 3-year terms (maximum 2 terms). They must be solicitors/barristers (specializing in sports law, human rights, safeguarding, or criminal law) or professionals with safeguarding/disciplinary backgrounds. Former BG staff or contractors are barred for 3 years post-employment.
- Role of Case Managers: The internal Safeguarding Manager and Resolutions Manager attend CMG meetings to present cases but are strictly non-voting non-members.
2. Panel Infrastructure: Ad-Hoc Panels vs. Centralized “Panels List”
Old ICP Process (Case & Appeal Panels):
- Appointment: Ad-hoc 3-member panels selected individually per case by an external Independent Person for Appeals.
- Structure: Did not maintain a pre-recruited, standing list of panel members. Panels were assembled per hearing and required independent legal and technical sports expertise.
New 2026 Framework (Standing Panels List):
- Centralized Panels List: British Gymnastics operates a central pool of no fewer than 9 and no more than 16 independent panel members appointed via open recruitment for 3-year terms. Members must have legal, safeguarding, child welfare, or gymnastics experience.
- Four Dedicated Hearing Panels: Drawn from this single standing list, cases are assigned to four specific 3-member panels:
- Safeguarding Panel: Legally qualified Chair + at least 1 safeguarding expert.
- Disciplinary Panel: Legally qualified Chair + at least 1 disciplinary expert.
- Safeguarding Appeal Panel: Legally qualified Chair + at least 1 safeguarding expert.
- Disciplinary Appeal Panel: Legally qualified Chair + at least 1 disciplinary expert.
- Independent Panel Administration: Panel selection, scheduling, bundle distribution, and secretarial support are managed by a dedicated Panel Administration that is strictly separate from both the BG Safeguarding Team and Resolutions Team.
3. Jurisdiction & Process Division
Old ICP Process:
- Operating as a single, temporary framework, it processed historic allegations of mistreatment, abuse, and poor complaints handling (occurring between August 2008 and August 2020) under one unified protocol.
New 2026 Framework:
- Establishes a permanent, dual-track regulatory structure that separates safeguarding from general misconduct:
- Safeguarding Regulations: Focuses on risk of harm, welfare assessments, and suitability to work with children/adults. Level 2 cases default to written/paper-based submissions to protect vulnerable witnesses.
- Disciplinary Regulations: Focuses on prosecuting specific acts of Misconduct via a formal Notice of Charge, with oral hearings, cross-examination, and witness evidence.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Historic ICP Process (2020) | 2026 Safeguarding & Disciplinary Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Status | Temporary, time-limited historic review | Permanent, standing governing regulations |
| Triaging Body | CMT: Independent Person + 2 appointed members | CMG: At least 2 Independent Members + 1 non-team BG rep |
| Decision Mechanism | Sole decision by Independent Person (cannot be outvoted) | Simple majority vote by all 3 quorate CMG members |
| Panel Sourcing | Ad-hoc appointments per case by Independent Person for Appeals | Standing Panels List (9–16 independent members) |
| Hearing Panels | Consolidated ICP Case Panel & Appeal Panel | 4 distinct panels (Safeguarding, Disciplinary & respective Appeals) |
| Administration | Secretariat provided by Integrity Unit or Sport Resolutions | Dedicated Panel Administration independent of case teams |