Member & Partner Presentation on Completing an NGB Equality Review

Jun 23, 2025

Ogier & Gymnastics Ireland hosted a shared learnings session for member CEOs & Senior Management regarding the publication of the IHREC Gymnastics Ireland Equality Review
The Federation is very grateful to Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher for sharing his organisations experience in being the first National Governing Body in Sport to complete and equality review of their organisation. Paddy Murphy, Managing Associate Ogier, Legal Partner of the Federation of Irish Sport, hosted an informative session to provide shared learnings on their recent engagement with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission regarding the equality review. This was followed by a Q&A session and practical tips from Ogier as to what first steps organisations can take in the very short term to comply.

 

Background

In February 2024, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the ‘Commission’) invited Gymnastics Ireland (GI) to be the first Irish sport to carry out an ‘Equality Review’.

In April 2025 the Commission published an account of the outcome of the Equality Review and commended GI for its positive engagement in the process. This consisted of an audit by the organisation of the level of equality of opportunity that exists in relation to the provision of services in line with current equality legislation. The Commission acknowledged and congratulated GI’s commitment to striving to be a sector leader in this area, commending the organisations new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Strategy plus other key developments. The Commission also referenced the GI review as a useful resource for other sporting bodies and cultural institutions to benchmark against in their efforts regarding the promotion of equality.

Upon publication of the report the Commission commented that; “Overall, the Equality Review process undertaken by Gymnastics Ireland is of a very high standard, and the Commission recognises the level of effort that the organisation has put into preparing the Equality Review.”

Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner said:

“We welcome the publication today of the details of the Equality Review undertaken by Gymnastics Ireland.

The achievement of equality of opportunity requires continuous and ongoing work and it is positive to see that Gymnastics Ireland has put in place a strong policy and procedural framework to protect and promote this.   The Commission hopes that the implementation of this new framework in practice will ensure equality of opportunity for all.

Sport is an important part of the fabric of our society, and sporting organisations have an important role to play in promoting and protecting equality amongst their participants. We hope this Equality Review can provide a useful resource for other sporting bodies and cultural institutions in their promotion of equality.”

Presentation slides are available for members upon request.