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Creating a more inclusive, accessible & diverse culture through sports?

Focused on providing a welcoming environment for all, regardless of background or ability, ensuring everyone can fully participate in sports and physical activities. With the guidance of Includability, let's work together to create a more inclusive and vibrant community through sports participation and support for everyone to enjoy.

We are the home for inclusive sports clubs & associations

Becoming a Includability committed sports setting is about taking accountability for progression

The Includability Sports Standard employs expert verification partners with experience in both grassroots and elite sports settings. These partners work closely with sports clubs and associations, offering invaluable advice and guidance on developing and implementing effective strategies across Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability and Impact, Talent Management, Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Leadership & Governance.

Our verification & standard is suitable for any of the following:

  • Sports Clubs
  • Sports Associations
  • Sports Media Channels
  • Governing Bodies

Sport & Support for all

Often it is the responsibility of just one person or a small team to devise, implement and deliver the D&I, Sustainability, Wellbeing or Mental Health strategies across an entire organisation.

By becoming part of Includability, our Verification Partners can help you to understand where you are currently on your journey and where your future ambitions lie.

Through our community of Ambassadors and Partners we can also introduce you to like-minded people who will help share best practice and provide support, whilst our monthly Employer Support Groups (ESG’s) will help build the knowledge to empower your employees.

Through our Includability Mighty network sports clubs we give employers and staff the chance to talk with experts and ambassadors in our community across a range of topics and in a safe and non judgmental environment.

A standard designed for you

As multi level organisations sports clubs and associations need to transition to ensure that all stakeholders feel valued and part of a dynamic community. By joining the Includability Community you will help your organisation understand how you can develop across the key pillars of diversity and inclusion, sustainability, impact, mental health, talent retention, well-being and leadership and governance.

Becoming an Includability Committed Employer is something that is earned. There is a valuable process to go through, but please rest assured that we will be here to support you all the way.

It doesn’t matter if you are at the very start of your journey and seeking inspiration and guidance, or if your organisation is on its way to having a workplace culture you can be proud of, the Includability Committed Education Setting is designed to support you.

Support across all levels

Whether you are at Grassroots level or an Elite sports organisation or association going through the Includability Verification Process offers great value in terms of measuring and assessing best practice and developing a roadmap to become a committed employer.

It's not about perfection

Includability is a community where we actively champion collaboration and traditional competitors work in harmony – it’s where we can truly make meaningful progress.

We want also to celebrate the great work you do – it’s your stories that can help inspire organisations on their journey.

Where you need support and are unsure where to start, then our community of incredible people are here to offer their help.

Read about how our committed employers, partners and ambassadors create ConneXXions through community networking.

Immediate value

Proudly displaying the Includability Committed Sports Setting badge will bring a level of accountability to your organisation and a degree of reassurance to your employees and future employees that you are a administration committed to doing the right thing.  

If you are in for the quick win, then Includability won’t be right for you. If you’re an sports club or association that cares and wants grow, be supported and to make a difference, then we most certainly are. And we are here to support you all the way.

Includability the fastest growing standard for workplace values

Our Includability committed employer programme allows you to get expert advice across our 6 pillars of organisational development or 7 for recruitment agencies

The Community driven platform and standard designed to create and educate amazing businesses and people

Where the power of sport meets the force of inclusivity!

Discover the Includability Sports Club & Association Standard

As a hub for diverse and equitable sports associations, we are on a mission to promote inclusivity across the sports sector. We believe every kick, sprint, swim, and leap should celebrate diversity.

We offer tools, resources, and a supportive community that empowers sports associations to level up their inclusivity game.

Our goal? To create a sports environment where everyone feels like they belong.

Ready to play ball? Sign up today and show the world you're serious about inclusion.

Introducing the Verification Process

For Includability Committed Employers, the verification process is a comprehensive assessment of a business’s commitment to D&I, Sustainability, Wellbeing, Mental Health, Talent Management, and Leadership & Governance.

The process provides businesses with expert insights, actionable recommendations, and official recognition as an Includability Committed Employer.

How Does Our Verification Process Work?

Beginning with a 65-question Company Commitment Survey (CCS), establishing a benchmark of current practices. This is followed by six independent 30-minute verification calls with expert partners, assessing key areas such as policies, workplace inclusion, talent attraction, and mental health support.

Diversity & Inclusion Verification – Powered by ODiSEE

ODiSEE brings over two decades of HR and D&I expertise, led by Director Sara Matthews, whose experience spans major brands like Chelsea Football Club, Ladbrokes Coral, and Travis Perkins. ODiSEE’s approach to Diversity & Inclusion is rooted in compassion, encouragement, and partnership, ensuring that every organisation’s journey is celebrated.

Through a gentle 30-minute Discovery Session, ODiSEE helps you share your D&I story and offers insights and best practices to guide your growth. Organisations showing genuine commitment receive the Diversity & Inclusion Star, a symbol of continuous progress and dedication to inclusivity.

Join ODiSEE on a journey towards a more inclusive workplace.

Sustainability Verification – Powered by The B Corp Expert

The B Corp Expert, led by Laura Slack, empowers organisations to unlock their purpose and turn sustainability into tangible business value. With expertise in B Corp Certification, carbon reduction, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Laura guides businesses on a purpose-driven journey towards positive impact and long-term success.

The Sustainability Star recognises organisations for excellence in sustainability and social responsibility. This prestigious accolade is awarded to B Corp, Planet Mark, and CSR-A certified organisations, as well as those showing genuine commitment to impactful sustainability strategies.

From net-zero initiatives to community engagement and stakeholder consultations, Laura helps businesses lead with integrity and gain a competitive edge by embedding sustainability at the core of their operations.

Achieve the Sustainability Star and transform purpose into impact.

Talent Management Verification – Powered by Talent Mapper

Talent Mapper is redefining HR consultancy by helping organisations build a more inclusive, high-performing workforce. Through innovative recruitment, retention, and learning & development strategies, Talent Mapper removes personal bias to create agile, productive, and diverse teams.

The Talent Management Star recognises businesses that prioritise inclusivity in their talent strategies, ensuring they attract, develop, and retain the best people. The verification process includes up to a 45-minute consultation with the Talent Mapper team, reviewing recruitment and retention practices while providing expert guidance on building a more inclusive workplace culture.

Achieve the Talent Management Star and create a workforce where everyone thrives.

Mental Health Verification – Powered by Mental Health Charter

The Mental Health Charter (MHC) provides businesses with the tools, support, and structure needed to create a mentally healthy workplace. MHC’s mission is to ensure that all businesses, regardless of size, have access to mental health awareness, training, and workplace support.

The Mental Health Star is awarded to organisations that demonstrate a commitment to improving mental health in the workplace. The process includes a short phone survey with the MHC team to assess current mental health procedures and practices, with free expert advice offered.

All verified organisations receive complimentary Bronze Membership with the Mental Health Charter, recognising them as a Committed to Action Employer—the first step towards a more supportive and mentally healthy workplace.

Start your journey to better workplace mental health today.

Outliers Wellbeing

Wellbeing Verification – Powered by Outliers Wellbeing

Outliers Wellbeing helps businesses navigate the often confusing world of workplace wellbeing, ensuring they have the right strategies in place to support employee health, happiness, and productivity.

The Wellbeing Star recognises organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. The process begins with a friendly, informal call to discuss current wellbeing initiatives and future plans to gain a deeper understanding of existing provisions.

The Wellbeing Star is awarded if a wellbeing strategy or provision is demonstrated. If further support is needed, Outliers Wellbeing will guide you on the next steps.

Achieve the Wellbeing Star and take your workplace wellbeing strategy to the next level.

The HR Agency Logo

Leadership & Governance Verification – Powered by The HR Agency

The HR Agency helps businesses transform purpose into meaningful action by ensuring strong leadership and effective governance frameworks are in place. As a purpose-driven HR consultancy, they understand that great leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about inspiring people, driving ethical decision-making, and making a positive impact on employees, communities, and the environment.

The Leadership & Governance Star recognises organisations that demonstrate ethical, competent, and responsible leadership. The verification process includes a 45-minute consultation assessing four key pillars:

Organisational Structure
Roles & Responsibilities
People & Culture
Infrastructure

Following the consultation, businesses receive tailored recommendations to strengthen their leadership and governance, ensuring their vision is embedded in everyday operations.

Achieve the Leadership & Governance Star and turn your purpose into action.

Committed Employer Certification – Full Verification Process

1.

Register & Book Your Discovery Call

After signing up, you’ll schedule a discovery call with our team to review your application and discuss the verification process.

This 45-minute to 1-hour call gives us an opportunity to understand your goals and answer any questions.

2.

Access Your Client Area

You’ll receive an access link to our exclusive client area, which includes:

  • A step-by-step checklist for the verification process.
  • FAQs, video guides, and expert resources to help you prepare.
  • You’ll gain access to employer support groups, Links & Drinks, and ongoing community events.
  • The 65-question Company Commitment Survey (CCS), which assesses your workplace culture, policies, and impact.
3.

Complete the Company Commitment Survey (CCS)

This detailed survey provides a comprehensive assessment of your organisation’s approach to Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability & Carbon Reduction, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Talent Management & Leadership.

Need deeper insights? You can arrange up to five additional specialist calls for tailored support.

Time Required: Up to 1 hour

You will become an Includability Pending Organisation

4.

Independent Expert Verification

Our 6-stage verification process begins with our independent Verification Partners, who will contact you to schedule six 30-minute verification calls covering key areas of your business.

Time Required: Varies based on your availability

5.

Receive Your Verification Report & Certification

Once the verification is complete, you will receive:

  • A detailed verification report with a tailored HR roadmap and actionable recommendations.
  • Official Includability Committed Employer status.
  • The Includability Committed Employer logo, which can be displayed on your website and careers page.
6.

Welcome to the Includability Community

Once the verification is complete, you will receive:

  • We’ll celebrate your certification with a social media announcement and press release.
  • You will receive your exclusive committed employer ICE cube and be eligible for the Includability Awards

Choose your Badge

From inclusive business solutions to specialist sector initiatives and trusted partnerships, Includability connects organisations with the resources, accreditation, and expert support they need to drive meaningful change. Click on any logo below to learn more about our Memberships

Join as a Organisation

Gateway Member

The perfect starting point for organisations looking to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and mentally healthy workplace without the need for formal accreditation.

Property Certified

Supporting inclusive, sustainable, and accessible workplaces in the property sector, helping businesses create better spaces for employees, customers, and communities.

Committed Employer

Our Leading certification for businesses committed to inclusion, sustainability, wellbeing, and ethical workplace practices, backed by expert verification and actionable insights.

Sports Setting

Helping sports organisations and clubs embed inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability into their culture, creating positive and accessible environments for athletes, staff, and communities.

Educational Setting

Empowering educational institutions to build inclusive, diverse, and supportive environments for students and staff, with a focus on wellbeing, accessibility, and sustainable practices.

Join as a Individual

Partner Expert

Industry specialists offering guidance, training, and expert insights across D&I, mental health, sustainability, and leadership, supporting businesses in their journey to meaningful change.

Champion

Internal workplace leaders dedicated to driving positive change, fostering inclusive cultures, and ensuring organisations stay committed to sustainability, wellbeing, and employee engagement.

Ambassador

Passionate advocates driving inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing, helping businesses create better workplaces through inspiration, collaboration, and real-world impact.

Where the power of sport meets the force of inclusivity!

Support Switch the Play Foundation

Includability have partnered to support the Switch the Play Foundation which is the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting all sportspeople to successfully transition into life outside of sport. This enables them to fulfil their potential through and beyond sport.

Organisations doing amazing work

Organisations that do great worth within the educational sector

Activity Alliance

We are the national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity.

British Blind Sport

At British Blind Sport, we help blind and partially sighted people to get active and play sport. We encourage adults and children to participate in activities at all levels, from grassroots to the Paralympic Games.

Child Protection in Sport Unit

We work to help improve safeguarding and child protection practices within sport organisations, to ensure all children and young people are safe while participating in sport and physical activity at all levels.

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust

We put world class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people. Equipping them with a winning mindset and shaping their futures - it's a teammate like no other.

Football Beyond Borders

We are an Education & Social Inclusion Charity Using The Power of Football To Change Young Lives. We Work With Young People Who Are Passionate About Football, But Disengaged At School.

Sport England

We're an arms-length body of government responsible for growing and developing grassroots sport and getting more people active across England.

Sporting Equals

We exist to promote ethnic diversity across sport and physical activity, and we are the only organisation in the UK to do so.

SportsAid

We are a national charity helping young British sportsmen and women aspiring to be the country's next Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and world champions.

UK Deaf Sport

UK Deaf Sport aims to enable Deaf people to reach their full potential in sport. We work to increase opportunities by working in partnerships with key organisations to create a sporting future that is DEAFinitely Inclusive from grassroots through to Elite level Sport.

Women In Sport

Our programmes are providing impactful solutions to tackle gender inequalities, and our campaigning is empowering more women and girls to be active.

Youth Sports Trust

We are the UK's leading charity in improving every young person's education and development through sport and play.

"We look forward to continuing to champion diversity and inclusion, and to welcome more applicants from diverse backgrounds. With Includability’s support, and being led by our strong club values, we will win in our aim to do the right thing in creating in a more diverse and inclusive talent pool across the business."


Chelsea Football Club

Sarah Atkinson, Senior HR Business Partner at Chelsea FC

“We are delighted to have passed Includability’s 5 star verification process to be recognised as an Includability Committed Employer. It’s great to be acknowledged for the work we’ve already done, and this partnership also supports our ongoing dedication to inclusivity in everything we do - including employee attraction, development, progression and engagement.”

Wiltshire Council

Georgi Bliha | Talent and Resourcing Manager at Wiltshire Council

We are delighted to be working with Includability as a Committed Employer. As an organisation that is committed to creating an inclusive, sustainable and mentally healthy workplace culture, this partnership is the perfect match. We have access to resources, experts and an entire network of support. We can be part of a community of like-minded people all striving for the same goal and sharing the same values.

City Gateway

Diane Betts – CEO of CityGateway

Achieving the status of Includability Committed Employer reflects our ongoing mission to optimise diversity and opportunity within our firm. Inclusion is an important part of this, and we look forward to connecting with others in the Includability community.

Becketts Investment

Lesley Delaney, Operations Director

“We are very proud to have received this commendation and reinforces our vision and mission that there is more to football than 3 points on a Saturday. The work we have done with Includability has been incredible and has opened many doors allowing us to get a look at the practices in a diverse range of businesses and environments. Sport, particularly football, has always lagged well behind the business world in many of the issues Includability focuses on and we felt strongly that we wanted to be at the forefront of the conversation and hopefully leaders for change.”

Fairford Town FC

Jody Bevan, Director of Football

Liverpool are pleased to announce that they have become an Includability Committed Employer and achieved six stars in their verification process in the areas of D&I, Sustainability, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Leadership and Governance and Inclusive Recruitment

Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC, HR Director

“Holland & Barrett are thrilled to be recognised as a committed employer in inclusivity by the Includability team and their verification partners. Being an EPIC place to work is a core part of our values and we pride ourselves with iterating our offering by putting our colleagues at the heart of all that we do. Working with Includability has been a fantastic experience and would recommend other companies to do the same.”

Holland & Barrett

Melissa Sterling (She/Her), Wellness and Belonging Manager at H&B

CRM Students are absolutely delighted to have been awarded 5 stars and become a recognised Includability Committed Employer. The verification process was a great way for us to discuss and reflect on the amazing things we are doing within CRM for our people and has given us some incredible contacts within the Includability network to enable our vision to progress further. We can’t wait to see what else we can do on top of what we have already achieved!

CRM Students

Steph Robey, HR Director at CRM Students

"We are very proud to have gone through the 5 Star Includability Verification Process . We have always been committed to promoting and enabling a positive culture where everyone at ascensos can be themselves. We believe that we all have a role to play in championing Equality and Diversity - by partnering with Includability we believe that we can build a great place to work, learn and grow."

Ascensos

Jo Regan-Iles, Chief People Officer at Ascensos

"There is lots to consider when building your business and creating the conditions for success for you team. Working through the assessment process for Includability has been great, meeting with their partners offered insight, guidance and practical advice on building a responsible inclusive work environment for your people, helping measure where we are on the journey and to plan for our future at Ecologi"

Ecologi

Joel Baynes, COO at Ecologi

“The Forestry Commission is pleased to have passed the 5 Star Verification process to become an Includability Committed Employer. We’re happy with the feedback we received for our work in the areas of mental health, wellbeing, sustainability, talent management and diversity and inclusion. We hope this partnership will help us to achieve our broader strategic goals to diversify our workforce and visitors and help us to continue to be an organisation where everyone is valued and welcome, regardless of their background.”

Forestry Commission

Richard Stanford CB, MBE | Chief Executive Officer Forestry Commission

"We are over the moon to be the first recruitment agency to pass Includability’s 6 Star verification process! We have always been committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, both as an employer but also as leaders in improving representation within insights and removing barriers to disadvantaged or under-represented talent. We want ENI to be a great place to work, but also work with and guide clients on best practice around inclusive hiring – always striving to influence positive change and enabling everyone to succeed in Insight. Working with Includability highlighted the areas we have been doing well, and those areas where the partnership can give us that additional layer of support and guidance needed to champion equality, diversity and create inclusivity within insights - and we’re so excited about the journey ahead."

Elizabeth Norman International

Letitia Oglesby, Marketing Manager at Elizabeth Norman International

I am immensely proud of the work of my whole federation team in embodying this ethos throughout the schools, and I am especially proud of Lizi Pravato for leading on this project with Includability. Diversity and equality are areas of utmost importance to our schools and we are proud to trail blaze with such an amazing group of people in our schools and now with our partners in Includability.

Moorland Federation Somerset

Naomi Philp, Executive Headteacher

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with Includability because of their unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe that by joining forces with Includability, we can effect meaningful change and pave the way for a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and we are eager to contribute our skills, learnings and look forward to seeing the positive impact we can make together.”

Noble Foods

Louisa Hogarty, HR Director at Noble Foods

“At The Myers-Briggs Company, people are our passion. We aim to inspire everyone to lead more successful and fulfilling lives, and that means including everyone. As such, we’re thrilled to have passed Includability's 5-star verification process and to be recognised as an 'Includability Committed Employer'! As a B Corp, we’re committed to building an inclusive economy that works for everyone and going through Includability's verification process has been a great way to help us recognise where we’re on the right path.”


The Myers-Briggs Company

Jeff Hayes, President & CEO of The Myers-Briggs Company

“At Business Disability Forum we are excited to be Includability’s official disability partner. As part of that we are very pleased to be accredited as an Includability Committed Partner via its thorough 5 Star Verification process, in the areas of accessibility, diversity and inclusion, mental health, sustainability, and wellbeing. This helps us to evaluate what we are doing well and where we can grow. We look forward to continue working with Includability and to spreading the word on the importance of reaching the widest possible talent pool.”

Business Disability Forum

Diane Lightfoot CEO of Business Disability Forum

"At CGI we are proud of being a Responsible Business and are committed to a more inclusive and sustainable world. Joining Includability and gaining the Committed Employer accreditation enables us to continue to proudly share and grow our commitments with like-minded organisations and also support our goal to inspire a diverse range of candidates to come and join us at CGI. "

CGI

Donna Kelly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit lead for South & Midlands Business Unit & Senior Sponsor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

What our members say about the Includability Committed Employer Standard

FAQs

Our frequently asked questions are here to help answer any queries you may have about joining the Includability community

What is an Includability Committed Employer?

Why Should I Join Includability?

My company isn’t perfect, do we need every strategy already in place?

How long does the Verification Process take?

Is there a chance you will not be awarded Includability Committed Employer status?

You keep mentioning ‘Community’ - what does this mean?

What else sets you apart?

How do I know this is right for my company?

We’re an international organisation. Are we able to become an Includability Committed Employer?

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer to your question contact us below

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