In this section you will find information and links to BF policies relating to Equality and Diversity, as well as insight and research from national partners who specialise in working with under represented groups, in sport and physical activity.
Below are a series of links to relevant policies related to equality and diversity. The full BF Policy Zone can be found here.
The Board maintain a detailed Diversity Action Plan which is a working document, reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
British Fencing (BF) believes that there is a place for everyone in our sport. We remain committed to creating inclusive competition and training environments, ensuring there is a place in our sport for everyone to participate.
In October 2024, following a 12 month review process, the BF Board approved the BF Gender Policies for Compete and Recreational BF Licensed Events, replacing the previous Competition Gender Policy. The news post with further information on the Gender Policy can be found here.
A link to the new policies can be found here.
We have created a set of FAQs to help the community understand and implement the policies.
if you have any questions on the policies you can submit it here: Submit a Question
BF Board Diversity Statement and 2025 Diversity Objectives – last approved 23rd May 2023
Board Diversity Metrics, and Succession Plan –Current Board (Directors and Observers)
Board Diversity Metrics are published on the Board Directors page and now form part of the Annual Report. This includes a breakdown of Director positions occupied by women and ethnic diversity.
The table below shows the target and actual %age of occupied positions by women. (Target = 2025 Gender Diversity Target). Please note we are currently in the process of updating this data.
| Leadership | Target | Dec 2018 | Dec 2019 | Dec 2020 | Dec 2021 | Dec 2022 |
Dec 2023 | Dec 2024 |
| Board | 40% | 50% | 50% | 45% | 42% | 50% | 45% | 36% |
| AGRC | 30% | 25%* | 25%* | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| NomCom | 30% | 66% | 66% | 66% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 50% |
| Rules | 30% | 44% | 44% | 44% | 44% | 44% | 44% | 44% |
| Safety | 30% | 37.5% | 43% | 43% | 38% | 38% | 38% | 44% |
| International Relations Committee | 30% | 66% | 66% | 66% | 75% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Exec Leadership | 40% | 50% | 57% | 57% | 57% | 40% | 50% | 80% |
*AGRC and NomCom are sub-committees of the Board. AGRC has four members, NomCom has three. BF will seek to encourage women with appropriate financial skills and qualifications to stand for election for the Board and subsequent appointment to AGRC.
The BF Board is looking to increase other aspects of diversity (age, ethnicity) within its Standing Committee through improved and targeted recruitment to fill vacancies.
BF have identified 5 strategic goals to work towards for 2030. These goals will support our commitment and work around equality and diversity across all areas of the sport.
More information about the goals and the content behind these goals can be found here.
Activate your free, 90 day membership to British Fencing today. Membership insures you to fence at any British Fencing club.
Does your organisation want to bring fencing to your community? Explore our core coach course, no experience required.
Start your journey to becoming a community fencing coach. Introduce fencing to pupils for as little as £25. Find out more today.
