UK Anti-Doping launches its new Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership

• The new Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership is free to join.
• The Partnership is facilitated by UKAD's National Trainers and utilises a regional structure to collaborate, challenge and share best practice among institutions within the UK.
• The aim of the Partnership is to embed clean sport knowledge among elite and recreational university student athletes, and future Athlete Support Personnel ASP through their formal degree programmes.

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is pleased to launch the Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership to further support the Higher Education sector. The Partnership is free to join and utilises a regional structure to collaborate, challenge and share best practice among institutions within the UK. The aim of the Partnership is to support the Higher Education sector to further develop the culture of clean sport.

Designed to offer something for all institutions, the Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership covers Sports Development, Performance, Academic and Research, and will look to equip elite and recreational university student athletes with clean sport knowledge, as well as targeting students (linked to key Athlete Support Personnel) through their formal degree programmes. The Partnership promotes collaboration among regional and home nation networks to share best practice. Institutions will also be able to access a variety of tailored CPD opportunities, funded Educator courses and a range of digital assets, which UKAD will look to develop over time.

The Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership is primarily aimed at universities, however sports colleges who deliver degree level qualifications or are included in the BUCS network, may also apply.

So far almost 50 institutions have registered an interest in joining the Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership, many of them having completed the full registration process already. There are 15 institutions that have been awarded Founding Partner status for their engagement with the previous accreditation scheme, or through their on-going involvement and commitment to actively promoting clean sport.

One of the first Universities to achieve Partner status is The University of Edinburgh. Their Performance Sport Coordinator, Katrina Bass said: "The University of Edinburgh is very excited to continue our partnership with UK Anti-Doping and staunchly remains an institution committed to creating a clean sport environment for all, from gym members to elite level athletes.

"Promoting clean sport gives individuals the confidence in their rights and responsibilities, protects health and wellbeing, and challenges us all to play our part in protecting the integrity of sport through clear promotions and accessible reporting mechanisms."

"We are honoured to hold Partner Status and look forward to contributing to our regional and wider network of universities promoting clean sport to their members.”

The Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership will encourage institutions of all sizes and specialities to join across the Higher Education sector, with each institution able to collaborate and share best practice.

Paul Moss, UKAD’s Head of Education, was delighted by the launch of the new Partnership commenting; "It is fantastic to see the engagement we have already at this early stage of the Partnership, with so many institutions signing-up to become Partners.

“This is testament to the hard work and commitment from all of the parties involved to date. The Partnership will integrate clean sport within higher education, helping young athletes understand their anti-doping responsibilities, and helping students who will graduate and go on to work in sport as athlete support personnel, feel confident in their abilities to support athletes.”

How to sign up to the Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership

Find out more, and register your university or college into the Partnership, by visiting UKAD's Clean Sport Higher Education Partnership.