Commonwealth Games England and the British Athletes Commission join forces to ensure athlete-focused approach to Birmingham 2022.

The British Athletes Commission (BAC) and Commonwealth Games England have entered into a partnership which will see the BAC assist with the finalisation of selection policies and Team England’s Team Member Agreement (TMA) for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games England is responsible for preparing and delivering the England team across all 25 disciplines that will be contested during the Games.

The partnership will see the BAC review and feed back on all selection policies, using the organisation’s experience and expertise within cross-sport selection environments to advise on policies and provide an independent voice on panels.

The BAC will also  input into Team England’s TMA, which sets out behaviours required of selected athletes when representing their country over the Games period.

Sarah Newton, the BAC’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Our team has varied and extensive experience working with National Governing Bodies in order to represent the needs of athletes, and it’s fantastic that Commonwealth Games England has both recognised this and taken action towards ensuring that such key policies are truly representative and as athlete-focused as possible.

“As part of this agreement, we’ll review the selection policies of all sports – whether they are in receipt of UK Sport funding or not – making sure that all those vying for selection for Team England can be assured that they will receive a consistent level of expert, passionate and thorough level of representation.”

Team England Chef de Mission for Birmingham 2022, Mark England OBE, said:

“It’s really important for us to have the support of the BAC ahead of Birmingham 2022. A home Games is an incredible opportunity for us and it’s important that we consistently put athletes first in our decision making and planning.

“Performance underpins everything we do at Commonwealth Games England and we want to ensure we provide Team England athletes with the best support to perform to their highest potential, make history and inspire the nation.”


Aimee Willmott, Commonwealth Games England Board member and Deputy Chair of the Team England Athlete Advisory Group, welcomed the partnership:

“The athlete voice is absolutely critical in delivering a successful team. I’m really pleased with this partnership with the BAC and look forward to our engagement with them to ensure Team England athletes will be supported at the Birmingham 2022 home Games. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Team England athletes to compete in front of their friends and family and I’m delighted to know that their views will be considered every step of the way.”

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place between July 28 and August 8. The BAC has taken proactive steps to offer a similar service to teams representing the other home nations ahead of the Games.