British Cycling says it is launching an "action plan" following a confidential survey in which some responses reportedly described its World Class Programme as "toxic".
The survey was funded by UK Sport and carried out by an independent company earlier this year. The Times reported that the results found a drop in morale among riders and performance staff, while "toxic" was the joint-second most common response to a question asking for words to describe the programme.
"The wellbeing of our staff and riders is fundamental to everything we do at British Cycling," said a British Cycling spokesperson. "The Culture Feedback Survey, which has been the subject of recent reports, is independently run to provide a valuable tool to help us learn and improve." The spokesperson added that the majority of team members say they love their jobs and that overall favourability has increased, ranking "very good" in the latest study.
"However, it is important to recognise others want to see improvements, and we are committed to listening and acting on this." As a result, the GB Cycling Team has developed an action plan focused on leadership, development, feedback and wellbeing, which is being implemented alongside wider work across British Cycling. UK Sport is aware and supportive of the action being taken.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing