A qualification designed to improve the standard of governance in sport has been devised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA) and a panel of experts across the sports sector.

The Advanced Certificate in Sport Governance and Administration will be developed in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), launching in January 2016.

Set at Level 6 - the final year undergraduate level – the qualification will comprise of three modules: Introducing Sport Governance, Implementing Governance in Sport and Developing and Maintaining Governance Systems in Sports Organisations.

Individuals keen on applying for the course do not need to hold a prior qualification.

The qualification was revealed at an event last week, hosted by law firm Gateley plc, by SRA chief executive Emma Boggis and ICSA chief executive Simon Osborne.

“With access to public funds comes responsibility – and therefore need for good governance is paramount,” said Boggis.

“The Alliance has a strong history of developing stronger governance principles for the sector through our work with the Voluntary Code of Good Governance and I’m sure this qualification will only contribute further to embedding good governance within the sector.”

Former minister for sport, Colin Moynihan, also addressed the audience at the event to highlight the importance of good governance in sport and the benefits it brings, both to the management of NGBs and, more widely, helping the sector achieve its goals to increase participation, continue world-class performance and promote increased diversity at all levels, from grassroots to the boardroom.