Berkshire Cricket has developed a comprehensive EDI Action Plan that is being executed across the County, an executive summary of which is below. 

The plan is currently being reviewed, in line with our annual review process.  The full plan is available on request from [email protected]

At Berkshire Cricket, our purpose is to provide, more cricket to more people in more places, giving anyone who would want the opportunity to be involved in the game, to do so.

The Berkshire Cricket Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan 2025+ outlines a comprehensive approach to making cricket more accessible, inclusive, and representative across the county. The strategy is driven by the mission of creating a welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background, or ability. This approach supports sustainable growth and benefits future generations. Overall, prioritising EDI leads to a stronger, more vibrant, and sustainable cricket community in Berkshire.   

Berkshire Cricket CEO, Mark Roche, states “We are committed to continuing to make Berkshire Cricket a welcoming, inclusive environment. Over the last few years, we have made great progress in making the game within our County more accessible, and we know there is always more we can do, we will continue to strive to break down barriers that prevent participation by all.”

The plan is built around three strategic pillars and five key actions:

Strategic Pillars:

• Challenge: Encouraging decision-makers to question traditional approaches and embrace innovative solutions.
• Support: Providing the necessary tools, training, and resources to help individuals succeed.
• Visibility: Ensuring Berkshire Cricket is recognised as a leader in EDI and that stakeholders know where to seek support.

Key Actions:

1. Welcoming and Inclusive Sport: Berkshire Cricket is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. This includes conducting annual surveys to understand local EDI needs, offering EDI workshops to all clubs, and supporting clubs in becoming more inclusive. Success will be measured by the completion rate of surveys (75%) and awareness of EDI workshops (100%).
2. Combatting Discrimination: Efforts to eliminate discrimination include diversifying attendees at coaching courses, providing EDI training to staff and trustees, and raising awareness of EDI reporting processes. Success metrics include 25% female and 1/3 ethnically diverse coaching course attendees, 100% EDI training completion, and annual diversity reports.
3. Increasing Involvement and Participation: The plan targets underrepresented groups, including women and girls, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Specific actions and success measures include:
   • Women and Girls: 25% female coaching course attendees, six annual female coaching days, and gender-balanced budgeting by 2029.
   • People with Disabilities: Four disability champion clubs by 2025, bursaries for two coaches annually, and a disability team in competition by 2026.
   • Ethnic Minorities: Increased Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani participation, with specific targets and annual training.
   • LGBTQ+ Community: Balanced representation in branding, increased awareness on communication channels, and annual allyship statements.
   • Lower Socio-Economic Groups: Diversified talent sourcing, clear financial support policies by Autumn 2024, and increased training opportunities for state school cricketers.
4. Raising Awareness and Educating: Berkshire Cricket will use its community role to raise awareness and educate on EDI issues. Success will be measured by increased understanding of EDI gaps, support for clubs, and ten annual articles showcasing diversity.
5. Leading by Example: The organization aims to be a best-practice example by seeking feedback, improving continuously, and demonstrating commitment to EDI. Success metrics include 65% staff conviction in leadership’s EDI commitment and establishing consultative forums for underrepresented groups by February 2025.

You can read more on our EDI action plan via the document below

Should you have any questions on our approach to EDI, or want further information, please contact our EDI Lead, Gulfraz Riaz.