Black Lives Matter – What’s next for BF?

Black British Fencers to meet with CEO

Recent events have inevitably prompted us to think about how we can better support the black community in fencing. A number of black fencers who have represented GBR at the highest level have also reached out with their thoughts, suggestions and desire to be involved in shaping a better future.

Later this week, this group of athletes will be meeting with Georgina Usher, CEO of BF to share their experiences in fencing and discuss ideas around how to improve equality, diversity and inclusion.

As part of a wider consultation process BF will also be hosting a series of ‘listening events’ to give the opportunity to other members of the black fencing community to share their experiences, thoughts and views directly with senior leadership in BF including Georgina Usher (CEO) and Janet Campbell (Senior Independent Board Director). This listening and developing of a better understanding will be a vital first step as we explore how BF can take meaningful action in this space.  More details will be published on this next week.

We are also working on a guidance note to help support and educate our coaching community on Black Lives Matter, which will be published next week.