Many incidents of discrimination go unreported

In response to an online survey run by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (‘ICEC’) during its evidence gathering, around 50% of respondents said they’d experienced discrimination in the last five years.

The figures were much higher for people from ethnically diverse communities: 87% of people with Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, 82% of people with Indian heritage and 75% of all Black respondents. Despite this high prevalence, less than a quarter of respondents who’d experienced discrimination reported it. One of the reasons respondents gave was confusion about how to do so.

Increased reporting of discrimination isn’t something we should fear. To quote from the ICEC’s report from June 2023:

“…so many people ‘suffering in silence’ is damaging for those individuals and for the game, but cricket is also missing out on vital insights that could drive positive change.”

“…it is critical that cricket breaks down the barriers to low reporting if it is to succeed in revealing the true extent of discrimination in the game, and start tackling some of the systemic inequity we have identified.”

What should clubs do with the poster?

I’m encouraging clubs to talk to their members about the poster and the campaign more generally. The poster should be easy to find on club websites and displayed prominently in clubhouses / changing rooms. Please also consider including it in your club literature (e.g. welcome packs for new members, Codes of Conduct etc.)

How should clubs approach an increase in reporting of discrimination?

You’ll notice that the poster offers a range of reporting channels, from club coaches / chairs to Surrey Cricket Foundation / the ECB.

Reports of discrimination won’t always necessitate a formal process. In lots of cases, individuals may just want to confide in someone or get some advice. They may or may not wish to name an ‘accused’ and may want to raise something systemic / structural. The individual may want a person of authority at the club to nip a situation in the bud or to act as a mediator. As with safeguarding concerns, ‘softer’ reporting of this nature is to be encouraged. I’m on hand should clubs want support with reports like this. Of course, in more serious and repeated cases, individuals may want their concerns investigated in a more formal way, and I can support with that too.

It’s important to add here that it’s not the sole responsibility of the victim to report discrimination. All of us have a duty to speak up if we see something that doesn’t sit right.

How else can clubs encourage participants to report discrimination?

Other reasons given by respondents for not reporting discrimination included a lack of trust in decision-makers; not wanting to get people into trouble; a lack of support; not regarding the matter as serious enough to warrant complaint; senior figures failing to stop the behaviour at source; a fear of victimisation; a lack of anonymity; corruption and nepotism; shame; and a lack of compassion.

As such, it’s imperative that, in sharing the poster, clubs make clear that all incidents of discrimination are worth reporting (from unintentional microaggressions to overtly discriminative language). Remember that not doing something (e.g. excluding someone from an activity or team) can also be an act of discrimination.

Publicising the poster should be just one part of clubs’ broader efforts to create an atmosphere in which participants can report discrimination without fear of victimisation, reprisal, or non-selection. Those reporting discrimination should feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously, and that they will be supported throughout the process. And, of course, it’s important that our actions in this regard match our words.

Should any clubs want further advice in this space, please feel free to reach out to me. I’ll be making myself available to clubs soon to deliver Anti-Discrimination training sessions and will be looking for some early adopters to help with the development stage. If any clubs are interested in this, please get in touch.

Thanks all for your attention

Mike Walker