Our continued progress with EDI

By 18 Oct, 2024 | 2 min read

Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) is pivotal in the work we do at the Faculty, and more broadly across the Sport and Exercise Medicine specialty. The FSEM EDI committee has been maintaining momentum since the results from the FSEM EDI survey were released in April 2024. The EDI Survey Report highlighted priority areas, both from personal experiences and as systematic factors. These included gender, lifestyle, foreign nationality, and disability. These priority areas will feed into the subsequent work of the FSEM EDI Committee. 

Strategy Day

The Committee then came together on the 24th July 2024 in Birmingham for a joint strategy day with BASEM EDI Committee members. One action from this day was the suggested change of name for the EDI committee, and it was unanimously agreed that “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” better reflected the aims of the group (in lieu of “Equality”). With our colleagues from BASEM, we were able to discuss shared values and objectives that could align for the creation of an EDI group within the formation of the new College. There was also joint discussion for further actions that can be taken, which included further EDI input that could be added to the FSEM Professional Code. 

Focus Groups

Since the strategy day, there have been two focus groups that were held with FSEM members around the area of EDI in SEM. The data from these focus groups is currently being analysed, with the aim being to share the findings from these later in the year. It is the aim of the committee that the information and insight gathered in the focus groups will be used to support and guide strategies implemented by the committee. It was imperative to ensure that we continued the work that last year’s survey began, and that these focus groups supported the committee to gain further insight into the EDI issues present in SEM, and explore possible solutions through in-depth discussions.

Position Statement

The FSEM EDI Committee has also worked towards making an EDI Position Statement to ensure clarity with the Faculty’s EDI position. This is currently being finalised, and will be shared with the wider membership in due course. 

Learn about the EDI committee and the purpose behind the group: