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This Girl Can and ukactive have published a new guide to help gyms and leisure centres be more welcoming for women and girls.

The resource, which is aimed at operators across the physical activity sector, is now available on the Safer Spaces to Move resource hub.

Entitled ‘From Policy to Practice: How to Share Your Stance Against Harassment in Your Facility’ the guide offers examples and tips to improve communications with gym members, plus policies and training to help them feel informed and report issues should they arise.

For Claire Edwards, head of campaign activation for This Girl Can, considering the experience and points of view of stakeholders was key to developing the guide.

“Every part of society has a duty to prevent harassment against women and girls,” she said.

“With millions of women and girls using gyms and leisure centres, the fitness sector must be ready to tackle harassment and intimidation, and today’s launch reaffirms our commitment to helping gyms and leisure centres put stronger safety standards into action.

“Preventing harassment before it happens is just as crucial as responding when it does. Only by ensuring women feel safe and confident when getting active, can we truly progress This Girl Can's aim to tackle the gender activity gap.”

This Girl Can and ukactive developed the guide in tandem, with additional consultation from the Safer Spaces to Move Taskforce – which comprises of representatives from the industry, from both the public and private sector, plus independent operators.

Gym members were also given the opportunity to express their opinions by joining focus groups, where they discussed gym and leisure centres’ communications and how these contribute to creating a safe and trustworthy environment for all.

The guide offers facilities support in different areas, including:

  • How to communicate clearly to members that sexual harassment and intimidation are not tolerated in facilities.
  • How operators can ensure that members know how to report any concerns, what will happen next if they do and what support is available to them.
  • How to build trust and confidence with their members in an operator’s policies and training so more members feel able to report issues should they arise.

Gyms, pools and leisure centres play an essential role in supporting women and girls to be active, with the latest UK Health & Fitness Market Report revealing that 11.5 million people over the age of 16 are members of a health and fitness club.

A collague of images of women working out in gyms and This Girl Can documents appear over a purple background with the This Girl Can and the ukactive logos on the top-left of the image and "New resources available now" in the middle.

Further reaction

Stephanie Peacock, Sports Minister

“Women and girls have the right to go to fitness facilities to work out, keep active and have fun without being intimidated or harassed.

“As a Government, we are committed to building a healthier nation by making physical activity truly accessible and welcoming to all, and these guidelines will play a vital role in ensuring gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are equipped to play their part.” 

Jill Davidson, head of marketing, communications and sales at Edinburgh Leisure

“Our participation in the Safer Spaces to Move Taskforce has further strengthened our commitment to vigilance and continuous improvement [to combatting harassment and intimidation].

“The project has provided us with fresh perspectives and practical tools, enhancing our staff’s confidence and deepening organisational understanding of how to maintain proactive safety measures.

“We have reviewed and refined our practices, ensuring that our approach to safeguarding remains robust and responsive, and that women and girls always feel safe, respected, and empowered in our centres.”

Access the guide

Visit Safer Spaces to Move