LTA launches inclusion and diversity advisory group

By Tom Walker    10 Oct 2022

The LTA has launched a Diversity Advisory Group (IDAG)

The move is part of its strategy to open up tennis to people of all backgrounds

The group comprises eight experts from the inclusion sector

IDAG will be chaired by Rachel Baillache, LTA board inclusion lead

Comprising eight experts from the inclusion sector, the board-level IDAG is to become a central part of the organisation’s Inclusion Strategy.

IDAG will be chaired by Rachel Baillache (LTA board inclusion lead), who oversaw the creation of the LTA’s Inclusion Strategy.

She is joined by Sanjay Bhandari (LTA board member and chair of Kick it Out), Funke Awoderu (senior inclusion & diversity manager at The FA), Shiv Paul (LTA Independent councillor), Emma Birchall (global head of diversity and inclusion at Ericsson), barrister Selva Ramasamy KC, Vicky Williams (LTA people director and executive inclusion lead) and Barry Horne (CEO at Activity Alliance).

The group has been tasked with providing strategic guidance on the implementation of LTA’s Inclusion Strategy, and to offer an external perspective on best practice and areas where the LTA can be more inclusive.

Rachel Baillache said: “When we launched our 2019 – 2023 Vision – Tennis Opened Up – we placed inclusion firmly at its heart, as we recognised that tennis was still viewed by some as hard to access.

“Through steps such as establishing this group, we have committed to changing that perception and ensuring that tennis truly is a sport that reflects the diversity of our communities across Britain.

“I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the contribution this group can make with its broad range of knowledge, experience and expertise, as we continue to open up our sport.”