EDI Focus Group Report: Understanding and Addressing EDI in SEM
Introduction
Building on the Faculty’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) report published in March 2024, we remain committed to deepening our understanding of the EDI experiences of our members in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM). Our goal is to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
To support this commitment, we organised two focus group discussions in 2024. These sessions aimed to gather insights on how we can better support our members and reduce the likelihood of negative EDI experiences in the future.
Focus Group Participation and Approach
To ensure a respectful and ethical approach to data collection, participation in the focus group discussions was entirely voluntary, without financial remuneration, and participants were under no obligation to respond to any specific questions. Across the focus groups, participants represented a range of protected characteristics, including sexual orientation, ethnicity, and disability. To ensure confidentiality, all identifiable information has been removed from the final report.
A small team of staff members, in collaboration with members of the Faculty’s EDI Committee, conducted the data analysis.
Key Themes Identified
After the data was collected from the focus groups, a thematic analysis was conducted, identifying the key issues and categorising them into the following themes:
- Support from management and colleagues
- The importance of education and meaningful engagement
- The impact of role models and the experience of ‘not being the other’.
These insights will inform the EDI Committee’s development of an action plan to support our members within SEM, aimed at fostering a more inclusive SEM community.
The full report, which details the findings of the focus group, can be read below.
Conclusion
This report marks a step forward in our ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in SEM. The insights gathered will shape future initiatives and ensure that all members feel supported and valued.
Acknowledgements
The Faculty extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this important work, including those who participated in the focus groups and those who supported the analysis and reporting process.
- FSEM EDI Committee Lead: Dr Pria Krishnasamy
- FSEM EDI Committee Members: Dr Osman Ahmed (EDI Focus Group Lead), Dr Ron Bhattacharya, Dr Attar Singh
- FSEM Staff Team: Larissa Kennel, James Brownlee