Intersectionality Framework for Governance and Leadership

Overview

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) engaged Just Gold and Myriad Global to co design a national Intersectionality Framework for Governance and Leadership, the first of its kind globally. The Framework sets out how sport can embed intersectionality into its governance, culture and leadership systems across the country.

Challenge

Diversity in sport had gained visibility, but decision making structures remained exclusive, hierarchical and monocultural. The ASC needed a structural tool that went beyond representation and delivered policy accountability and cultural change at every level of leadership.

Approach

The project was delivered using The Ethos Method and informed by The Praxis Framework. Just Gold led a multi phase national co design process built on systems thinking and lived experience. The work included:

• A desktop review and policy analysis across governance systems.
• Engagement with 200+ stakeholders, including First Nations leaders, disability and multicultural advocates, and gender equity experts.
• A custom “Examine, Evolve, Elevate” methodology, created with stakeholders.
• Bringing together insights from elite sport, government and community leadership.

Just Gold also designed the final publication in two versions. The standalone project version uses its own colour palette to highlight key themes. The branded ASC version follows the Commission’s brand guidelines and prescribed palette, with infographics adapted for clarity and accessibility.

Deliverables

• National Intersectionality Framework
• Toolkit for sport governance bodies
• Benchmarking Index and evaluation model
• Policy reform guidance
• Facilitator training resources
• Implementation roadmap
• Final publication, designed as a standalone version and a branded ASC version

Outcome

The Framework has been adopted across national and state sport organisations and is endorsed by major sporting bodies and codes. It is shaping executive policy and the reform of leadership pipelines in sport, and it is now used in gender, disability and race equity training.