FIAS (Fostering Inclusive Action Sport) is a project committed to understanding, illuminating and addressing gender inequality in action sport. Action sports are non‑traditional physical activities that often take place in nature. They involve skill, challenge, and often an element of risk, emphasising personal expression and performance over conventional formats.
FIAS is a research-informed impact project, based at the University of Bristol Business School and is funded through a range of grants, including PolicyBristol support, the British Academy research funding and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) impact accelerator funding. We have worked in the past with organisations including Forestry England, British Cycling, IMBA Europe, Scottish Cycling and Beicio Cymru. Fusion Media are also an important partner.
Most of our work so far has been with mountain biking organisations, but this is changing. We are currently working with the European Network of Outdoor Sports to develop the FIAS Framework to make it more accessible and user-friendly for organisations beyond mountain biking that are keen to drive gender equality and the participation of women+ in their contexts. This is a big step in ensuring the framework can support a wider range of action sports and communities and foster women+’s inclusion in a broad range of action sports.
Upcoming Events:
Growing Women+’s Participation in Action Sports: Free Workshop
🗓 When: 15th May 2026 | 10:00-14:30
📍 Where: Sheffield Hallam University, Heart of the Campus
On 15th May, we’re hosting a free, hands-on workshop in Sheffield focused on boosting women+ participation in action sports and improving gender inclusion.
The workshop is built around the FIAS Framework, a practical, tried-and-tested toolkit for increasing women+’s participation and addressing gender inequality in action sports. It’s underpinned by research from the University of Bristol Business School and has been used to drive strategic approaches to gender inclusion by organisations in the UK and Europe, including Forestry England, Beicio Cymru and the International Mountain Bike Association.
Participants will gain real strategies, actionable insights, and knowledge they can apply immediately to grow their sport and strengthen their community.
What’s included:
- Guided strategy development with expert guidance from the FIAS Team
- Lunch provided
- More than just a workshop, it’s a chance to gain deep knowledge, connect with like-minded organisations, and help shape the future of action sports.
Demystifying FIAS: Free Webinar
🗓 When: 28th April 2026 | 12:00-13:00
📍 Where: Online
If you have any questions or want to learn more about the FIAS Framework before our Sheffield workshop on 15th May, join our Demystifying FIAS Webinar on 28th April, 12:00-13:00.
Here we’ll explain how the framework could help you and answer any questions you might have.
fiasbristol.co.uk 