As the UK's recognised Governing Body for weightlifting and para powerlifting, our role is to inspire a nation of lifters through exceptional leadership and expertise.

We are responsible for the growth and success of weightlifting and para powerlifting at every level. Our work sees us support a network of weightlifting bodies, clubs and gyms across the UK, as well as the thousands of people actively involved in Olympic and Paralympic weightlifting disciplines.

We strive to deliver exceptional training programmes, educational structures and competitions that create opportunities for people to participate and excel in our sport. Whether you’re an aspiring weightlifter or para powerlifter at your local club or an elite athlete competing on the international stage, we are here to help you fulfil your potential.

British Weight Lifting strategic vision for 2026 – 2030: Find Your Strong

The strategy establishes a unified vision to grow the sport at every level, from first time lifters in local clubs through to podium success on the world stage. Built around three core priorities of performance, participation and people, it provides a focussed framework to strengthen our sports over the next four years.

At its heart, Find Your Strong is a call to action. It reflects the role of weightlifting and para powerlifting not only as competitive sports, but as a foundation for confidence, strength of character and community, where more people can discover the barbell and progress on their own terms.

The plan will strengthen performance through clear pathways, enhanced coaching and a system grounded in integrity and athlete wellbeing. It will grow participation by getting more people lifting more often and for longer, supported by stronger clubs, expanded education and accessible entry points. It will also build a more connected and sustainable sport through stronger relationships, aligned partnerships and increased commercial investment.

Independent BWL Chair Rupinder Ashworth, said: ‘this strategy sets a clear direction for our organisation. It is focussed on sustainable growth, stronger partnerships and ensuring weightlifting and para powerlifting remains relevant and accessible to more people across the country.’

BWL CEO Matthew Curtain, said: ‘over the next four years, our priority is delivery. We are putting in place the structures, partnerships and investment needed to drive performance at the highest level while expanding participation and creating a more connected and ambitious national governing body.’

Click below to read the full British Weight Lifting strategy document:

BWL Strategy

Our commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of children and young people engaged in our sport. We have developed a set of principles with this thought in the forefront of our minds, and we aim to contribute to safeguarding children and young people by:

Applying the principles and practices in ‘Working Together 2018’
Influencing and advocating at a strategic level
Implementing and demonstrating best safeguarding practices, and passing on this knowledge to all those involved in our sport
Working with partners to establish and implement safeguarding standards across the sport
Ensuring that all individuals and organisations that are funded or commissioned to provide services for children and young are effectively addressing safeguarding
Maximising our influence to promote safeguarding practice and principles within our wider partnership roles and relationships

If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like further advice please contact our Safeguarding Lead - Sue Ward via email sue.ward@britishweightlifting.org or via telephone: 01132 249 402

For more information on safeguarding including BWL codes of conduct, BWL's duty of care policy and procedures, training and other useful helplines and websites please visit our safeguarding page.

BWL Safeguarding

Anti-doping and a zero-tolerance approach

We work with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) in the fight against doping.

Doping is the administration of a prohibited substance and/or method to enhance performance or recovery. To allow the use of prohibited substances or methods would be to allow science to decide who wins or loses. We enforce a strict zero-tolerance approach to Doping, and conduct a full anti-doping programme that covers the vital areas of education; testing (both in and out of competition) and results management.

By using our Clean Sport web page, you can access a range of Anti-Doping resources including an overview of our approach to WADA and UKAD rules, as well as prohibited lists, supplement policies and therapeutic use exemptions amongst many others.

access more useful Anti-Doping information

Championing Inclusivity

Inclusivity is one of our core principles and we have developed a strategy that will ensure that our sport is accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Our 2017-21 strategic plan outlines ways that we aim to champion inclusivity throughout our organisation and our sport. This includes the following goals:

Increase the diversity of staff, volunteers, participants and our wide workforce
Celebrate our identity as an equal opportunities employer
Remain fully compliant with the Equality Standard for Sport
Establish partnerships with organisations who share our philosophy
Promote inclusivity throughout all of our initiatives, programmes and events
Ensure diversity at Board-level
Ensure diversity procedures, policies and practices remain active throughout BWL
Proactive monitoring of activities and groups