The report, titled 'Duty of Care in Sport’, was commissioned by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Seven key recommendations were put forward by Baroness Grey-Thompson, an 11-time Paralympic gold medallist.

This includes a proposal for a Sports Ombudsman to be created by the Government, which would have the power to hold national governing bodies to account for the duty of care they provide.

An independent benchmark survey to measure duty of care, a board member at all national governing bodies who are responsible for the subject and exit surveys for athletes leaving performance programmes have also been suggested.

The establishment of a duty of care charter, the mandatory reporting of any suspected abuse and a government-funded British Athletes Commission are among the other key recommendations.

"Recent media reports and anecdotal evidence from across a range of sports has led to questions about whether welfare and safety really are being given the priority they deserve,” said Baroness Grey-Thompson in the introduction to the report.

"At a time of success for British sport in terms of medals, championships and profile, this raises challenging questions about whether the current balance between welfare and winning is right and what we are prepared to accept as a nation.

“The sector is arguably under more scrutiny than ever before, with allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse in football, and accusations of a culture of bullying in some sports.

“Questions are being asked about the price being paid for success, it is clear that the drive for success and desire to win should not be at the cost of the individuals involved.

“Allegations about the past need to be thoroughly investigated, but the focus must also remain on those in the current system to ensure that they are protected and free from harm, bullying, harassment and discrimination.

“Although there are processes and safeguards in place, the right culture is still required to ensure they work.

“Sport cannot think of itself as special or different and able to behave outside what are considered acceptable behaviour patterns.”

The report comes at a time when British sporting bodies have been criticised for the duty of care they have provided, with British Cycling and British Canoeing having been the subject of complaints.

The BBC also revealed last month how an "independent fact-finding investigation" has been launched by British Swimming into multiple claims of bullying, reportedly made by Paralympians.

“I am extremely grateful for Baroness Grey-Thompson’s hard work in conducting this review,” said Sports Minister Tracey Crouch.

“I welcome the contribution this comprehensive report makes to the debate about the welfare and wellbeing of participants in sport at all levels. Duty of Care has to be a high priority for the sport sector.

“I will be considering the recommendations relevant to my department and work with my ministerial colleagues to ensure government as a whole looks at what more we can collectively do."

British Athletes Commission chief executive Ian Braid added: “It is pleasing to see that the role of the BAC has featured strongly in this review reflecting the work undertaken in the last four years.”

“The BAC now sees potential to grow its influence in performance sport helping to sustain success and giving the athletes more of an effective voice individually and collectively.

“The Duty of Care report recognises that the BAC needs to be better resourced and funded to be more effective in truly representing our 1,400 members across various Olympic and Paralympic sports.

“We therefore welcome the opportunity to talk further with our key stakeholders to embed the report’s recommendations in sport for the benefit of all.”