Cumbrian star Lauren Smith, who spoke out last year about problems with the “culture” in Badminton England, has seen her concerns vindicated by a new report.

The organisation was recently the subject of an independent “healthcheck” on its elite performance environment.

And it has found that some “fundamental cultural, behavioural, and procedural changes” needed to be implemented.

Double Olympian Smith, from Longtown, and some of her fellow players including mixed-doubles partner Marcus Ellis, aired serious concerns last year.

Smith told the News & Star last July that she had been left feeling “lonely and isolated,” and that “trust” had eroded regarding certain coaches.

There were also issues raised about the selection process for the Tokyo Olympics, and the way other complaints were handled.

The healthcheck review, which involved the confidential consultation of a host of players and staff, was jointly commissioned by Badminton England, GB Badminton and UK Sport.

It has led to an action plan, some of which Badminton England says was already in place. “However,” the organisation said, “it is apparent that much more needs to be done to create the performance environment in which players and coaches can thrive and deliver medal success.

“After an immediate focus on offering mental health and well-being support and rebuilding relationships between all parties, the focus will move to creating a progressive and positive programme that everyone can be proud to be a part of.”

Among the report's findings was evidence of "poor relationships and inconsistent communication" from senior leaders.

There was a feeling of "unequal treatment" of female players, "little evidence of a systematic, collaborative and transparent performance planning process", and concerns over how mental health issues were handled.

Pete Fitzboydon, interim CEO at Badminton England, admitted the report was “tough reading, particularly around the risk to player and coach emotional wellbeing”, but had given valuable insight to improve things and try to move on from “a period of pain and disruption”. He said it was important to be transparent about its findings.

A new 50-point action plan includes focus on leadership, athlete-centred culture, wider support for players, player and coach education, a mediation process, improvements to the National Badminton Centre and player representation.

Smith and Ellis said the last six months have been the toughest of their careers, “both physically and emotionally”, and said they were pleased the report highlighted how the culture in the organisation need to change.

Smith added to the News & Star today: “It’s a shame it has taken so long and in that time there has been so much unnecessary damage.

“But I’m happy with the plan and the leadership of the interim CEO – this has brought optimism that I didn’t feel previously.

“No doubt working through this plan won’t be smooth sailing, but I believe it’s positive progress.”