UK Athletics (UKA) “needs to transform the way it approaches difficult ethical decisions”, according to an independent review.
The study said many of those interviewed identified “a general culture of mistrust” and “experienced poor behaviours” at the governing body.
Commissioned by funding agency UK Sport in February after a series of controversies and resignations at UKA, the review also orders the body to reform its board by the end of the year.
“The scars inflicted as a result of the period of difficulty within athletics are clear to see,” it concludes.
“The impression formed during the review was that athletics in the UK is not in a good position.”
UKA said it welcomed the review and accepted “a need for change”.
Set up in February and led by Dame Sue Street, the review was designed to identify the main areas of reform required to create an organisation that was “fit for the future”.
In a summary of findings, it said, “Many of the participants that were interviewed highlighted a disappointment at having experienced poor behaviours within the sport, and also referred to a general culture of mistrust.
“This was particularly highlighted in relation to the relationship between UKA and the HCAFs (home countries’ athletics federations).”
UKA were also accused of adopting a defensive approach to the engagement with stakeholders.
“It was often referenced that the current state of athletics ‘couldn’t get any worse’,” the review said.