Details of independent review into British Gymnastics to be announced later this month

UK Sport and Sport England have confirmed that details of how they intend to conduct their independent review into British Gymnastics will be announced later this month.

The update came two days after the Telegraph Sport reported that, nearly a month on from the national governing bodies announcing their co-investigation, the Government was being warned delays could leave gymnasts vulnerable to continued abuse. But UK Sport and Sport England on Friday assured that "significant progress has been made".

"As of today, we can confirm the principal stakeholders have now received the details of the QC we wish to appoint to lead the review and a draft of the review’s Terms of Reference for their comment," the statement read. "Once this process has been concluded, we will be publicly announcing the name of the QC leading the review, the Terms of Reference and the process around the review, including the call for evidence.

A further announcement is expected at the end of the month: "It is essential this review is launched correctly, therefore while we acknowledge the desire for swift progress from all those who have had the courage to raise their concerns, we are taking the necessary time to ensure this."

The news comes as a group of Olympic gymnasts have hit back at British Gymnastics chief executive Jane Allen, accusing her discrediting abuse survivors and demanding she step down.

Gymnastics has been engulfed by allegations of physical, emotional and mental abuse at the hands of coaches and, writing exclusively in the Telegraph Sport on Friday, Allen admitted her organisation had "fallen short" in its duty of care but did defend her organisation.

"Even when we fundamentally disagree with some of the things said," she wrote, "and have recorded evidence to back it up, it would be wrong to engage in a trial through the media when, in some incidences, only a partial view could be aired in hugely complex and legally privileged cases."

The statement has angered former members of the British squad, who feel it paints those speaking out as "liars".

"Allen outright suggests gymnasts speaking to the media are liars - and that BG have proof," London 2012 gymnast Jennifer Pinches said. "I agree that individual cases should not be discussed in the media in-depth, and a balanced and trustworthy investigation is required, so why include this comment against those speaking out?"

"You can’t expect everyone to come forward when you don’t even allow the people that are winning medals for this country to come forward and speak out," former Commonwealth champion and Olympian Lisa Mason added.

Two-time Olympian Hannah Whelan said: "So many people haven’t felt confident enough [to report] because of this fear culture. So for her to turn around and say well people haven’t reported their complaints, she’s not understanding that part of it."

British Gymnastics declined to respond.

In her statement on Friday, Allen also called for the creation of an ombudsman to police sport independently, the top recommendation of a Government-commissioned report written by Paralympic champion Baroness Grey-Thompson three years ago.

UK Sport and Sport England told Telegraph Sport they were "keen to see an industry-wide discussion take place" on the subject, and, though stopping short of calling for an ombudsman, the British Athlete Commission also said "more can be done to ensure sports are held to account".

Baroness Grey-Thompson told Telegraph Sport that abuse allegations should not be surprising when no action has been taken: "It feels like there’s been excuses about why it doesn’t need to be done since I wrote the review. No one should be shocked when those in the system talk about a culture of fear, sport has to decide whether it wants to step up [and make changes] or every couple of years make noises about doing something and then hope it goes away."