What is Talking Sport?

Talking Sport is a range of seminars designed to help volunteers in sports clubs improve what they do and how they do it.
They are designed to stimulate thought and identify specific actions which volunteers want and need to improve with their club. They are high quality sessions, led by an expert facilitator with extensive industry knowledge and experience. The principles of peer learning and the sharing of best practice are used extensively and seminars can be highly effective for varying group sizes. Sharing of best practice will be encouraged as well as identifying specific actions which will make a difference to your club. Where possible, we will signpost you to other areas of learning. 

What Talking Sport seminar topics are there?

We have identified 17 Talking Sport seminar topics (link to topic list) but are happy to develop unique topics with you. The pre-identified range has been developed through extensive consultation and is designed to give you an idea of the areas which we can cover. The specific detail will be worked through with seminar organisers on a case by case basis. Seminars can also be designed to meet the needs of groups who wish to construct a bespoke session comprising core topics or any other suggested topics related to supporting volunteers or clubs in general.

Can I pick more than one topic for a Talking Sport seminar?

There are two options for the format of the Talking Sport seminars;
Option 1 - this type of seminar will focus on one topic, either from the list (hyperlink to Talking Sport web page) or topics that have been identified in discussions with potential delegates. During the session, there will be in-depth learning, sharing of best practice and planning for future activity.
Option 2 - It may be that discussions have highlighted a need for a session that covers more than one topic. Talking Sport can accommodate up to THREE topics per session which, again, can be selected from the list (hyperlink to Talking Sport web page) or generated by demand. With the course organiser we will work out how much time we will spend on each topic, ensuring a high level of learning offered on each. 

I've looked at the topics and I want to include one that isn't listed?

If your topic is not included on the list, please contact Charles Horton on 0161 764 7040 or charles.horton@kkp.co.uk  directly who will be able to help you. The list of topics is indicative rather than definitive, so feel free to think around the topics and ensure that we are produce opportunities for topical learning.
Talking Sport organisers decide the topics they want for their sessions (generally following consultation with potential delegates). When an organiser contacts KKP (contact details can be found below), we will discuss your requirements and identify an appropriate facilitator based on experience and knowledge.  

I want to discuss the topics in more detail before I commit to booking, who do I contact?

There are short descriptions on the Talking Sport web page but if you would like to discuss ideas or topics further, please;

• call the KKP office and ask for Charles Horton on 0161 764 7040
• email Charles Horton at KKP on charles.horton@kkp.co.uk

How long do Talking Sport seminars last? 

Seminar length can vary but we advise that 2- 2 ½ hours is the maximum length we should engage with volunteers. Time is a valuable commodity and we want to ensure that we get the most out each session. Flexibility is key to ensure that delegates get the most out of each session so we take account of needs and requests from organisers and delegates alike.

How much do Talking Sport seminars cost?

The cost for each Talking Sport seminar is £300; this is a flat rate fee regardless of the number of topics selected (you can select between one and three topics). When booking your Talking Sport seminar you will be asked for a non-refundable £50 deposit - this will be deducted from the £300 total amount. 

I want to organise a Talking Sport seminar, who do I contact?

To organise a seminar please;

• call the KKP office and ask for Charles Horton on 0161 764 7040
• email Charles Horton at KKP on charles.horton@kkp.co.uk

Can I cancel a Talking Sport seminar after I have booked it and will any costs be incurred?

To discuss any changes to your booking please call Charles Horton at KKP on 0161 764 7040. In the event of a cancellation and you wish to cancel a Talking Sports seminar within seven working days of initially booking with us your deposit will be refunded. After seven working days, the £50 deposit is non-refundable.
An invoice for the outstanding balance will be issued shortly after the completion of the seminar.

How do I invite people or clubs to a Talking Sport seminar?

Talking Sport organisers are responsible for identifying the need of the seminar and promoting interest within their local area. You are responsible for marketing, promoting and taking bookings. We will publicise the event on the Sport England Core website which might drive more people to contact you should they wish to attend. If you do not want to encourage others to attend (because it is full or it is part of something else), we do not have to place this information on the events calendar. http://www.clubmark.org.uk/resources/volunteer-resources/events

How can I find out what Talking Sport seminars are being organised in my local area?

We have a list of up and coming seminars which details the date, venue, time and topic(s) being covered and how to book onto the seminar - these can be found here http://www.clubmark.org.uk/resources/talking-sport/upcoming-seminars

I've attended a Talking Sort seminar and want to give my feedback, who do I contact?

Delegates should receive a feedback form at the end of each seminar. If, however, this did not occur or wish to offer additional feedback please contact Charles Horton at KKP on 0161 764 7040 or charles.horton@kkp.co.uk

My club has been contacted about an External Verification - what is this?

External verification is the process whereby a trained member of KKP staff visits the accredited sports club and checks that the Club has the relevant evidence in place and that is has been sufficiently supported by its licensed organisation to achieve accreditation.

This process is essential to maintaining high quality processes within sports clubs. Most clubs find the process allows them to showcase the good practice they do on daily basis.

Why has my club been selected for External Verification?

Clubs are selected randomly, although we do try to ensure that all regions, sports and a range of new and older accredited clubs are chosen. This allows us to identify if there are specific issues which need to be addressed with regard to training needs and understanding of Clubmark. 

What does my club need to prepare for External Verification?

The Club needs to ensure that it can provide evidence that it meets Clubmark criteria. This can be in a variety of formats and does not mean that the Club has reams of evidence in a folder. Much information can now be found on line and on the Club's website. We try and check this out before attending the face to face meeting. 

Do you use the External Verification meeting with clubs for any other reasons?

We are always looking to identify good practice within the leisure sector and will raise the profile of individuals and clubs on the lLubmark website and in the newsletter if possible.
Further, we use this important consultation to help develop new ideas and resources which we think will be useful to volunteers and clubs in the future.. 

What has happened to runningsports?

A new and improved range of support and educational resources for volunteers involved in community sport and activity is being developed and these replace the runningsports programme. The new resources will reflect the needs of individuals and those involved in physical activity and community sport clubs and will be available in new and different formats to suit a variety of learning styles. Although being phased out, a number of existing resources can be purchased from our shop http://shop.kkp.co.uk and also some of the existing downloadable resources are available through the Clubmark website here http://clubmark.org.uk/resources/volunteer-resources. If you have any further queries you can contact us via mail@clubmark.org.uk  our Facebook page or by telephoning 0161 764 7040.

What, if any, will be the changes to Clubmark?

Clubmark continues to be the industry standard for high quality clubs. Although we are researching the identified need for an adult accreditation, this will not affect your current status (working towards Clubmark or as an accredited club) and any developments will be communicated to you in advance. If you have any queries you can contact is via mail@clubmark.org.uk our Facebook page or by telephoning 0161 764 7040.

Does the new scheme affect my club's Clubmark accreditation or our working towards status?

If your club is accredited through Clubmark or is currently working towards accreditation, there is no need to worry. The work going on the background does not affect your status. In fact, we need you to help us identify your current requirements, either as individuals or clubs to ensure that we stay at the top or our game in supporting you so please keep in touch via mail@clubmark.org.uk our Facebook page or by telephoning 0161 764 7040.

Where can I go for more information on what is happening with runningsports and Clubmark?

We will be updating the Clubmark homepage with general information and progress about the Programme on a regular basis. If you have a specific question or any suggestions about what else could be done or if you would like to give your views about developing community sport please get in touch via mail@clubmark.org.uk  our Facebook page or by telephoning 0161 764 7040

What is the Active Kids scheme?

Active Kids was introduced in 2005 and its aim has remained unchanged: to help inspire and motivate young people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles by providing equipment and unique experiences for them to enjoy.

Since 2010, Clubmark accredited clubs have received over £250,000 worth of equipment and experiences, and over 1,800 accredited sports clubs are registered with the scheme. 2012 promises to be a huge year for sport, so make sure you get kitted out with Active Kids!

The scheme delivers real benefits in the form of equipment and coaching, that go beyond the traditional curriculum based sports and PE lessons, for all types of sports clubs, and for all ages and abilities. To find out more visit the Active Kids website or call 0844 415 8440.

Is my club eligible for the Active Kids scheme?

To be eligible your sports club must have junior member provision, i.e. a junior club or team for under-18s that provides sport in a safe environment, be accredited by Clubmark or an acceptable equivalent (in Scotland and Wales) and affiliated to a Sport England recognised national governing body (NGB) of sport. To find out more visit the FAQ section of the Active Kids website.

How do I register my club for the Active Kids scheme?

You can register by visiting the Active Kids website or by calling 0844 415 8440. Clubs who register with Active Kids are sent a welcome pack, which includes a catalogue and support materials to help rally the support of children and parents. If your club is already registered for Active Kids, there is no need to re-register and you will automatically receive your welcome pack.

I've tried registering for Active Kids and it's asking for my Clubmark number?

Firstly, to be eligible for Active Kids your club needs to be Clubmark accredited and to register you need to know your Clubmark Number (sometimes referred to as a Unique Reference Number, Clubmark ID or Accreditation ID). To find your Clubmark number, download the database and use the filters to find your club. Your Clubmark number can be found in column A.

When do I need to register for Active Kids and what are the other dates i need to know?

You can register now, and start to collect vouchers when the scheme launches on 15 February 2012. Ordering commences on the 12 April, ordering ends on the 1 June and all orders will be delivered by the 26 October 2012. For more details please visit the Active Kids website or call 0844 415 8440.

Do coaches in clubs need to attend the Sportscoach UK Equity in your coaching course?

As of the 1st October 2011, the Clubmark criteria does not insist on attendance at the 'Equity in your coaching' workshop. The club must continue to produce an Equity Action Plan or incorporate equity actions within its club development plans.
Click here for the Equity Action Plan template

This should be a short summary of how to recruit and retain members based on fairness. This can be either separate or part of the overall club development plan.

The club can send people on a variety of courses to support personal and club development. Some NGBs and CSPs still require you to do this so it is essential that you check with your licensing organisation.

Why has this change been made?

There are a number of reasons, but the main factors are:

• in response to club feedback that it can be difficult to access appropriate courses that can hold up the Clubmark process.
• the Clubmark advisory group felt that the courses were not producing tangible outcomes and were considered by some to be a ‘tick box' exercise.

What is an annual health check?

The annual health check details the minimum requirements that each club, regardless of sport, should complete on an annual basis.
It is recommended that there should be a minimum of at least one club visit between Clubmark renewals (this still varies between three and four years) from authorised personnel from either the licensing NGB or CSP.

Why does my club have to undertake an annual health check?

The aim of the annual health check is to obtain the following:

• A progress report on the club development plan.
• An improvement or updated plan for the following year.
• An update on contact details - this should be passed on to Clubmark operators.
• Signed declaration by appropriate person in club that all aspects of Clubmark are valid.

In addition it is necessary for the clubs to identify how many hours per week and per year your club has organised planned coaching sessions.

How do I find out more about annual health checks?

Follow this link to download the Annual Health Check template. This is a self assessment form that may be asked for by your NGB or CSP but should be maintained by individual clubs to aid on-going development.

What is Clubmark?

Clubmark is Sport England's national accreditation scheme for high quality junior sports clubs. It is managed by Knight, Kavanagh & Page on behalf of Sport England and sets the standard for all high quality sports clubs in England.

How many clubs have achieved Clubmark accreditation?

With more than 11,000 Clubmark accredited clubs across over 50 different sports and more than 4,000 clubs working towards accreditation the likelihood is that there will be a Clubmark club near you.

Who accredits Clubmark?

Around 70 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and County Sports Partnerships are licensed to award Clubmark.

All organisations involved in accrediting Clubmark clubs are subject to a licensing process. The licence is designed to ensure that all such organisations involved work to a minimum operating framework and can prove it. The licence is renewed every two years to ensure that minimum operating standards agreed are met by all Clubmark sports and best practice in quality standards is reflected.

What does Clubmark stand for?

Clubmark stands for higher standards of safety, fairness, coaching and management. That way the nation's sports club infrastructure is safer, stronger and more successful.

This means that a club that has been awarded Clubmark has achieved minimum operating standards in safeguarding and protecting children, quality coaching, equal opportunities and good management.

In essence, a club that qualifies for Clubmark is a well run club which is ACTIVE and ACCESSIBLE, getting the best out of young people and giving everyone a sporting chance.

Why should clubs apply for accreditation?

Clubmark provides recognition for high quality clubs. It is important that all clubs should strive to this quality standard. Clubmark is an important club development tool and provides a solid foundation for all clubs wishing to establish a youth structure.

Clubs awarded Clubmark can be proud of what they have achieved. They are shown to have a commitment to developing junior sport. Parents can be assured that their children belong to a safer club. Members can be sure their club is a well managed club, striving to offer the best in coaching and sports development. By striving to achieve higher standards clubs are likely to attract more members and build a sustainable future.

As a single, national standard, Clubmark gives sports clubs of all types structure and direction. Clubs awarded Clubmark have seen many tangible benefits... more

Who is eligible for Clubmark?

All clubs that are affiliated to a Sport England recognised NGB can gain Clubmark accreditation. Clubs are not disadvantaged simply because their NGB is not licensed to accredit. Licensed CSPs can accredit clubs in their area that do not belong to a licensed NGB, such as handball, ice hockey and korfball.

How can my club apply for Clubmark?

Registration for Clubmark should be through your NGB or CSP who will provide you with all the relevant resources and information. We recognise that sometimes the hardest part of accreditation is knowing which organisation to contact to register an interest so to help clubs get started we have developed the Pathway to Accreditation. Just answer a few simple questions and we can point you in the right direction.

What does working towards Clubmark accreditation involve?

In working towards Clubmark accreditation, clubs will essentially need to put together a portfolio of evidence which outlines the minimum operating criteria. This criteria for example, includes having a child protection policy, demonstrating a coaching plan and having up to date public liability insurance. A list of the generic Clubmark criteria is available to download here.

Who assesses clubs for Clubmark and how is Clubmark a quality assured scheme?

Each NGB/CSP which is licensed to accredit clubs must go through a rigorous process and provide evidenceit has sufficient resources to operate Clubmark. Clubs in each region are externally assessed by trained staff from KKP to ensure that NGBs/CSPs are supporting clubs throughout the process and that clubs provide appropriate and up to date evidence.

How do I know which clubs have Clubmark? How can I find a Clubmark club near me?

The national Clubmark database holds records for every accredited clubs across the country. This database can be filtered by sport, region, local authority and CSP to help you to find the most suitable club for you. A similar database of working towards clubs can also be downloaded.

Also, look out for the Clubmark logo - all accredited club are presented with a certificate to display and use the logo on websites, signage and letterheads etc.

How long does Clubmark accreditation last?

Clubmark accreditation lasts for 3 years (or 4 years for some NGBs). At this stage each club will be re-assessed on all areas of the award. Clubs are also asked to complete an annual healthcheck to ensure that no major changes have taken place and there will be at least one visit by the licensing organisation during the accreditation period. Clubs may also be visited by a trained member of staff from KKP as part of its external verification programme.

What is re-accreditation?

A club must re-submit its file to its NGB or CSP (whichever body accredited the club), after the relevant timer period in order to become re-accredited.

I'm not sure if my club has Clubmark accreditation - how do I know?

There are a number of sports which adopt a different brand name for their Clubmark accreditation. If your Club has any of the following awards then the Club also qualifies for Clubmark:

CAPS (Netball)
Club Charter (Squash)
Clubs First (Hockey)
Club Future (Badminton)
Go-ride (Cycling)
Golf Mark (Golf)
GymMark (Gymnastics)
LacrosseMark (Lacrosse)
Premier Club (Table Tennis)
Seal of Approval (Rugby Union)
Snowmark (Snowsports)
Swim 21 (Swimming)
Tennis Clubmark (Tennis)
The Football Association (Charter Standard)
Top Club (Canoeing)
Volleyball (Volley 1-2-3)