Clubmark is built around a set of core criteria, which ensure that accredited clubs operate to a set of consistent, accepted and adopted minimum operating standards. The findings of this year's EV are consistent with previous years, illustrating that Clubmark is a consistent and effective scheme that is delivered to a high standard across the board.

The EV process is not designed to provide feedback about the work being undertaken, or levels of ‘compliance' at individual clubs; rather it evaluates consistency of delivery and general traits across key Clubmark criteria and provides feedback as to whether minimum operating standards are being applied in a consistent manner. It also gives assurance to young people, coaches, parents and school teachers that accredited clubs continue to operate in the right way and deliver high quality, welcoming environments.

Junior membership

Clubs continue to report increased membership with some acknowledging that they are reaching capacity in terms of the current coach and volunteer infrastructure. Where clubs have experienced an increase in the number of members, it is suggested that this is as a result of work within schools, specific development programmes and reputation.

Coaches

Evidence continues to suggest that since year one of the external verification programme, the number of coaches completing Level 2 and Levels 3 awards has risen. Clubs continue to be proactive in recruiting and supporting volunteers to qualify as coaches.

Volunteers

Volunteering remains a club specific issue. Whilst some clubs are able to attract significant volunteer resource, others struggle to recruit and retain volunteer capacity. Volunteering remains an important item on the Sport England agenda. Clubs recognise the necessity of the importance of volunteer management in looking after their current volunteers.

Schools

Clubs report that, in general terms, Clubmark has ‘opened doors' for them with schools. Clubs are readily able to identify at least three schools with which they work, with some recording definite ‘links' with as many as 12 schools in a partnership cluster. Some PDMs are choosing to signpost pupils to Clubmark clubs but this is still a variable feast across the country.

Clubmark continues to be valued by clubs, evidenced by the variety of testimonials collected during the process:

• Clubmark helped us to look at our processes and procedures and helped us to get better and become more organised.
• Clubmark is a good process for clubs as it sets a standard and provides national recognition. 
• Clubmark is important and beneficial. It shows that the Club is organised and has procedures in place. It assures parents we are a safe club.
• Clubmark made the Club look at themselves. Our practices have become more structured and we learnt a lot through attending the courses.
• It is important that it becomes THE way of working rather than a document which is left on the shelf.
• Initially Clubmark seems difficult but once a Club starts to work on it - it gets easier.
• Most clubs could achieve Clubmark accreditation but many do not because they feel it is unachievable.

We recognise the extra time implication on volunteers in clubs when we undertake our external verification but are always heartened by the warm welcome we receive. To that end, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all clubs that take part in the process and please be assured that your comments are shared with our NGB/CSP partners and the Advisory Group for further consideration.