Important changes to runningsports and Clubmark

KKP has been tasked to strategically overhaul runningsports - completely revising the activities and resources for, and the communications methods use to engage with, what will be a substantially broader cross section of volunteers, clubs and agencies. Concurrently, we shall review Clubmark to modernise and expand the range of quality accreditation options available to affiliated clubs and mechanisms to enable others outside the NGB sphere of influence to set themselves and then promote higher standards.

 

They will align closely to the delivery of Sport England's objectives and outcomes and programme delivery will entail working closely with and through partners (building on KKP's established practice) to ensure that both accreditation and volunteer improvement programmes truly reflect and are responsive to, the current and future needs of people and agencies in the sector. To achieve this we shall be taking a more proactive, market driven and needs led approach.

 

The plan is to revise and extend the reach, range and usefulness of activities, support packages and resources available on a flexible basis to sports volunteers in both NGB linked and more informal settings (including the new cohort of Sport Makers) - doing more to ensure that we reach people from all localities, communities and walks of life.

 

We shall also, with Sport England and partners, review whether and how we can take forward and/or extend the ambit of the present Clubmark accreditation programme – further raising the profile of high quality clubs - for the whole community.

Business as usual.

 

In the short term, we are adopting a ‘business as usual’ approach. In so doing we intend to ensure that 'carried forward' commitments are honoured, with the minimum fuss and disruption. This applies particularly with regard to current levels of support for Clubmark licensees, runningsports workshops arranged prior to 30 September 2011 and other related commitments.

Should you have any queries with regard to this or need any help please contact the Programme team via KKP's main office on 0161 764 7040. You will then be put through to the right person to handle your enquiry.

 

Tutors and the workforce

All runningsports tutors have now been informed about the changed circumstances and processes. As part of the transition, we are in the process of firstly reviewing the volume of support work that will be delivered in face-to-face formats and then identifying how best to assign and support tutors, in the field. This will also encompass identification of appropriate support and a continuous professional development system for those who are to be involved going forward

 

Marketing and communications

We would like to apologise in advance for the fact that, over the next few weeks, there may be some slight disruption to the runningsports and Clubmark websites as we look to migrate content and launch a new integrated portal in the New Year. More detail on this will be circulated nearer to the proposed launch date.

 

The intention is to refresh the two headline runningsports and Clubmark brands. We shall, however, focus on developing and testing new improved activities, products and resources and, as mentioned earlier, the effectiveness with which they are ‘brought to market’.

 

With regard to Clubmark, we are, of course, aware of the investment and resource commitment NGBs and CSPs have made to the use, adoption and alignment to Clubmark branding – so the target is, again, minimal disruption.

 

To ensure that inconvenience to runningsports and Clubmark customers is minimised, during the period of new website construction the same URLs will be used so as to ensure a smooth transition to the new, improved offer.

 

New staffing/workforce

The plan going forward is to change the nature and expand the level of resource applied to the proactive management, in particular of work delivered under the runningsports banner. The new structure is designed to ensure that we have people in place to get the right (new) activities and products to the right markets in the right formats; when they are needed.

 

As noted above, building upon our strong existing relationships, we shall contact you in due course to ensure that your requirements are fed into the system. If you believe that we can help you in any way, please ring the main KKP office number 0161 764 7040 or email us at: mail@clubmark.co.uk

 

Please feel free to cascade this information to any other interested parties and we look forward to working with you in the future.

 

Clare MacLeod
Strategic Operations Manager KKP
On behalf of the Centre of Excellence for Volunteering, Sport England

 

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk