EFDS Clubmark information sheet

EFDS Clubmark Information for Clubs.
EFDS are pleased to reveal the Clubmark criteria developed for multisport
and single sport disability clubs.
Is our club eligible for EFDS Clubmark
To become part of this project we would ask that a club has disabled
members and is actively promoting itself as a club that welcomes
disabled people for sport. In addition, your constitution has to be
‘open’ that is, it must state that you welcome all members of the
population and not just disabled people.
If you are already affiliated to a National Governing Body of sport
(NGB) then this project is not for you, in this instance you should be
working toward your own NGB version of Clubmark.
EFDS Clubmark is likely to suit multi-sport, multi-disability sports clubs
and single sport, multi-disability sports clubs. It may also suit single
impairment sports clubs, such as a club for visually impaired people for
example.
What are the benefits for our club to become involved in this
Clubmark project
Clubs that have been through Clubmark report the following benefits
to their clubs:
• Developing coaches and volunteers: as part of Clubmark, clubs
receive help in developing the skills of their workforce.
• Raised profile: once Clubmark accredited, your club will be listed
on a national database and in many local and regional
directories, helping you to attract new members and grow.
• A safer club: Clubmark addresses issues such as child protection
and equity and gives people confidence when choosing a club for
themselves or a family member.
This process will bring your club into closer contact with various sports
development professionals and you will receive more information in
areas such as:
• Funding: applying for and attracting funds, both large and
small amounts are more likely to go to clubs that are
showing a recognized club structure.
EFDS Clubmark information sheet August 08

• Training: you will receive course dates and may get
subsidized places.
• Awards: there may be local sports awards that you and
your club personnel can apply for and / or attend bringing
increased publicity to your club and recognition for your
volunteers.
In addition, research from the Inclusive Fitness Initiative has shown
that there is more loyalty from disabled people taking part in their
sport, as opposed to non disabled people. By investing in your club
through Clubmark the benefits to your existing and new members
should be massive and they will certainly thank you for it!
Will we be awarded the Clubmark standard if we progress
through the criteria
Yes, provided that the County Sport Partnership has assessed you
according to the criteria and you have completed all areas fully, you
will receive the Sport England Clubmark award.
What are the timescales for this project
The process and suggested timescales your club will go through is
shown below.
Meet your designated local officer who will help you through the
Clubmark process:
1. Registration form – you will complete the registration form either
via email or in person with your local officer and a copy of this
will be returned to EFDS to ensure we know which clubs are
working to Clubmark, and we can support you.
2. You will receive the Clubmark folder which contains the generic
Clubmark information, templates and useful contacts. In
addition, within the Clubmark folder you will receive the EFDS
Clubmark criteria and a template disc with additional
information.
3. Complete an audit – you will work through the criteria noting
areas where you have achieved already and areas to work on.
4. Optional – it may help to draw up a short action plan to help you
plan which actions are required for the achievement of the
criteria.
5. Book onto courses – there are some requirements for attending
courses and it makes sense to ask for the dates of these from
your CSP as soon as you embark on this process, also work out
who from your club is required to attend.
EFDS Clubmark information sheet August 08

6. Start to gather evidence – this does take some time so you may
wish to assign this to other members of your committee.
Someone will need to be responsible for gathering this in one
place and putting in the Clubmark folder
7. Complete information and collate paperwork into folder.
8. Submit to CSP – your local officer will give you information on
any panel dates they may have.
9. Achieve Clubmark and enjoy the promotion of your club and
volunteers!
We anticipate the whole process from the start to achievement of
Clubmark will take approximately 6 – 9 months.
Where do we get resources to support us in this process
The Clubmark folder is full of useful information regarding running and
developing a club as well as templates and volunteer support. We will
also provide a CD containing Clubmark, EFDS templates and other
useful information.
In addition the EFDS website has an excellent resources section:
www.efds.co.uk , click on club development or resources, there are
also links there to other useful websites.
When can we feed back on the Clubmark process
Anytime! and when you start the Clubmark process you may well be
asked if we can use some of your club resources as templates and
examples of good practice that we can share with other clubs. You
will see current examples on our website now.
We will be happy to speak to you at any point in the process and also
to help you get over those sticky areas while information gathering.
Good luck and thank you for agreeing to be part of this project.
I can be contacted via the following:
Emma Gibson - EFDS Club Development Manager
C/O: Dame Hannah Rogers School
Woodland Road
Ivybridge
Devon
PL21 9HQ
Tel: 01752 897227
Mob: 07967 573343
email: egibson@efds.co.uk
Web: www.efds.co.uk
EFDS Clubmark information sheet August 08