CLUBMARK ACCREDITATION 2023

Clubmark remains a key component of helping clubs raise standards in the recreational game and is used by many leagues as an entry requirement. In 2023, the scheme aims to build on the introduction of the ECB’s Safe Hands Management System in 2021. Therefore, Clubmark now has a key focus on Safeguarding and builds on this by reviewing key club documents. 

The timescales for 2023 Clubmark accreditation have also changed. Clubs will now be required to upload evidence by 30th June. Then, the documents can be reviewed and any changes can be made before the season ends. This has two key benefits. Firstly, it allows clubs to have time to resolve any issues and re-accredit. Secondly, it provides leagues with a clear understanding of who will be accredited for the following season. 

Access to your Clubmark Portal can be found here.

Clubs wishing to start the process should contact Berkshire Cricket Foundation’s Club Support Manager. 

Process

  • You can now access your 2023 Clubmark files and add the required evidence. Instructions on how to load evidence can be found on the Clubmark section of the online portal.
  • The Clubmark scheme is run centrally by the ECB but is managed locally via the County Boards. Your local County Board will let you know of the operational timescales they are working to. All documents will need to be added to the portal by 30th June 2022 or any earlier date specified to you by your local County Board.
  • You will be allocated a Club Support Officer by your local board, who will assist you with the process and conduct a site visit if that is necessary
  • The 2022 criteria are below for you to familiarise yourself with. You will see there are several mandatory evidence requirements to be loaded on the portal.
  • Your club will also need access to the Safe Hands Management System and ensure that all individuals who need a DBS have one and are registered on the system.
  • Other blank templates such as model constitutions and templates can be found under the “Resources” section of the Club Portal. We are currently refreshing a number of these, together with adding new resources, so please keep checking this section of the portal.
  • If you are currently not accredited, then you will receive a site visit from your local County Board to review your practices on a junior training night.
  • If you don’t have access to the Club Portal then please e-mail clubmark@ecb.co.uk detailing club name, your e-mail address and your position within the club.
  • Upon review of your online file, you may be asked to undertake some remediation activity. You will not have your accreditation confirmed until that is done. All remediation will need to be completed before 31st August 2022. 

Best Practice 

  • Start reviewing your documentation as soon as you can and ensure it meets the criteria before you load onto the portal.
  • The earlier you start the process, the easier it will be for you. Where clubs have left loading documents to near local deadlines, the more difficult it has been to achieve re-accreditation.
  • Ensure your coaches and other relevant officials are up to date with all qualifications and added to the Safe Hands Management System. This should be done ahead of the season starting as vetting needs to take place before someone takes up a role. The biggest area of non-compliance in 2021 was open age team captains so ensure they are vetted as checks to information on play-cricket will be undertaken.
  • If you employ the services of an outside coaching company for junior training, you still have the responsibility of ensuring all coaching, safeguarding and first aid qualifications are up to date for coaches undertaking sessions at your club.
  • Review your constitution to make sure membership is “open” and that it adopts the relevant ECB policies. If your club has any clauses relating to proposers and seconders for membership or has a committee vote on membership, then this means the constitution is not open and will need amending. There is an updated club constitution in the “Resources” section which cover off all these points.
  • Ensure your meeting minutes are all up to date.
  • Share the work involved with your re-accreditation around your club, by adding relevant colleagues to the portal. You can do this by clicking on your name in the top right-hand corner, clicking on “Admin” and then clicking on “My Colleagues”.
  • Add Clubmark as a standing agenda item to your committee meetings.
  • Try and load documents onto the portal ahead of the season starting so your Club Support Officer can review these ASAP.
  • Discuss a timetable with your Club Support Officer for the process during the year to ensure the re-accreditation happens in a timely manner. 

For more information – click here.

Berkshire Cricket Foundation | Charity Number: 1165948 | Registered address: The Cricket Pavilion, Enborne Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6TW | Email: foundation@berkshirecricketfoundation.org