STANDARDS FOR DEPLOYMENT

Standards for Deployment Policy

Paddle Cymru joins Paddle UK and the national associations in issuing Standards for Deployment Policy

Paddle Cymru has joined Paddle UK, Paddle Scotland and Paddle Northern Ireland in launching a new policy today to support volunteers and employees to follow an agreed set of standards, to create a safer culture and environment within paddlesport.

The Standards for Deployment Policy represents a significant step forward in strengthening the paddlesport community across the United Kingdom. Developed collaboratively by Paddle Scotland, Paddle Northern Ireland, Paddle Cymrus, and their affiliated clubs and national association committees, this policy aims to foster a safer, more professional environment for all involved. By establishing clear guidelines for the training and qualifications required for various roles within the community, the policy ensures that everyone from committee members to volunteers, and those involved in instructing, coaching, leading, or organising events, adheres to a high standard of safety and competence.

The policy's comprehensive scope underscores a commitment to inclusivity and safety, recognising the diverse roles that contribute to the paddlesport ecosystem. Whether it's formal instruction, event organisation, or leadership roles on trips and expeditions, the Standards for Deployment Policy provides a clear framework. This structured approach not only elevates the quality of paddlesport activities but also reinforces the sense of responsibility among participants, thereby enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.

To facilitate a smooth transition to these new standards, the policy will be implemented in a phased manner. This thoughtful approach ensures that volunteers and clubs have ample time to adjust and align with the new requirements. Support mechanisms will be put in place to assist volunteers in meeting these standards, acknowledging the vital role they play in the paddlesport community. Through workshops, training sessions, and ongoing guidance, the phased implementation aims to build competence and confidence among volunteers and employees alike, solidifying a culture of safety and excellence in paddlesport activities across the UK.

The Standards for Deployment Policy is in line with the Paddle UK Safety Strategy, #SaferTogether, published in October 2023, which sets out our vision for safer paddlesport and the actions required to achieve this.

It is also part of a wider movement across sporting organisations, led by CIMSPA, to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare, complaints handling, education, governance and oversight are in place, key requirements of the Whyte Review published in 2022 to ensure sport is safer.

This new policy is a crucial stage of building a safer culture and environment within paddlesport to ensure that anyone supporting paddlesport activity is appropriately trained, qualified, and competent to do so.

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said:

“CIMSPA is continuing to develop and drive a UK-wide sport and physical activity sector that provides the highest standards of service delivery, and safeguarding is absolutely key to this."

“The development of the Workforce Governance project is to ensure systems, policies and procedures are in place to support positive outcomes for all staff, coaches, volunteers, and participants."

“We continue to have a strong relationship with Paddle UK, which includes supporting them in setting out their Standards for Deployment and giving their clubs the knowledge and skills they need to undertake their work safely and effectively.”

INFORMATION FOR CLUBS AND TEAMS

The policy provides the standards for deployment required for affiliated Clubs, Canoe Wales events, activities and Committees which cover a variety of roles including, committee members, volunteers, formal instructing, coaching, leading, and those organising and supervising events and trips.

This document provides a Paddle Cymru perspective of the Paddle UK Standards for Deployment, focused on affiliated clubs. Whilst the Standards for Deployment policy is a UK wide policy, the practical implementation varies between the National Associations based on current organisational structures, previous club affiliation requirements, training completions and more. 

Affiliated Clubs in Wales are already in a good place in terms of governance, the recording of all club members in JustGo and in the training of many roles. However, Paddle Cymru also recognises there will be some clubs and individuals who will require to complete additional training or qualifications and others who will have to help coordinate these for others in the club. Paddle Cymru is committed to supporting affiliated clubs in the next stages of implementation and has a range of support and tools available.

All of these steps are designed to help make paddlesport a safer place for all. This guidance document applies to Paddle Cymru Affiliated Clubs and should be read alongside the other guidance documents and support. You will find more documents at the bottom of this page.

Standards for Deployment Paddle Cymru Club Guidance

Standards for Deployment Summary of Roles

Standards for Deployment T1 - Club Safeguarding Policy

Standards for Deployment for Clubs, Societies and Teams Policy

Standard for Deployment T11 Club Equality Policy

LIVE WEBINAR FOR CLUBS

On the 22nd May 2024 there was a live webinar hosted by Paddle Cymru on the Standards For Deployment. You can view the video below. You can also download the slides used in the video here - Standards For Deployment Webinar Slides 2024