Standards for Deployment Policy


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


Canoe Wales 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, Canoe Wales, 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.



  • Training opportunities in safeguarding, risk assessing, event safety and gaining a coaching and leadership award if appropriate to the role


  • Continual support provided by the club and discipline teams, leading you through the content of the policy and how it works for you


  • It is recognised that there is significant experience and knowledge within clubs and disciplines and as such training for awards and continual professional development can take place within the club settings


  • Certified and current coaches and leaders are recognised as able to make appropriate professional judgments and use informed decisions on the suitable environment and craft, taking into account your own skills, experience and knowledge as well as those being coached/led


  • For commercial operators of paddlesport activities, there is a specific deployment document. It will be deemed as good practice for anyone who offers paddlesport activities, either voluntary or paid to adhere to the appropriate standards


  • For affiliated Delivery Partners, there is a specific document within their dashboard area to support them in meeting the Delivery Partner Charter which is aligned with the Standards for Deployment Policy


 #SaferTogether - Improving Safety in Paddlesports

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.”


Below you can find the Standards For Deployment policies for clubs and commercial providers, supporting documents, and further training opportunities.

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 Canoe Wales 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, Canoe Wales 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. Canoe Wales 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 Canoe Wales 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 Canoe Wales Club Guidance

- Standards for Deployment Summary of Roles

- Standards for Deployment T1 - Club Safeguarding Policy

- Standards for Deployment for Clubs, Societies and Teams Policy

LIVE WEBINAR SUPPORT FOR CLUBS

Join us on May 22nd at 7pm for a live webinar. To secure your spot, follow the link provided and register now. Spots are limited, and you'll want to ensure you're part of this engaging session. We look forward to seeing you there - Click HERE TO BOOK NOW

INFORMATION FOR DELIVERY PARTNERS AND COMMERCIAL

PADDLESPORT OPERATORS

The policy covers requirements for a variety of roles including supervisor, instruction, coaching and leading, however due to the wide range of roles and titles used within the commercial sector, it is not possible to list all titles within this document, but they would have similar responsibilities.


Please see the following Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Policy  - Commercial for an understanding the recommended minimum standards.


Canoe Wales Delivery Partners

If you are a Canoe wales Delivery partner, you are officialy affiliated to your Governing body. We can support you through the process of meeting the Standards for deployment.

There are specific documents within your Delivery Partner dashboard area to support you to meet the Delivery Partner Charter which is aligned to the Standards for Deployment Policy.

Communication from Paddle UK Delivery partner newsletters will give you further information & Guidance.


Delivery Partner Scheme

The scheme is open to businesses who provide paddlesport activity. This includes sole traders, activity centres, hire providers, small and large organisations etc. across the UK and internationally.


Becoming a partner with Paddle UK offers you a variety of benefits including:

  • Premium listings
  • Access to the British Canoeing Delivery Partner Logo and marketing collateral
  • British Canoeing Recognised Delivery Partner Plaque
  • Dedicated Support
  • Exclusive training opportunities


There are Bronze, Silver and Gold packages, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. To find out more and to sign up to receive exclusive information about the partnership, please go to: https://gopaddling.info/become-a-delivery-partner/ 

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