Today Paddle UK launch a new policy to support both volunteers and paid employees to follow an agreed set of standards in order to create a safer culture and environment within paddlesport.

The Standards for Deployment Policy has been developed and is being simultaneously launched by the four National Associations to support and guide affiliated clubs and committees to have the required training and qualifications in place for their workforce. It has been developed is in line with the Paddle UK safety strategy #SaferTogether as well as the Paddle Scotland ‘Paddlesport for All’ strategy. 

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. These are key requirements of the Whyte Review published in 2022 to ensure safer sport. 

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.

The scope of the policy covers a variety of roles including committee members, volunteers, formal instructors, coaches, leaders and those organising and supervising events and trips.

The new policy will be rolled out in a phased approach to ensure volunteers in clubs and disciplines are fully supported. In summary, volunteers in specific roles within Paddle Scotland affiliated clubs and discipline development groups will:

• Be required to undertake an appropriate level of safeguarding and/or safety training and complete a short code of conduct eLearning by the end of 2024.
• Need to complete all other training and guidance detailed in the Standards for Deployment Policy by the end of 2026. 

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

For Delivery Partners there is a specific document within their dashboard area to support them to meet the Delivery Partner Charter which is aligned to the Standards for Deployment Policy.

Paddle Scotland will provide a range of support including: 

• Webinars - as part of our regular series of club webinars, we will discuss the implementation of Standards for Deployment and offer support. The first two will take place on:
• 13th May - 1930hrs
• 28th May - 1930hrs 
• Club Committee Hub on Brightspace - this existing resource is being expanded to provide additional tools and information for clubs.
• Direct support and advice upon request - The team of Development Managers at Paddle Scotland are happy to arrange 1:1 discussions with clubs. Contact hello@paddlescotland.org.uk to request. 
• PVG processing - Paddle Scotland continue to process PVGs on behalf of affiliated clubs and support the transition to the new PVG system by April 2025.
• Reporting systems in JustGo - the existing reporting tools available in JustGo will support clubs to identify any gaps, keep track of training and manage the roles of members .
• GoPaddling Clubs dashboard to quickly view status - this new dashboard will complement the reporting in JustGo and utilises a live feed from the JustGo data to provide a quick visual dashboard of safeguarding, first aid, Coaching CPD and more. 
• Discounted Safeguarding courses - Paddle Scotland will offer free access to the introductory eLearning until 31st December (extended date) and discounted options on live CWPS safeguarding courses. Request your code here.
• Discounted Risk Assessment and Risk Management Training - Those requiring access to this training as a result of Standards for Deployment can access it free until 31st December (extended date). Request your code here.
• Discounted Event Safety Training courses - Dates to follow. Note your interest here. 
• Discounted Provider / Tutor recruitment within clubs - More to follow.
• Peer support - Paddle Scotland Development Managers will facilitate connections between clubs. 
• Subsidised safety and leadership courses - utilising the planned additional capacity in the staff team, Paddle Scotland plans to coordinate a range training and assessments for volunteers in clubs. More details to follow.
• Subsidised Instructor and Coach Award training and assessments - As part of the existing and long running subsidy programme there are opportunities for clubs to apply for funds to support those working towards these qualifications.   
• Free training opportunities in safeguarding, risk assessing, event safety and gaining a coaching and leadership award if appropriate to the role.

What does this mean for affiliated clubs?

Clubs play a crucial role in the paddlesport landscape in Scotland with 5,000+ members. Recent events and reports both within paddlesport and in other outdoor activities have shown that organisations such as clubs have an increased duty of care to both their members and the public around them.

A crucial stage of building a safer culture and environment in paddling clubs is to ensure that anyone supporting paddlesport activity is appropriately trained, qualified and competent to do so. The Standards for Deployment policy provides the guidance and requirements for those involved in paddlesport, ensuring that clubs understand the standards required to maintain high levels of safeguarding and safety. 

Club volunteers are essential for all clubs and play an important role in making clubs safe and welcoming places to be. These volunteers need the support, training and insurance cover to enable them to work safely and effectively in whatever role they take within the club. This policy sets out minimum standards of training and qualifications required for the various roles that volunteers take within clubs.