Paddle Northern Ireland has joined Paddle UK, Paddle Scotland and Canoe Wales in launching a new policy 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 UK. Developed collaboratively by Paddle UK, Paddle Scotland, Paddle Northern Ireland, Canoe Wales, and their affiliated clubs and national association committees, this policy aims to provide a safety framework to support safe paddling practices and foster a sense of responsibility to ensure 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.

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 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.”