Clubmark - FAQs

What is Clubmark?

• Clubmark remains a key component of helping clubs raise standards in the recreational game and is used by many leagues as an entry requirement and the Home Office as part of requirements for the managed migration process. The historic 3 year accreditation cycle has been a victim of the pandemic, so there have been some amendments made and we will continue to review to ensure it remains fit for purpose and add value for the clubs going through the process.
  
  
• 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. 
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Further details on the accreditation and the specific criteria can be found in the Clubmark Club User Guide located in the Resources section of the portal. 

Why do Clubmark?

“Clubmark shows that a club is sustainable, well run and provides the right environment for its members. Clubmark accreditation also means your club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages, as well as assuring parents and carers that they are choosing the right option for their young people.”

• Assurance that minimum standards of governance are in place 
• Competitive edge for recruiting juniors and new members
• Pride for the club
• Recognition for all the hard work within a club
• Progression to Premier Leagues

How can I access Clubmark Portal?

• You can access the Clubmark Portal through the following link: https://liveapps.ecb.co.uk/clubportal/Login.aspx 
  
  
• If you don’t have access to the Club Portal then please e-mail [e-mail] detailing club name, your e-mail address and your position within the club.

How do I upload documents to the Clubmark Portal?

• You can access your Clubmark files and add the required evidence, instructions on how to load evidence can be found on the Clubmark section of the online portal.
  
  
• Other blank templates such as model constitutions and templates can be found under the “Resources” section of the Club Portal. 

What is the link between Clubmark and Safe Hand Management System (SHMS)?

• We want to build on the introduction of SHMS in 2021 given the importance of safeguarding and build on this by reviewing key governance related documents as well.
  
  
• Your club will 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.
  
  
• We have adopted & implemented the ECB "Safe Hands" Policy, ensuring all members are aware of safeguarding procedures. This includes but is not restricted to:
  
  • Appointing a Club Safeguarding Officer (s) who is ECB Vetted and has attended the ECB Safe Hands Workshop for Club Safeguarding Officers.
  
  • Ensuring Coaches and other relevant personnel whose roles include responsibilities relating to
  working with children are ECB vetted (including an enhanced DBS check).
  
  
• Evidence of this will be having a Compliant status on Safe Hands Management System.
• If you have a query regarding the Safe Hands Management System please click here.

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
  2023 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.
  
  
• You can view any previous documents you loaded onto the portal by clicking on your name in the top right hand corner of the screen, then clicking on Admin and then Documents.

Questions 
For any questions contact your local County Board representative or e-mail [e-mail].