Great leadership is about having the right people in the decision-making positions. These people will seek to lead in a way that supports the vision and values of the club. They will have the good of the whole club in mind; ensure strong governance and safeguarding are at the heart of everything the club does and be prepared to make sound long-term decisions. All of which are fundamental in setting the right culture and environment within the club.
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Creating a shared vision and culture that is embedded within a club is an essential part of great leadership.
As a club leader have you thought about:
- What your club’s vision and culture are? How you communicate this to everyone at in the club? Is it understood? Values and culture | Buddle
- What do you need to achieve this? What resources do you need to achieve this? Culture in Clubs & Groups Self Evaluation - Ann Craft Trust
- Do you set a culture where people and their voices are valued and respected?
- Does your club have a club strategy or development plan with clear and accountable short and long terms objectives and actions? Running a Club - ClubMark | England Hockey
- Have your members experiences shaped your clubs' short and long term plans?
- Does your club have the resources and skills you need to deliver the club development plan? Undertaking a skills audit | Buddle
- Does your club currently have ClubMark accreditation – this supports clubs to operate within the minimum operation standards? Running a Club - ClubMark | England Hockey
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Having the right people on your committee is key to running your club.
As a club leader have you thought about:
Your Governance
- Is your constitution or articles up to date? Learn more about Running a Club - ClubMark | England Hockey
- Is your governance structure fit for purpose? (Community Sports Club, CASC, Charity)
- Read our short version Summary Guide of Club Structures | England Hockey,
- Read our full version: Governance Structure of a Club | England Hockey,
- Read about types of structure your group should have: Legal structures for your group | Buddle
- What the leadership roles and structure are within the club? Learn more here: Principles of good governance | Buddle
Your Finances
- Does your club have the resources and skills you need to run the club successfully on a day-to-day basis – people, budget, facilities, partnerships, marketing? Learn more about Undertaking a skills audit | Buddle
- Do you have good financial controls, including an annual budget? Does the club offer value for money? Find out more about Getting organised with your finances | Buddle
- Are you aware of fundraising platforms like Crowdfunder or EasyFundRaising? Click here to find out more about the support available:
Your Committee
- Do you have specific committees for certain club functions? Find out more: Effective committees | Buddle
- How you recruit for your committee roles now and in the future? Read here about Finding volunteers | Buddle
- Is the leadership within your club as effective as it could be? How could it be improved? How long have your leaders had their roles?
- Do you have a succession plan? Who is leading in this? Take a look at Succession planning | Buddle to learn more.
Committee Role Descriptions: Do you have clear committee role descriptions?
- Use our Role Descriptions to support your Committee:
- Committee Role Description Overview
- Committee Role Description - The Chair
- Committee Role Description - Vice-Chair
- Committee Role Description - Secretary
- Committee Role Description - Treasurer
- Committee Role Description - Welfare Officer
- Committee Role Description - Membership Secretary
- Committee Role Description - Communications and Social Media Officer
- Committee Role Description - Volunteer Coordinator
- Committee Role Description - Health and Safety or Facilities Officer
- Committee Role Description - Coaching or Participation Representative
- Committee Role Description - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
- Committee Role Description - General Committee Member
- Committee Role Description - Club President (optional role)
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Providing a safe and well governed club is a fundament part of being a club leader.
As a club leader have you thought about:
- Are you aware of England Hockey’s Best Practice Standards? Governance | Safeguarding Training | England Hockey
- Have you adopted and embedded England Hockey’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Spirit of Hockey Policy? SafeGuard | England Hockey Planning Safe Hockey | England Hockey
- Do you have at least one name and trained Welfare Officer? Welfare Officer | England Hockey
- Is your Welfare Officer on your club committee and is safeguarding a regular agenda item?
- Are you following England Hockey Safe recruitment guidance, have England Hockey DBS checks in place for all those that are eligible, have clear reporting procedures and know how to report to England Hockey? Disclosure And Barring Service (DBS) Checks
- Does your club maintain risk assessments for facilities and sessions? Planning Safe Hockey | England Hockey
- Have all those regularly working with young people completed recommended safeguarding learning and development? Governance | Safeguarding Training | England Hockey
- Does your club regularly review and ensure they are planning, delivering and encouraging a safe hockey environment for all members?
- Are any of your committee members new to their role? Read their 'Year in the Life of....' to support their development:
Learning & Development Opportunities
England Hockey has a programme of national webinars and local club forums that all clubs can attend. Please look at our club support page for our current webinars and local club forums on Great Leadership - Club Support | England Hockey
Other Useful Information
Buddle: provides free learning and support resources for clubs.
Sport England: is a government-backed public body responsible for growing and developing grassroots sport and physical activity across England.
For more help and support, please contact your Club Development Manager.
