What is a Volunteer?

Many Paddlesport volunteers rarely use the term 'volunteer' to describe their activity. They see themselves as coaches, team managers, club personnel, chairman or even the person who sells sweets or makes the tea. However, any role in your club, county or region, which you do without being paid is classed as volunteering. The 'Volunteer Opportunities' section details more information on the types of roles you can get involved in as a volunteer.  Canoe England Award Winners Annonouced Presentations took place on Saturday 7th June 2008 at the National Watersports Centre. For more details, click here.  Club Volunteer Coordinators What is a Club Volunteer Coordinator? Club Volunteer Coordinators coordinate the recruitment, training and opportunities for volunteers within the club. They act as the main contact for all volunteers within the club and should target the recruitment, development, retention and rewarding of volunteers. What does a Club Volunteer Coordinator need to do? The main purpose of the role is to offer guidance to other club volunteers while identifying any training needs or support required. The Volunteer Coordinator should be aware of who is best to signpost individuals to in order for them to develop their needs. Other responsibilities are outlined in the role description in the Good Practice Bank. What are the benefits? Provides a point of contact to new and existing volunteers More volunteers through recruitment campaigns by Volunteer Coordinator Volunteers will know what their roles and responsibilities are Trained volunteers once needs are identified Support from Canoe England Is there any support available for our Volunteer Coordinator? Canoe England would like to offer support and information to club Volunteer Coordinators. The Canoe England Volunteer Development Officer will maintain regular contact and offer ongoing support to your Volunteer Coordinator through a range of resources, knowledge, advice and information. If your club has a Volunteer Coordinator, email Canoe England.

BCU Club of the Year Awards 2008

Successful clubs announced! The BCU are proud to announce the winning clubs for this year's prestigious title of BCU Club of the Year 2008. Click here to find out more.

Club Forums **New dates released**

Equality Policy Template
Following the updated version of the BCU/Canoe England Equality Policy, clubs can now access a template to assist them in writing their own policy. The policy gives guidance on the maximum wording to use within your policy. The policy can be edited to ensure it is relevant for each club, and sections which are deemed not relevant to that club can also be deleted. Click here for more details.

There are already some excellent projects and initiatives occurring within the country to address these barriers and Canoe England would like to hear about these to promote your good work. Any press cuttings or information can be emailed to volunteers@bcu.org.uk  or posted to the Equity Officer.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the consultation for the BCU/Canoe England three year Equality Plan, and also to those who have helped us work towards the Equality Standard for sport.