The strategic review of Clubmark, conducted by KKP in 2005 identified the key areas of development and future challenges. Since taking over the management of the scheme in April 2006, Clare MacLeod from Knight Kavanagh & Page (KKP) has been working hard with partners and stakeholders to enhance its recognition and status.

A licensing process - endorsed by Sport England has been developed to ensure that consistency and minimum operating standards are maintained. Cricket, rugby league, judo and athletics have piloted the process and a full roll out is anticipated to take 18 months. All agencies involved in Clubmark will benefit from improved systems, hence increasing the value and the associated status of this sign of a high quality junior club.

In the review that preceded KKP's appointment to manage the scheme, promotion of Clubmark was identified as a key area for improvement. KKP have been driving forward a number of initiatives to address this. Firstly, a new brand has been developed to create a strong visual identity to support the drive to make Clubmark the stamp of approval to which all sports clubs aspire. A campaign to promote this will run between now and December. Linked to this is the development of a comprehensive, integrated communication strategy to ensure the success of Clubmark is promoted to all targeted audiences. Integral to this is the launch of the scheme website (www.clubmark.org.uk), a new interactive website to provide all involved in the scheme with a dedicated, all-inclusive bank of relevant, up to date information, to share best practice and to learn from success.

Commenting on progress, Clare MacLeod, National Clubmark Manager said "We are working hard with partners and stakeholders to enhance the recognition and status of Clubmark. There is tangible evidence from accredited clubs of increased membership, improved links with schools and overall better club management. Our role is to ensure that this success is promoted across the sector, in the hope of driving up the number and coverage of accredited clubs plus the range of sports and activities in which it is available."

For further details, please contact:

Clare MacLeod

Principal Consultant and

National Clubmark Manager

Tel: 0161 764 7040

Email: clare.macleod@kkp.co.uk