North West Regional Development Team

NORTH WEST REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM

CONSULTATION REPORT

September 2020

Contents What is the Regional Development Team and what is its purpose? ...... 3 Who are the RDT? ...... 3 Why did we undertake this Consultation?...... 4 How have we approached this Consultation? ...... 4 What is the purpose of this Report? ...... 6 How have we gathered information during this consultation? ...... 6 Follow up… ...... 7 Engagement and Statistics ...... 7 Questionnaire ...... 7 Zoom Online Meetings ...... 8 What has this Consultation told us? ...... 9 Major Areas for Change or Action ...... 9 Communication ...... 9 Action on Communication ...... 9 Inter-club Engagement ...... 11 Action on Inter-club Engagement ...... 11 Development Opportunities for paddlers not involved in Coaching and Leadership ...... 12 Action on Development Opportunities for paddlers not involved in Coaching and Leadership ...... 12 Representing Regional interests at British Canoeing ...... 14 Action on Representation to British Canoeing ...... 15 Coach & Leader Development ...... 15 Action on Coach & Leader Development ...... 15 Female Specific Representation ...... 15 Action on Female Specific Representation ...... 16 Bursary Scheme ...... 16 Action on the Bursary Scheme ...... 16 Access, Waterways and Environment ...... 17 Skerton Weir Fish Passage ...... 18 Coronavirus / Covid 19 ...... 18 Appendices ...... 19 Distribution List ...... 35

What is the Regional Development Team and what is its purpose?

A Regional Development Team (RDT) is a group of volunteers with an active interest in paddlesport and a desire to promote and support paddlers and clubs in the region – in this case the North West Region and which currently encompasses 26 British Canoeing affiliated canoe clubs.

There are 12 Regional development Teams (RDTs) in England, each supported by and accountable to British Canoeing with limited funding provided against an annual Development Plan which must be approved by British Canoeing before funds are released to the RDT. RDTs draft their own Terms of Reference which must also be approved by British Canoeing and which are the governing document, defining how the RDT operates. British Canoeing appoints RDT Chairs (following regional voting at Consultative meetings). British Canoeing advertise and appoint the Regional Coaching Representative with RDTs being given the list of candidates and have the opportunity to put forward their first choice. Area Coaching Representatives and other roles and offices are elected to co-opted positions.

RDTs act as a line of communication between regional paddlers and clubs and British Canoeing, representing their interests at the national level and providing support to paddlers and clubs at the regional level.

The 26 affiliated canoe clubs have memberships ranging from the twenties to several hundred members.

We enjoy a wide range of venues where paddlesport can take place, including lakes, canals, reservoirs, touring and whitewater rivers and coastal / sea paddling. Most of these venues are used by paddlers and clubs across the majority of paddlesport disciplines particularly by recreational paddlers who benefit from being able to access some of the most beautiful and diverse waterways in the country.

Who are the RDT?

The current RDT comprises of four members: Chair, Secretary (who currently takes on the duties of Regional Waterways Advisor and Safety Officer), Treasurer and Communications Officer. We also have a Regional Coaching Representative (RCR), appointed by British Canoeing and who supports the RDT in matters relating to coaching and leadership.

Other RDT posts are filled by volunteers who may be elected or co-opted according to published Terms of Reference.

This RDT would like to express its thanks to each and every club representative, club member and independent paddler who engaged in this consultation, be that by returning questionnaires, attending Zoom meetings, exchanging emails or taking time to discuss, sometimes over the course of several phone calls, various aspects relating to many areas of paddlesport. Without your time, effort and consideration, the entire exercise would have been pointless.

Why did we undertake this Consultation?

Members of the RDT were individually becoming concerned that the Team was not functioning as well as it might. We all recognised that there was a growing lack of engagement with paddlers and clubs in the region and that communications between the RDT and the region was weak at best. We each felt that these matters would be resolved over time but when the then Chair resigned from the RDT we felt action needed to be taken.

As our individual concerns were voiced it became clear that concerted action was needed, starting with a new Vice Chair being co-opted in order to give the remaining team legitimacy. British Canoeing then invited the Vice Chair to take on the role of RDT Chair to ensure continuity through to our next Annual Consultative Meeting scheduled to be held in November 2020.

Our first decision was that we should consult with clubs and members in the NW Region in order to understand what they expected of their RDT and what kind of support they might need.

Why? Because of the increasing level of disengagement we felt that we were out of touch with our paddlers and clubs and had very little understanding of the issues paddlers and clubs in our region faced. and whether they understood what the RDT might be able to do for them in terms of how it functioned or could deliver support across the region.

It was also recognised that if we did not improve engagement with, and communications between paddlers and clubs in the region then the RDT would be unable to provide representation of, or support to paddlers and clubs, and thus serve no existential purpose. We had to make changes and those changes had to be meaningful, or at least be seen to have some value to paddlers and clubs in the region.

The consultation process was started just before the Coronavirus lockdown hit and has been impacted by the changes this has forced on us all. In some ways it has delayed progress but perhaps in others it has enabled all involved to commit a little more time and focus than otherwise might have been the case.

It is hoped that the findings from the consultation and presented in this report will shape the way in which the RDT, to be elected at November’s ACM, will continue their work, supporting paddlers and clubs in our region as we all find our way back into paddlesport in a somewhat changed world.

How have we approached this Consultation?

The primary purpose of this consultation was to gather information on what our paddlers and clubs want their RDT to do for them.

We soon realised that we also needed to update our understanding of the paddlers and clubs in the region – the who, where, how many, what are their correct contact details etc. Many of the contact details that we held on file proved to be out of date, no longer in use / monitored or just plain incorrect. We were not even aware of exactly how many clubs there were in the north west and much effort was spent in contact with British Canoeing and old-fashioned Google searches in order to make sure that we were best able to establish contact with the 25 affiliated clubs in the north west.

Similarly, we found that we needed to overhaul our MailChimp Subscribers based on an email contact list for the individual paddlers whose details we thought we had. Since starting the consultation we have now increased the number of individual subscribers by 20+. Some subscribers who were no longer engaged, have been removed. The final result being some 190 individual subscribers with correct email details.

We were unsuccessful in our request to British Canoeing when we asked if they would email all individual British Canoeing members, informing them that this consultation was taking place and inviting them to contact the RDT so that we, in turn, might engage with individual paddlers directly. As a result, much time and effort was spent trying to grow our contact list in order that we could engage with as many regional paddlers as possible.

At the start of the consultation we had valid contact details for 10 clubs and did not know how many affiliated clubs there were in the region. By the time the consultation drew to a close we were able to communicate directly with 25 of the 26 affiliated clubs that we have identified and 190 individual paddlers by email using our MailChimp account to which they had subscribed and is managed primarily by the RDT Communications Officer.

We also spent considerable time reviewing and updating the NWRDT webpages which are hosted by British Canoeing. The webpages are now current in terms of contact details for the various RDT officers and other members although we recognise the need to continue to maintain and update our pages in order to ensure that all interested parties are better informed in a more timely manner than has been the case.

The regional Facebook group “British Canoeing North West” has also been revamped. While not all clubs or individual paddlers use Facebook, for those that do it can be a very dynamic means of sharing information directly with users and across multiple other Facebook groups. This is proving to be an excellent means of sharing information rapidly: for example, reports of hazards on waterways can be highlighted and shared with hundreds (or more) users within minutes. Other useful information, perhaps about RDT or club activity or updates on how Covid restrictions are changing is also being shared in a timely manner via Facebook.

Crucially however we felt that we needed to engage with paddlers and clubs in the region. This meant reaching out, introducing the RDT and its members to paddlers and clubs and explaining what we were doing and why. This process has immediately increased the level of engagement and we have found ourselves communicating directly with clubs and individuals, occasionally for the first time, in some depth, really drilling down into the aspirations of, and issues affecting, some of our paddlers and clubs.

What is the purpose of this Report?

This consultation report collates and presents to the North West Region as much information gathered during the consultation as we have reasonably been able to share. Where information collected has been attributable we have anonymised it.

The aim of the authors has been to identify the hopes and aspirations of our regions paddlers and clubs and to identify what they would like the RDT to deliver on their behalf as we go forward. Each area has been described in its own section followed by an “actions” section where we suggest actions which might alleviate concerns, provide support or otherwise address issues raised by our paddlers and clubs.

Thus this report is presented as an invitation to the incoming RDT to be elected at your Annual Consultative Meeting in November. It will be for those individuals standing for election and elected or co-opted to the Team to consider the findings of this report and to determine whether or not to act on the various suggestions made in the actions sections in order to support the needs expressed by our regions paddlers and clubs.

How have we gathered information during this consultation?

Questionnaire

Initially we contacted clubs and individuals for whom we had contact details using direct emails and posts on Facebook. As noted, we found that we needed to overhaul our contact lists but eventually were able to notify paddlers and clubs of a questionnaire being issued and inviting them to complete and return it so that their ideas, concerns and suggestions could be used to inform the RDT of those actions needed to shape the delivery and nature of support we might provide to our paddlers and clubs going forward.

Zoom on-line Meetings

The RDT decided at an early stage to create and invest in a Zoom account in order to facilitate a number of online meetings. We felt that this was crucial given that lockdown precluded face-to-face meetings and should mean that plenty of club officers, representatives and individual paddlers would be able to engage and contribute.

We initiated these meetings by inviting club officers and other representatives to join us in small groups of up to 4 representatives from each of 3 clubs per meeting. This enabled us to set the scene for the consultation, meet the attendees and invite them to voice their thoughts, issues, suggestions – completely “free rein” in order to kick start further discussion and to help inform the RDT of what paddlers and clubs felt were the issues facing them and what the RDT might do to help support them.

These meetings led to a “General” meeting and further “themed” meetings on Recreational Paddling, PaddleAbility, Coaching & Leadership, ShePaddles and the Bursary Scheme. All regional paddlers and clubs for whom we had contact details were invited to join us, raise any issues or questions, and share ideas, thoughts and suggestions.

Each of the meetings was hosted by a member of the RDT except for the Coaching & Leadership meeting which took the form of a presentation by the RCR followed by Questions & Answers and open discussion.

The primary purpose of the hosted meetings was to learn how paddlers and clubs felt that the RDT could help with their development; they were very much meant to be learning and information gathering exercises but with the emphasis on participants directing the course and nature of the discussion.

Follow up…

As completed questionnaires were received and following the Zoom meetings, numerous follow up emails and telephone calls were made by the RDT Chair and Secretary in order to expand, clarify, or further develop points made in questionnaires or during the meetings. These follow up exchanges proved to be time consuming but very useful in putting “meat on the bones” of ideas and issues expressed by club representatives and individuals. Every attempt has been made to address / include issues and ideas raised during these follow up exchanges in this report although some attempts at contacting contributors for further discussion or clarity went unanswered by the contributors concerned and no further action has been taken in those instances.

Engagement and Statistics

Engagement

A total of 74 individuals engaged in the consultation process, attending one or more of the Zoom meetings, returning a questionnaire or by engaging in email or telephone follow-up exchanges. Of these 74 individuals, 72 were members of British Canoeing Affiliated Clubs in the North West Region.

Questionnaire

We are grateful to the 19 individuals who returned a questionnaire. Of those who responded:

90% were individual members of British Canoeing. 85% are involved in the NWRDT Coaching and Leadership scheme. 75% indicated that they would be willing to volunteer to support the RDT either on an ad hoc, or regular basis.

As well as those who were willing to volunteer support to the RDT, several more individuals also offered support during follow-up telephone or email exchanges.

There were opportunities for respondents to include comments and suggestions within the questionnaire. Where respondents have done so, we have anonymised and collated them in Appendices 2 - 11 of this report.

Zoom Online Meetings

A series of Zoom online meetings were arranged over the period 17th June – 28th July. The meetings were held in the evenings of various days of the week in order to accommodate as many paddlers as possible, recognising that not everybody might be available on any particular weekday evening. The meetings scheduled for 23rd and 28th July were rolled into those held on 16th and 22nd July due to low numbers of registrations of interest.

The following meetings and subject areas were offered:

Coaches & Leaders, Ribble CC - Update Ribble Coaches & Leaders, gather ideas for development. Club Meeting - up to 4 representatives of 3 clubs to discuss issues and aspirations. General Meeting - paddlers & clubs to discuss their issues and aspirations. Coaching and Leadership - Update attendees, gather ideas for development. ShePaddles - for females to discuss issues and aspirations. Bursary Scheme - for all to share their views on the bursary scheme. Recreational Paddling - for all to discuss their issues and aspirations. PaddleAbility - for all with an interest in this area to share their ideas.

Over 50 paddlers (some attending more than one meeting) representing 14 clubs attended the meetings which were arranged as below:

17th June C&L Ribble CC 18th June Club Meeting 23rd June Club meeting 25th June Club Meeting 2nd July General Meeting 8th July Coaching and Leadership 14th July ShePaddles 16th July Bursary Scheme and Recreational Paddling 22nd July Bursary Scheme, PaddleAbility and Recreational Paddling 23rd July PaddleAbility * 28th July Recreational Paddling *

* These meetings were incorporated into 22nd July meeting due to lack of registrations of interest.

Discussion points from each of these meetings and other information / comments can be found in Appendices 12 – 20.

What has this Consultation told us?

Trying to understand what has been said by individuals, what club officers and representatives have described to us together with comments received through questionnaires has not been simple.

Many clear and valid points have been raised and heard; we have tried to paraphrase and respond to these below. There has also been the need to try to interpret those factors and any underlying causes of these factors which have been described as challenges or concerns to paddlers and clubs in the region. This has resulted in much discussion around the team and we have done our best to be objective in trying to get to the core of these particular, often abstract matters, and to then respond or address them. Please feel free to get back to us if you feel that we have missed or not understood something which you recognise you had raised but has been misinterpreted or not addressed.

Major Areas for Change or Action

Communication

Communication between the RDT and clubs and/or individuals, British Canoeing and clubs and/or individuals and between clubs within the region is widely reported as being poor.

The NWRDT website hosted by British Canoeing and managed by the NWRDT was recognised as being out of date with incorrect contact details for RDT officers and infrequently updated with news of regional events, etc.

Frequent requests for news and information such as “What’s going on”, “what clubs are up to”, paddling, expedition, training and personal development opportunities to be publicised / shared more widely.

Inter-club contact and communication was reported as being practically non-existent and not facilitated or promoted by the RDT.

Action on Communication

We recognised that we have had to react very quickly in this area, not only to support the consultation but also to engage better with paddlers and clubs around the region as the consultation progressed. There has been little maintenance or updating of our contact lists and only occasional or limited information “pushed” via our website or social media while inter-club communication has not been instigated or supported by the RDT.

Because of the lack of outward communication from the RDT our RCR took the initiative and created a “Coaching & Leadership” contacts list and communications network which, while facilitating Coaching & Leadership activities and communication between those involved, has resulted in a disconnect between the RDT in general and the Coaching & Leadership activities specifically.

A number of actions have been taken already to address these issues. As mentioned above, much time and effort has been invested in updating our various contact details, subscriber lists and correcting the details we hold.

We now have correct contact details for 25 clubs as listed in Appendix 1 and approaching 200 individual paddlers. We are unable to obtain further email or other contact details from British Canoeing so will continue making efforts to grow our mailing list contacts which in turn should mean that are able to directly communicate with more paddlers and clubs.

We have established that in some instances communications from the RDT to clubs and / or club officers are not always forwarded or shared with club members. This may have been because we held outdated contact details for clubs and/or their officers so that emails were not received or because emails were received but not forwarded.

In the former case there is little that the RDT can do because emails sent to genuine but unused email addresses do not generate a “failed to send” or other indication that they were not received. All that we can do is ask that clubs keep their RDT up to date with the current and accurate details of their general contact or officers email addresses. Hopefully updating our email contacts list will help with this.

In the latter case all we can ask is that club officers please do forward correspondence from the RDT to their members when we occasionally send “broadcast” emails to clubs. We will ensure that such emails are kept to a minimum and only sent infrequently; one way that clubs could help with this is to encourage their members to subscribe to our RDT mailing list; all clubs will receive information on this soon after publication of this report.

The RDT recognises that we need to review consolidating / managing outgoing email correspondence to clubs, their members and individual paddlers in the region. This might mean that all outgoing correspondence is co-ordinated by the RDT Secretary ensuring consistency of message, full understanding of what is going to our clubs and members all with an overview of how we maintain the currency of the email addresses that we manage.

Our website and Facebook pages are managed by our Communications Officer generally in response to a request from our Chair or Secretary or independently when hazards or articles of interest are shared on these platforms. Information shared by the RDT to these platforms will only be seen directly if individuals sign up to view them – another good reason to encourage club members and others to sign up.

In order to comply with General Data Protection Regulations we are only able to send emails to those who have formally requested or given permission that we do so. During the consultation period we succeeded in getting more people to give permission and hope that more paddlers will sign up going forward. Our ability to communicate directly with paddlers and clubs will increase as, hopefully, more people subscribe to our contact list.

In response to the suggestion of a communications “hub” to support inter-club communications in the region, we have set up a private Facebook group where specified club officers be able to link up, share ideas and experiences, etc. We will also look at setting up a similar group for mentors / mentees. We need to decide exactly how this might be used, especially from a liabilities angle before it can be made live and put to use; of course its usefulness will depend entirely on engagement of those who have asked for this.

Inter-club Engagement

This was another frequently mentioned area where it was felt that the RDT might be able to affect change. Comments and discussion were centred around the following aspects:

Coaches from one club supporting paddlers from another club, Leaders from one club supporting trips for another club, Clubs offering places on paddling trips and activities to members of other clubs, Clubs sharing information regarding good practice (in respect of operation and governance), Visiting clubs obtaining information / advice where other clubs might have that local knowledge, RDT facilitating paddling opportunities from half-day sessions to expeditions.

Action on Inter-club Engagement

Facilitation of Coaches and Leaders operating between clubs could be something that the RDT is able to support by improving communication links between clubs; making a “club directory” available on our website and sharing this as a document with club Secretaries around the region (with permission of any clubs who would wish to be involved).

Given access to this contact information regional clubs would be able to make their own arrangements with others and the RDT could provide advice and support in ensuring that appropriate documentation was in place (e.g. risk assessments and event safety plans)

The RDT could also compile and maintain a directory of Coaches and Leaders willing to volunteer their support to regional clubs and independent British Canoeing members. Again, an accessible directory with contact details would enable clubs or paddlers to make their own arrangements with the RDT offering support and advice on appropriate documentation, etc. *

The RDT could facilitate paddling trips for regional club members or independent British Canoeing members to join. This would be reliant on current coaches and leaders being willing to offer trips and to work with the RDT to administer delivery of the trips, ensure appropriate governance and that appropriate documentation is in place. *

* The sharing of information between clubs can be readily facilitated by publishing the club directory alluded to above so that club representatives can more easily make contact with those from other clubs. Those clubs which buy-in to this idea and agree to share their contact details stand to gain the greatest benefit from this and the RDT would encourage clubs to sign-up to sharing their contact details for inclusion in such a directory.

Additional contact / networking between clubs will be promoted following the adoption of a new requirement in the bursary scheme (see below) which will, in specific cases, require applicants to volunteer their time in clubs other than their own or for the RDT.

Any activity arranged, supported or delivered by, or on behalf of, the RDT must be underpinned by appropriate governance. The RDT will provide guidance and support with the production of appropriate risk assessments and event safety planning for clubs or others organising such events.

Development Opportunities for paddlers not involved in Coaching and Leadership

Development opportunities for paddlers not involved in Coaching and Leadership was mentioned in almost every Zoom meeting, questionnaire response and follow-up discussion. In particular with a reference to the skills development sessions run by paid coaches and volunteers at Halton and on the River Dee during 2018. Individual paddlers and club representatives stated that they would like to see more of these sessions in the future. Feedback cited that the 2018 sessions were well signposted, easy to access and offered a superior coaching experience at an affordable rate.

It has also been suggested that coaches and leaders would benefit from future RDT led development opportunities. Club coaches in particular noted that these sessions provided the opportunity to become a student again by learning new skills, experiencing different environments and overall just having time to enjoy their own paddling journey while meeting and networking with other paddlers, coaches and leaders from across the region.

Additionally, RDT led development opportunities for individuals not involved in the formal Coaching and Leadership pathway should help those clubs who adopt the internal sign-off process.

Action on Development Opportunities for paddlers not involved in Coaching and Leadership

This consultation has highlighted the following points:

• The is a widely expressed interest in “Development Days” to provide novice to intermediate paddlers with opportunities to develop, experience different venues and environments. • There is a widely expressed interest in inter-club paddling and development activities. • There has been little mention of Coaching & Leadership development for Coaches & Leaders other than during the two Coaching and Leadership specific Zoom meetings; the RDT recognise that there is interest albeit more at personal than club level. • There is a definite appetite for the RDT to continue to provide financial support in the form of bursaries. • Developing coaches and leaders tend to self-direct, seek club support (as well as bursary) and use commercial providers. • ACR’s are inactive and not involved in Regional activities. • Several reasonably to well experienced and/or qualified respondents have offered to support not- for-profit development days novice to intermediates as well as mentoring aspiring coaches and leaders.

Proposal:

That a Paddler Development Programme (PDP) be instigated with its primary focus being the delivery of Development Days for the less experienced / novice to developing intermediate paddler and a secondary focus of supporting aspiring volunteer coaches and leaders to further develop their own skills by assisting in this Programme.

• The Programme must be open and available to all affiliated club members and individual members of British Canoeing. • The RDT will take the strategic lead on delivery of the Programme to ensure that it delivers against the aspirations expressed by respondents to this consultation. This will include leading on all communication and organisation of the Programme. • The Programme will attempt to embrace all disciplines – open canoe, sea kayak, whitewater kayak and Stand up Paddleboard at a range of venues up to and including Sheltered and Moderate Water environments. • Aspiring and / or developing (“developing”) coaches and leaders and their clubs would help arrange and deliver these sessions at venues familiar to them. • Professional Coaches will be engaged where necessary but it is hoped that volunteers will come forward to support delivery of the Programme. • Costs associated with the delivery of the Programme must be largely met by those benefitting from it.

The Paddler Development Programme could include:

• “Go Paddling” type events at club or regional level for new-to-paddling individuals, groups and families. • Sessions tailored to suit range of competencies from novices to developing intermediates (“competent, contributing member of a peer group” or ~3 star standard in old money) but with lots in between to facilitate incremental skills and confidence building for the those not aspiring to join the coaching or leadership pathway i.e. the typical club paddler. • Sessions for those who have appropriate experience, competence and aspiration to consider coaching or leadership as the next stage in their personal development in preparation for those individuals to contribute into their own club sessions. This would be an extension of the current Coaching and Leadership Scheme, integrated into the wider Paddler Development Programme, providing continuity for those already engaged with that Scheme.

How might the Programme work?

• The RDT, through the RCR, will arrange and administer sessions and encourage experienced / qualified (referred to here as “senior”) coaches and leaders from the region to mentor “developing” coaches and leaders in organising & delivering these sessions. • The “developing” coaches will gain experience by working with paddlers on these sessions, supervised and mentored by the “senior” coaches. • Minimal cost to those attending. • Volunteer “senior” coaches attending / supporting or otherwise delivering these sessions reimbursed mileage plus a brew & bacon roll.

Note: • “Developing coaches / leaders” – aspiring or early days on pathway • “Senior coaches / leaders” – those with appropriate qualification / experience to mentor / support “developing coaches & leaders”

What will the Programme need?

• Organisation by the RCR*, supported by the RDT. • Volunteer coaches and leaders, at all levels, to come forward to support the Programme. This is essential; without this support this Programme and the Coaching and Leadership Scheme integrated within it cannot be delivered. • “Developing” coaches and leaders willing to support the Programme will need to press their clubs to support the Programme and help in arranging / offering sessions at local venues. • Clubs will need to call on their more experienced members to get involved, possibly working with other clubs (this might help re-engage experienced paddlers and promote inter-club activity). • The RDT will take responsibility for all administration, including support with risk assessments and event safety management; using familiar venues means that this should be reasonably straight forward. • Clubs to support and promote the Programme, encouraging their novice and developing intermediate paddlers to come forward and engage in it. • Clubs to promote the programme to their “developing” coaches & leaders as cost-effective opportunities to be supported in all aspects of planning sessions, administering, logistics as well as their coaching / leading practise.

*As per British Canoeing’s role description, the RCR should have: “a holistic overview of workforce planning for their region, understand the regions ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ balancing regional resources appropriately and plan and facilitate a programme of events that support the needs of the Regions Clubs, Centres and Members”

The RDT will approach British Canoeing with a view to approving, where appropriate, Continuous Professional Development credits for those involved in the programme as part of the new British Canoeing points based CPD scheme.

Representing Regional interests at British Canoeing

• The consultation has highlighted the following areas where the RDT might have an impact: • Supporting clubs and individual paddlers in accessing advice and information from British Canoeing. • Signposting where / from who at British Canoeing advice or information might be obtained. • Representing paddlers and clubs at the National level, e.g. over Club Consultation, concerns around “Internal Sign-off of Competency” as raised in recent Club Consultation from British Canoeing, etc. • Replacement for Clubmark / Quality Mark.

Action on Representation to British Canoeing

The RDT will be far better able to support and represent its paddlers and clubs if there is more engagement with those paddlers and clubs. Paddlers and clubs will however need to approach the RDT to seek this support and representation. Stronger and increased communication between clubs and the RDT, and between the RDT and British Canoeing should enable the RDT to offer support more readily to, and represent, its paddlers and clubs.

Paddlers and clubs need to communicate those issues where they feel they need RDT support or representation to the RDT before the RDT can act in their interest. Equally both British Canoeing and the RDT should better communicate with paddlers and clubs, bringing new developments, initiatives and matters that potentially impact on paddlers and clubs to their attention. The RDT will address this in the first instance by increasing the amount of information published to the regional Facebook pages and website and shared directly with clubs and mailing list subscribers.

The RDT will re-post information from British Canoeing on NWRDT Facebook pages and website.

Coach & Leader Development

The Coaching and Leadership scheme appears to have worked well for those who have been involved with it. However it has only been referred to by paddlers and clubs on a few occasions throughout this consultation.

While the development of coaches and leaders in the region is of benefit to those receiving support, mentoring and opportunities to develop as coaches and leaders, it is desirable that those receiving such support provide some of return on the investment made in providing that support.

Most of the clubs whose representatives engaged in this consultation have asked for support from the RDT in provision of coaching and leadership at club level. The implication is clear – that while the region (in the shape of the RDT) has supported the development of coaches and leaders, financially through the bursary scheme and practically through the Coaching and Leadership Scheme, many clubs in the region are lacking support from coaches and leaders.

Action on Coach & Leader Development

Coach and Leader Development could be incorporated within the broader Paddler Development Programme (PDP), inviting those paddlers who wish to develop their coaching and leading practise to support the PDP, volunteering their time in return for guidance and mentoring from the “senior” volunteer coaches or commercial coaches who will themselves be supporting the PDP.

Female Specific Representation

A well-attended female specific Zoom meeting was offered as part of the consultation, notes from which are presented in Appendix 18. While a number of points and issues were raised, it is felt that some are beyond the scope of the RDT while others certainly could be addressed at Regional level. This report will be shared with British Canoeing who may be able to provide support and guidance in some areas while the RDT could also consider certain actions as described in the following section.

Action on Female Specific Representation

In order to ensure that issues specifically affecting female paddlers are kept “on the radar” the RDT could consider co-opting a “Females Representative” with a defined role and objectives for delivery with RDT support. Objectives might include liaison with clubs hoping to offer female specific activities, supporting the RDT Communications Officer with female specific communication, acting as a point of contact for females at Regional level, inviting female paddlers to share their stories and accomplishments with the Region using the Regional Facebook and web site pages.

The RDT could also consider helping establish a North West Female Paddlers Facebook group as part of the overall scheme to improve communications within the Region.

While not a female specific issue, Youth Development has also been mentioned during the consultation and the suggestions in this section could be repeated in relation to Youth Development going forward.

Bursary Scheme

A number of club representatives reported that they, and by implication their clubs, were not aware of the bursary scheme.

Where clubs were aware of the scheme, it was those clubs which have engaged with the RDT through subscription to the RDT mailing list and / or attending RDT meetings which had benefitted from it.

Improving the return of investment in those receiving bursary support by encouraging recipients to engage in inter-club and RDT activities.

Action on the Bursary Scheme

There is a commonly held view that we should continue to offer a bursary scheme to help support the development of coaches and leaders.

In order to make more clubs aware of, and to understand how the scheme operates, we have published an information sheet “2020 Coaching and Leadership Bursary Information” which can be accessed on the NWRDT website.

The 2020 Bursary Application Forms have also been published and can be accessed on the NWRDT website.

Information regarding the bursary scheme has been posted on our NWRDT Facebook page, website and sent to clubs and individual emailing list subscribers following publication of this report.

In order to ensure a return on the investment that the RDT makes in providing bursary support, and to encourage inter-club networking there is now a requirement for applicants to provide evidence of volunteering for their own and / or at least one other club or the RDT in an assistant coach, coach, assistant leader or leader capacity as part of the bursary application process.

Miscellaneous issues and actions

RDT Supporting regional events and activities

British Canoeing affiliated clubs and individual members are encouraged to approach the RDT for support, assistance or promotion of paddlesport related activities and events. All such approaches will be considered on their merits and should be seen as promoting our sport in a positive manner within British Canoeing guidelines.

In order that appropriate governance is applied to any event where there is RDT involvement, all approaches to the RDT must include details of the proposed event, the venue, organisers and a preliminary risk assessment and outline event safety plan. If the RDT should agree to support an event then a fully developed risk assessment and event safety plan will be required before such support is given. A named member of the RDT will be assigned to each event and will provide guidance and support with this process.

The RDT will produce a guide to this process and the required documents which will be made widely available but in the meantime please contact the RDT for further guidance.

How many Coaches and Leaders are there in the NW region?

This question arose during the ”#ShePaddles” Zoom meeting held on 14th July. It has proven difficult to obtain this information directly from British Canoeing. Anecdotally we have been told that in 2016, in the NW region, there were 815 coaches of which 169 were female. We have no idea of how many of these coaches are active or even still involved in paddlesport. We have not been able to determine how many Leaders British Canoeing have on record in our region.

Access, Waterways and Environment

The North West Regional Waterways Advisor (NWRWA) is a volunteer post and is currently an elected officer of the NWRDT. Regional Waterways Advisors (RWAs) tend to operate independently but with the consent of British Canoeing. Anything potentially affecting British Canoeing policy or that needs to be “signed-off” by British Canoeing’s Environment and Waterways Policy Officer is referred back to British Canoeing.

RWA’s promote British Canoeing National policy at a local level and engage with clubs, paddlers and organisations outside British Canoeing such as Rivers Trusts, Environment Agency, National Trust, conservation bodies, utility companies, angling interests, land-owners, etc.

Any issues or questions relating to access, environment or waterways generally should be addressed to the NWRWA in the first instance using the following email address: [email protected]

Skerton Weir Fish Passage

During one of the Zoom meetings a representative from Lancaster and District CC asked if there was any update regarding plans to alter the weir at Skerton on the river Lune. The NWRWA followed this up with the Lune Rivers Trust. Further information on the proposed replacement of Skerton Weir is presented in Appendix 16.

Coronavirus / Covid 19

Coronavirus and Covid 19 are now part of all our lives and must be considered as a potential hazard which needs to be managed as part of the risk assessment / safety planning of any event organised by independent paddling groups, canoe clubs or RDTs.

Any such event, whether it be recreational, coaching, or even a simple committee meeting, must be risk assessed and conducted in a manner which is Covid 19 compliant. Recording the contact details of all persons attending an event would be sensible in the event of “Track and Trace” becoming involved if any attendees were to become symptomatic / tested positive for the virus.

All outdoor events will need to be specifically risk assessed in respect of Coronavirus as well as the usual risk assessment which should also be carried out. For any events with an RDT involvement the risk assessments must be presented to and ratified by the RDT prior to the event being sanctioned or supported in any way. Risk assessments and Event Safety Plans drawn up for events involving the RDT will be retained on file by the RDT and available on request for inspection by regional club officers.

Appendices follow on pages 19 – 34

Appendices

Appendix 1

Clubs within British Canoeing’s North West Region for which we have contact details:

Bolton Canoe CC Bury Canoe and Kayak Club Chester Riverside CC Chester Sailing and CC Clitheroe CC Crewe and Nantwich CC Deva Canoe CC Euxton Canoe Club Friends of Allonby CC Garstang Canoe Club Irwell Shufflers Lancaster and District CC Lancaster University CC Liverpool Canoe Club Macclesfield & District CC Manchester Canoe Club Outdoor Adventure Group Pendle Paddlers Peninsula CC Red Rose Canoe Polo Ribble CC Runcorn Canoe Club St Helens CC Ulverston Canoe Club Wigan Canoeing Group

Appendix 2

Paddlesport activities and disciplines that respondents to the questionnaire mentioned or engage in:

Open Canoe Whitewater, Open Canoe Flat Water Kayak Inland, Kayak Whitewater, Kayak Sea, Cumbrian Lakes in kayaks Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) Inland, SUP Whitewater, SUP Sea / Surf Slalom, Marathon Freestyle Expeditions Leading & Coaching Rafting Duckies

Appendix 3

Clubs of which respondents to the questionnaire are members.

The values in parentheses shows the number of respondents from each club. 19 questionnaires were returned.

No club name provided (3) Club member, club not named (1) Deva CC (1) Liverpool CC (1) Macclesfield and District CC (2) Outdoor Adventure Group (1) Pendle Paddlers (1) Ribble CC (2) St Helens CC (2) Ulverston CC (6)

NB – One respondent declared that they are a member of an affiliated club but did not name their club, hence the total of 20 records from 19 questionnaires returned.

Appendix 4

Were respondents independent (rather than affiliate) members of British Canoeing?

Yes 14 No 3 Undeclared 2

Appendix 5

Were respondents qualified or aspirant Leaders or Coaches?

Yes 14 No 4 No answer provided 1

Appendix 6

Responses to Q7 “How might your RDT support your paddling within the region?”

• Change terms of reference as they are not supporting the individual paddler • Develop learning opportunities, supporting & structuring coaching development. Continue development & accountability for paddling venues, increase this if possible e.g. Burrs & Halton. • I have been really impressed with what Billy Lo has been doing developing coaches and leaders in the region by networking and getting the clubs to work together. I have attended the sea kayaking sessions which (named individual) has led and personally learned a lot. COVID-19 has impacted what we were planning but my message would be to very much continue in the same vein. I know from talking to others that it is very much appreciated and it feels that we are at the start of something good. • Access issues. Support for all paddlers. • Do more to support paddlers in the region the RDT team seems to be a personal course running business!! • Paddle updates to keep coach award up to date. • Create good links for support of canoeing with local communities, city councils etc. Work to push a more accessible version of river kayaking through diversified marketing and action. More people of the north west are ready to really take up kayaking now. Spreading the word for good ways for them to do that would be great. I run (name of Business provided) which specialises in introduction to white water in single person inflatables in Chester. I’d relish the opportunity to work with BCNW. Events like Go Canoeing week in different towns in the region would be a great way to get tentative people involved. I think post Covid we are sitting on a massive opportunity to capitalise on increased interest in exercise in the outdoors. We have to use it to the fullest! Also, Warrington White Water Park! • Information, access & facilities. • Focus on the grass roots basic development of paddlers through providing coaching for all paddlers to develop confidence and personal paddling skills in all disciplines at all levels. • Moving water skills – kayak and open canoe progressing from novice. • Coaching led by women for women. • Open canoe & Sea Kayak expedition introduction. • Tidal planning and navigation. • Intermediate sea kayaking building on novice skills, developing confidence in increasing conditions and tidal flows, offering short / half day and full day trips.

• Paddling opportunities where the focus is on enjoyment, socialisation and supporting fellow paddlers not adrenalin fuelled, “yee-ha” or with an underlying expectation or pressure to perform. • I understand why you are only wanting suggestions relating to moving the RDT forward. To best explain this point, maybe my limited understanding of, and communication from the RDT needs to be considered. The coaching which I have been aware that the RDT provides has been offered in the style of a commercial provider and is predominantly for developing coaches and leaders. There is and has been, to my knowledge, over the last 2 years very few coaching opportunities offered by the RDT aimed at developing paddling skills across any discipline. If, for whatever reason, the RDT have made the decision to focus on developing coaches and leaders only, addressing the need of club paddlers in the region whose clubs are not able to offer the skills coaching they need maybe worth considering going forward. By shifting the focus to providing coaching targeted at paddler skill development, the skills of these individual paddlers will be passed on within their peer group. Rhetorical question; where in the North West are all these coaches and leaders now Working? Are they in clubs or are they freelance? Commercial coaching is unaffordable to me. I am a member of a club with ~30 members, predominantly novice / social / inexperienced paddlers with 1 active coach, who cannot be expected to spend every trip coaching. Are there other clubs in this situation, and if so, is this something that an RDT should or could help with. I am currently considering selling my kit as my skills have hit a brick wall due to not being able to access appropriate and affordable coaching which would enable me to develop as a safe, happy paddler who can contribute to any peer group on the water and also to the development of the club. • Would love to see group push to rebuild Burrs whitewater features. • Help develop new & smaller clubs, some financial help, better communications through NW region. • Regular contact & correspondence with clubs with a view to courses available, either locally or nationally, paddling trips or expeditions club members can join. • I am a beginner but health conditions have prevented me even going out with the club for the last year and this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future so there is nothing practical that RDT could do to support me - but I would always like information about events and learning opportunities in Cumbria and East Cheshire • Supporting inter-club or other recreational paddling opportunities. • Am where I want to be, no more qualifications. Improve access on water. • Work with BC to give opportunities for qualification courses at reduced rate when used for volunteering (club) use. Paddling opportunities for personal development through increased experience in varying conditions / locations at all levels from beginner up. Offer club paddlers the opportunity to be guinea pigs for developing coaches with adequate / appropriate mentoring. • Represent clubs with BC. Facilitate cross club meet ups; we are already supporting Bolton CC and share out pool access with Garstang CC. Support more "confidence" boosting sessions for members to help bring them on e.g. Halton sessions for WW but, other venues for sea, canoe & sups. Communications about what other clubs are doing; we appreciate we need to get better at our comms as well. • As a new starter and older (61) I would like to see more training opportunities. • We have only just joined the club so not sure how it all works but a fantastic community spirit so will be nice to see how everyone contributes. I am sure the club has some more defined areas that they know they need help with. I think guidance around COVID and government guidance is always a good source of support for any sports clubs as they start to understand things like social distancing - Canoe Specific guidance around this.

Appendix 7

Responses to Q8 “How might your RDT support your club?”

• Bursary scheme has been helpful. The opportunity for coaches to share peer sessions is good. Idea of offering training sessions e.g. whitewater at Halton was good. Communication methods need (author’s note: this response appears to be incomplete). • Support & initiate cross club learning. Develop & share resources, coaching & physical. • Good communication, help to interpret some of the information coming out of British Canoeing. Facilitate 'joining the dots' with what is happening in the region - create a bigger critical mass. • Actually recognise who we are and then assist in the development! • I've no idea. • I don’t have a club, but you can support my business with the above action. Tons of people are buying inflatables on eBay and taking to their nearest waterway. We need to market hard to those people so they make sensible choices, have good experiences, get hooked for life and contribute to our industry/community long term. • Assist clubs with advice & support for projects & access to facilities & resources. • Put helping paddlers and clubs to develop above focusing on infrastructure. Recent post lockdown activity on many of the paddling related Facebook groups gives the impression of an increase in people trying paddling. There has also been quite a lot of what appears to be old kit advertised and sold. As a club we have seen quite a few new people asking to join our FB group over the last 10 days. This therefore indicates there may be a sudden rise in the need for introductory sessions with a focus on safety and appropriate kit. • What equipment do you have as an RDT which clubs can borrow? • What skill sets do you have as an RDT which clubs can tap into? • Specific to our Club – these are my thoughts and NOT those of the club: - FSRT – financial help towards providing this essential course to our club members, supporting those seeking to develop from “beginner” to “novice”. - Support in leading occasional guided gentle moving water trips for novice paddlers. - SUP taster day for our club. - Female coaches. - Female support (coaches & leaders) for a club women’s paddling day, if we were to hold one next year. - Support in leading short sea kayaking trips for our novice group. We have a small very keen group who started last autumn. Aside to sea kayaking, support whilst developing the skills of this group in a variety of contexts will enable them to bring these skills back into the club and maybe even consider coaching or leading in the future. - Using club paddlers as the mock students on your coaching and leading courses. - Support (financial and promotional) for our Go Paddling events. • A regional inter-club event (I tried neighbouring clubs but no interest) inter-club junior challenge day? • Help partial funding with organised events e.g. interclub & regional events. Support for a coach who helps a club move forward & develop its paddlers. • Encourage & facilitate inter-club sharing of skills & resources e.g. skills training which may not be available on an individual club basis due to small numbers of people or lack of skillset inhouse. • By ensuring that the people who lead the club and do such a brilliant job have the support that they need to want to keep doing this job. • Supporting inter-club or other recreational paddling opportunities. • Scouts & Guides - supporting their weekend activities with Leaders. • Support club paddlers by integrating more experienced coaches to mentor club coaches

• Support inter-club networking & sharing paddling trips. • Being a conduit to BC to make clubs feel more a part of the NGB - feedback the club’s viewpoint/issues to better inform national / regional decision making. • Coaching led by women for women. • We would appreciate more visibility at our Club to support or answer any questions on BC direction or changes to policies, training or qualifications. • Continue to help us sponsor individuals to become coaches through funding but also through group training sessions. • Share skills across the region with different areas e.g., we have WW and canoe coaches but not as many Sea Kayak coaches, SUPS are increasingly popular and RCC have access to kit and coaches. • Some courses have been more difficult than others to get access to e.g. Canoe Leader - although these could be through external providers any help facilitation interest across the region could make a difference to these going ahead.

Appendix 8

Responses to Q9 “how might your RDT support various paddling volunteers?”

• Experience and subsidised courses for the development of all our volunteers in the region etc!! • By skills updates / upskill opportunities • Giving clubs the opportunity to be in touch directly with one another • Paying the BC membership for Club and RDT officers? Some work extremely hard, • give a large amount of time at their own expense, and this could be seen as a • gesture of appreciation • Let paddlers know what the benefits are of volunteering for the RDT and for clubs? • What can you do to support paddlers and clubs? • Keep bursaries going they are helpful. Think RDT ran coaching courses • Some support in a way that volunteers can access help, up to date information & advice easily • Mentoring & support as deemed appropriate • Providing opportunities to mentor / be mentored by other coaches & leaders • Reasonable expenses for volunteers supporting others • Better communications / promotion of RDT events and activities. • Advise on training available. Key area is support disabled members and therefore training for PaddleAbility • More training • My husband and I would love to pick up some volunteering support at the club again early days but if RDT can support with coaching badges that would be really helpful

Appendix 9

Responses to the question “Would you be willing to volunteer your time to help your RDT to take findings of this consultation forward?”

Yes 13 Yes (maybe) 1 No 3 Yes & No (!) 1 No response 1

Appendix 10

Responses to the question “How might you volunteer to support the NWRDT?”

Ad Hoc 8 Regularly 6 As a member of the RDT 2

Appendix 11

Responses to “Any further comments?”

• Not sure about volunteering question as except for joining committee (a no at the current time) hey are too open ended & not sure what I would be committing to • It would be great to share what works well in clubs & how different clubs work are structured. • Thank you for all you do already. It is a massive area the NW & has a large variety of venues & types of paddling available. Keep it up. • The RDT in this region seems to change regularly but always ends up having the same faults in that it turns into one person trying to do it all and often for their own business development! • I've no idea what the RDT does. So more information about it would help its own cause • Thank you for work already done I will help & support you when I can. • Be proactive. • Has this (questionnaire?) been posted to the NWRDT Facebook page? Keep repeating the post. • Put paddlers and Clubs first. • Promote your mailing list – it is not obvious that it exists! - to clubs and to be forwarded on to their members. Also promote this through the NWRDT Facebook page. • Accountability and adopting an approach which is inclusive of and supporting all NW. • Club paddlers of all craft at all levels. BC’s focus is on competition and NWRDT’s. • current focus is on Coaching & Leadership which gives the impression to volunteers and paddlers that they are peripheral. • Support paddlers in their personal development to enable them to support paddlers • on their clubs. It’s an upward spiral of success! • You have the opportunity and potential to make significant changes to the RDT to the • benefit of paddlers and clubs especially in the north of the region. Good luck! • Would love to help but volunteer on other committees. • "What’s going on" on website for all of NW region. Events, timings, regional news, create better interclub communications / network. • I would volunteer but don't think it would be useful given my current situation & lack of experience. • Providing opportunities for new / novice paddlers to experience other club coaches & venues in a supportive setting will help develop paddlesport across the region. More experienced coaches & leaders do not need this grass roots type of support but could be developed & mentored by volunteering (for reasonable expenses) with other clubs and supporting RDT events. • Improve access. • This engagement is a great idea - looking forward to more involvement going forwards. • As mentioned we are really new to the club can maybe contribute more to this as we get to know how it all works.

Appendix 12

Zoom Meeting Wednesday 17th June – Coaching & Leading Ribble Canoe Club

Invitations were sent to those members of Ribble CC who were part of the club’s Coaching & Leadership Forum.

Members of Ribble CC’s Coaching and Leadership forum joined Frankie Twizell (Comms) and Billy Lo (RCR) representing the RDT.

This meeting was primarily intended to test run the Zoom technology. The RCR opened the meeting with a short version of the presentation planned for the Regional Coaching and Leadership meeting to be held on 8th July. Two questions were posed to attendees who discussed them in break-out rooms; the only notes from this meeting are as follow, from the break-out rooms:

Question 1 - What would you like to see delivered on development days?

Room 1

• Soft skills • Environment awareness development • Group control skills • How to coach/lead with children and adults with learning disabilities • Youth development • Skills to get to know your group

Room 2

• Coach to coach development (with advance /professional coaches)

Room3

• How a professional coach would deliver a BC award – taster • Coach/leadership assessment mocks • Multi-club skill share sessions

Miscellaneous comments:

• Better communication of events. • Evening/weekday events. • Virtual sessions.

Question 2 - What do you think could be developed by the coaching and leadership team?

• Better and clearer communication regarding the day. • Tailor the events to the group. (Combined responses from all rooms)

Appendix 13

Zoom Meeting Thursday 18th June – Clubs Meeting

Invitations were sent to all clubs for which we had contact details, inviting up to 3 clubs each to send 4 representatives to discuss this consultation and raise any issues or questions they wanted.

Paddlers representing 4 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), Barry Curley (Secretary) and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT.

Pat Green introduced the meeting and stimulated discussion by posing the question: What would you like the RDT to do for you and the region?

Improve communication Re-think the way coaching team functions. Regional coaching by a facilitator delivering broad range of coaching and development to support the range of abilities, novice to advanced, in all disciplines and not just for Coaches and Leaders; todays novices are tomorrow’s leaders and coaches! Developing coaches and leaders need people to coach and lead; higher level coach(es) mentoring a session run by a less developed coach(es) for appropriate learners is a means of supporting development across a range of abilities / competence.

Appendix 14

Zoom Meeting Tuesday 23rd June – Clubs Meeting

Invitations were sent to all clubs for which we had contact details, inviting up to 3 clubs each to send 4 representatives to discuss this consultation and raise any issues or questions they wanted.

Paddlers representing 3 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), Barry Curley (Secretary) and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT.

• Club facing a move to new boat shed. BC could help if they have designs or know of other clubs that have had recent experience of designs/ ideas on new facilities, especially canoe and kayak storage? • British Canoeing and RDT could recognise / support links to 3rd party groups (charities / local authority groups)? Example is a local mental health initiative seeking club our help. Can we emphasise our work in encouraging new paddlers and ‘inactives’ to enjoy outdoor activities, especially when we get to a post-Covid world? • Provision of mentoring and development / refresher days to keep our coaches (non-qualified as well as qualified) up to date. • Wish to see British Canoeing recognising the place of club approved non-qualified coaches in introducing new paddlers to safe paddling. • An increasing number of coaches are unwilling or unable to continue updating qualifications. Covid situation has made this more relevant as people are unable to attend coaching and First Aid updates. • Inter-club co-operation to share info about rivers/venues etc. in planning trips. This could help with reconnaissance when planning new trips.

Appendix 15

Zoom Meeting Thursday 25th June – Clubs Meeting

Invitations were sent to all clubs for which we had contact details, inviting up to 3 clubs each to send 4 representatives to discuss this consultation and raise any issues or questions they wanted.

Paddlers representing from 3 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), Barry Curley (Secretary) and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT.

Discussion included the following:

• Need the RDT to be more visible • Communication needs to improve – in both directions. • Bursary scheme appreciated and should continue • Sea Kayaking opportunities would be welcome • Development days for other than Coaches and Leaders, especially for newer paddlers • Courses / Development days can often be simple, but a valuable confidence boost. Halton courses were good examples of this. Consider offering similar in other disciplines? Glasson Dock possible venue? • PaddleAbiity course – Barry offered to arrange if there is demand • Ribble CC members offered to organise open canoe & whitewater 3* sessions • Can (named volunteer coach) run FSRT (Later confirmed that this individual can run FSRT) • Paddlers responds to different styles of coaching. Good to have coaches from outside the club

Appendix 16

Zoom Meeting Thursday 2nd July – General Meeting

Paddlers representing 8 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), Barry Curley (Secretary) and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT.

• Offer support for Female Paddling events. • Would like to know how many coaches there are in the region and who they are. • Communications: create a hub for mentors and mentoring to get together. • Discussion around clubs using “sign off” to enable those without formal coaching or leading qualifications to lead club trips. Particular concerns that this may not be possible in the future (ref. “Q9” in the recent Club Consultation led by British Canoeing)

Appendix 17

Zoom Meeting Wednesday 8th July – Coaching and Leadership

Invitations were sent to all clubs and individuals on our email subscribers list as well as being advertised on the NWRDT Facebook and web pages.

13 paddlers representing 6 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT. The meeting was led by the NW RCR Billy Lo.

The approach for this meeting was different to the other consultative meetings in that it was not paddler led. Instead, a presentation was given, updating paddlers on developments and format in respect of the British Canoeing Leadership Award to be introduced 1st Jan 2021 and British Canoeing’s Coaching and Leadership 4 year plan. There was also a brief presentation and discussion on the issue of “Sign-off”.

Attendees were then assigned to one of four “break-out” rooms with each group being given a different question to discuss:

What topics would you like covered on the Coach Development Sessions? How would you like the Networking sessions organised? Is more club interaction required and how could the region help develop? How do we support non club based coaches and leaders?

Responses from each of the break-out groups are presented below.

In closing the meeting the RCR committed to the following actions and activities over the next 12 months:

1 - Taking charge of the Coach Development sessions. There will be a paid coach (not the RCR) who will deliver the programme for the day. They will be guided by the results of the discussions in breakout rooms when planning content for the session. The cost will be covered by the attendees. Once the content is agreed the Coach Development session will be promoted using the RDT Subscriber mailing list and social media.*

2 - Supporting the establishment of the coach network days. This will be a coming together of likeminded coaches. The sessions could be land based, water based or combination if both. These sessions will be discipline specific with a lead Coach / Leader for each session. The disciplines offered will be limited by the remits of the coaches / leaders who volunteer to run these sessions.*

3 - Help get the Youth development group set up.*

* Subject to appropriate risk assessment, event safety planning and Safeguarding being in place and approved by the RDT / Safety Officer.

4 - Visit at least 3 clubs.

The RCR stated that “he is not here to coach but to represent coaches and leaders in the Region”.

The only notes from this meeting are those from the break-out rooms:

Room 1 – What topics would you like covered on the Coach Development Sessions?

• Best practise – what’s new and current in the world of paddle sport coaching. • Group management sessions – reflective learning from previous incidents. • Personal paddling skills – peer reviewing/professional development. • Alternative coaching methods. • Youth coaching techniques. • Safeguarding beyond the British Canoeing e-learning. • Shadow/mentor platform – between clubs, coaches and leaders. • PaddleAbility.

Room 2 – How would you like the Networking sessions organised?

• More of the same networking sessions as delivered last year – better communications regarding them. • Promote and support ‘big’ inter club paddling days/trips. • Play to a club’s strengths (i.e. sea kayaking club(s) could organise sea kayaking trips and networking opportunities).

Room 3 – Is more club interaction required and how could the region help develop?

• Club interaction is crucial. • Region should help support and build the links: - signing posting clubs to other clubs - central communication channels

Room 4 – How do we support non club based coaches and leaders?

• RDT can help promote and signpost coaches and leaders to how they can volunteer and help. • Re-engaging with coaches/leaders who aren’t visible in clubs anymore – providing them with a different platform to support the paddling community? • Supporting up and coming young people to help keep clubs sustainable for the future.

Appendix 18

Zoom Meeting Tuesday 14th July – ShePaddles

9 paddlers representing 6 clubs attended with Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT and Emma Kitchen (#ShePaddles Ambassador).

The meeting took the form of a Question and Answer session initially with free-form discussion and a “wish list” to summarise. The following notes were provided – with thanks – by Frankie Twizell:

Would anyone like to share any of their experiences or thoughts regarding barriers faced by female paddlers?

• Reluctant to attend a course / trip / etc. themselves where they may be the only female present. • Reluctant to organise an event or trip themselves. • Very limited opportunities to practice in a male dominated arena. • Being seen as a ‘partner’ rather than their own identity. • Males inadvertently questioning females independence / ability by interrupting/interfering when it comes to situations like performing a rescue/towing. • Seems to be a lack of awareness amongst coaches / leaders of what females require to improve/gain skills. This can hold or slow down a females progression. • Lack of visibility of female role models, stories and experiences. These would inspire, educate and empower other females in the sport. • Lack of a safe environment where females can discuss female specific barriers / requirements. • Kit/equipment – lack of female specific kit available. • Time, confidence, pressure leading to drop off in females pursuing coaching / leadership qualifications. • RDT communications – lack of support when it came to organising / promoting a female only paddling open event (Ulverston CC). • Parenthood, work, etc. leading to female coaches / leaders taking a step back. • Clubs seem to only offer so much (normally go in cycles offering lots of one area rather than a range of areas) leading to individuals getting bored, frustrated and disengaged.

What ways can the NW RDT support, develop and promote female participation?

• Connections / Networking o Create a way for females within the region to connect with one another – i.e. Facebook group. • Help support ‘female only’ events. • Platform to contact female’s willing to volunteer. • Big push every now and then to encourage females not involved in paddlesport to come and give it a go. • Either the RDT to support / promote club female recruitment events or to organise their own then direct them to relevant nearby clubs. • Female coaching and leadership days. • Development sessions for regional coaches regarding how to coach females. • Female progression sessions for disciplines / skills / environments where clubs struggle to provide this. • Supporting / promoting events. • Promote / showcase regional female role models, experiences and stories. • Platform to ask females to volunteer / help with an activity or event. o Every couple of months have a meet (either physically or virtually).

Looking at the various ideas discussed what resources and tools do you feel the RDT will need to deliver these?

• A forum where females can communicate with one another – Facebook group. • Pool of female volunteers willing to volunteer when a club and the region looks to run female only activities and events. • Someone to facilitate these conversations.

If you were here next year, what would like to see your RDT doing differently?

• To have created a good platform or people to easily network. • Improved communications. • Access to training and coaches. • Helping clubs to develop new paddlers entering the sport. • To support and promote the female paddling event Ulverston CC organised – now will be post Covid. • Create a Facebook group (Club officials / female only group). • Bringing clubs together. • RDT offering more coaching / training for females. • For one of the barriers mentioned in tonight’s meeting to be tackled as an action. • Action plan. • Coaching for coaches with focus on coaches personal development. • Events and support. • Everything doesn’t need to be female specific. • Having an action plan in a year would be a good start. • Network. • Confidence boosting sessions. • Bringing younger females into paddling and seeing them progress. • Network / commutations. • Communications aimed at youth / younger paddlers. • Showcase younger female paddlers more.

Appendix 19

Zoom Meeting Thursday 16th July - Bursary Scheme and Recreational Paddling

Invitations were sent to all clubs and individuals on our email subscribers list as well as being advertised on the NWRDT Facebook and web pages.

8 paddlers representing 6 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), Barry Curley (Secretary) and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT.

This meeting had been organised around two questions which were emailed out with the invitations to the meeting and were intended to stimulate discussion.

Question 1: Should there be more support from the NW RDT for paddlers who are not involved in Coaching and Leadership Development?

Question 2: How do you feel that the Bursary Scheme is working, and how might it be changed in order to encourage recipients to better support the region and their clubs?

Representatives from two clubs who had attended previous meetings in this series were unaware of the Bursary scheme.

The following questions and suggestions arose:

• Should applicants be asked to support other clubs and/or get referrals from them. Perhaps after achieved level 1? • How many L1, L2 MWE AWE etc do clubs have? • How many paddlers are badge collectors? They want financial support but not prepared to give anything back other than what is mandatory when applying for a grant. • Forms should ask for feedback from recipients / their clubs 6 and 12 months after course completed. • Contact list of clubs willing to chat to other clubs about the rivers their local rivers would be useful. • Paddlers being invited to act as “Guinea Pigs” for paddlers on Coaching and Leadership courses would engage more paddlers with aspirants.

Appendix 20

Zoom Meeting Wednesday 22nd July on Bursary Scheme, Recreational Paddling and PaddleAbility.

Invitations were sent to all clubs and individuals on our email subscribers list as well as being advertised on the NWRDT Facebook and web pages.

This meeting was the final meeting in the series. The organisers decided that, because of the lack of numbers of individuals signed up to the remaining 2 meetings (scheduled for 23rd and 28th July) we would combine the last 3 meetings into this last meeting.

Paddlers representing 3 clubs attended with Pat Green (Chair), Barry Curley (Secretary) and Frankie Twizell (Comms) representing the RDT.

Pat Green opened the meeting by sharing the following information regarding the bursary scheme in 2019:

The NWRDT provided Bursary support to the amount of £1,440. All applications were submitted with support from the applicant’s club. The only applications rejected were those where the applicant had received 3 bursaries within the financial year. 27 paddlers, representing 5 of the 26 regional clubs submitted bursary applications.

The following questions were posed to stimulate discussion:

Question 1: Should there be more support from the NW RDT for paddlers who are not involved in Coaching and Leadership Development?

Question 2: How do you feel that the Bursary Scheme is working, and how might it be changed in order to encourage recipients to better support the region and their clubs?

• Until the Zoom meeting started my club was not aware of the Bursary Scheme • How do we grow and encourage the smaller clubs to develop? • Should clubs take the initiative in getting paddlers out and connecting with other clubs? • Could clubs inform the RDT that they are putting on a particular event for all North West paddlers or even a group of clubs to promote networking and seek RDT financially and by providing expertise and personnel as required? • I have no experience of the Bursary Scheme so am unsure how it has worked or how effective it has been • Assuming that the Region / British Canoeing has guidelines which determine how bursaries are released and that bursaries awarded to active paddlers relates to the more active clubs within the region? • If the bursaries are helping people within clubs and their clubs are progressing / strengthening, this is obviously a good thing. My concern is, how do we grow and encourage the smaller clubs to develop? • Perhaps 2 or 3 clubs could work together, sharing information & training schemes, increasing communication between clubs, helping coaches and leaders progress. • Might bursary recipients agree to an interclub personal development scheme? • Should there be an incentive / requirement for recipients to work with paddlers from other clubs? • Why can't British Canoeing just give out the bursaries to the clubs directly? I've often wondered if we even need regional teams. • Would an annual or bi-annual NW symposium or festival bring clubs together, sharing ideas, having some fun, also bringing paddlers and clubs together socially. • Do we just say that each club is responsible for funding and developing their paddlers?

Appendix 21

Skerton Weir

The Lune Rivers Trust (LRT) have engaged a consultant to advise in the design of a replacement weir at Skerton on the river Lune. The replacement is needed because the nature of conditions associated with the present weir are considered to have a significant, damaging impact on the ability of migratory fish to pass up-river. This contributes to the ongoing decline in fish stocks in the catchment above the weir and consequential problems throughout the food chain.

It should be added that Skerton Weir is also considered to present a major hazard to swimmers and paddlers under certain tidal / environmental conditions.

The NW Regional Waterways Advisor and British Canoeing’s Waterways and Environment Policy Officer met with representatives of the LRT in late summer of 2019 where we were given a presentation on the proposals and progress with design and preliminary / pre-planning work. Based on the information provided British Canoeing provided LRT with a letter of support for the project pointing out that the river Lune and Skerton Weir are popular paddling venues, that British Canoeing and the LRT are working together to ensure that canoeing is included in the overall management of the catchment and the importance of access for those involved in recreational activities.

The proposed new structure is of the “Rock Ramp” design comprising of a series of variable height rock barriers positioned perpendicularly across the direction of flow down the length of the gently sloping weir face. This will create a series of steps, small falls, jets and eddies down the weir, accommodating the passage of fish over a wide range of river levels.

Pre-design investigations, Flood Risk Assessment, Environmental Risk Assessment Environmental Impact Assessment, Archaeology Report, Landscape and Tree Surveys and Reports are lodged with the relevant authorities, the design is frozen and, when funding is in place, everything will go to the relevant planning authorities. The planning application, due to be submitted in March 2020 has not been lodged and we are unaware of when it might be.

Figure 1 – Schematic of the proposed Rock Ramp weir

Figure 2 – Schematic of two of the upper rock barriers

Distribution List

North West Regional Development Team Officers Head of Clubs and Participation, British Canoeing Coaching and Partnership Manager, British Canoeing Area Development Officer Central and North West, British Canoeing Clubs and Individual subscribers within the North West Region

The authors would like to express their gratitude to everybody who has engaged with this consultation; without your help this Report would not have been published.

Happy Paddling!