Clubs, Coaches, Volunteers News – November 2025
Government Launches Planning Consultation
The UK Government has recently opened an eight-week consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system in planning. One of the key proposals is the potential removal of Sport England as a statutory consultee on planning applications involving playing fields and community sports spaces. The consultation runs until 13 January 2026 and seeks views from organisations, clubs, and individuals across England.
Sport England currently plays a vital role in safeguarding spaces for sport and physical activity. As a statutory consultee, it ensures that planning decisions consider the long-term health and wellbeing of communities, providing access for all.
We urge clubs, community organisations, and local stakeholders to make their voices heard by completing the consultation survey; sharing this information with your networks and encourage others to respond; highlighting local examples of how Sport England’s input has protected vital spaces for sport and physical activity.
Supporting Sport Welfare
Sharing Stories
“It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about creating a culture where the safety and wellbeing of every participant is at the heart of everything we do. The process has helped us reflect, improve and embed safeguarding into our everyday practice.” Rod Cullen, Safeguarding Officer
In May 2025, Kyushin Ryu Ju-Jitsu HQ reached out to Stuart, one of our Sport Welfare Officers, to seek guidance and support to strengthen their safeguarding practices. In October 2025, they were awarded the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts.
Club Welfare Drop-In Sessions
Our next online drop-in session for Club Welfare Officers is on Monday 19 January 2026, 7pm to 8pm. Discover the mental health support available for clubs and their members, network with other Club Welfare Officers and learn about additional resources for you and your club. Jimmy, our Sport Welfare Officer will be available to answer your questions.
“A useful session. It gave me more confidence to fulfill my role and good to know that there is somewhere to go for advice.” Previous Attendee
We are committed to building our local sport welfare network, supporting and signposting to the latest guidance and resources available to help you and your club/organisation. We’d love to see you at our next drop-in session.
Follow this link to register for the free online drop-in session
Sport Welfare Newsletter
Are you a club welfare officer? Or do you know someone who is? Would you like to receive specific news around Welfare and Safeguarding? Receive updates on training, support, guidance and resources to help promote good practice and safe sport for children, young people and adults?
Subscribe to Active Kent & Medway’s Sport Welfare mailing list to receive our recently launched Sport Welfare Newsletter (every 2 months) straight to your inbox.
Follow this link to subscribe to the Sport Welfare Newsletter
Blog: Safeguarding Adults
Off the back of Safeguarding Adults Week 2025, Jimmy McCormack, our Sport Welfare Officer, reflects on why safeguarding matters and how we can all make a difference, creating environments where everyone feels safe, respected and empowered.
Safeguarding isn’t a box to tick, it’s a commitment to care.
“I encourage everyone involved in sport and physical activity to reflect on how we can act earlier, listen more closely and build cultures that prevent harm before it happens.”
Inclusive Communications
To make your sessions more welcoming and accessible, we encourage all clubs and sports providers to use Activity Alliance’s Inclusive Communications Factsheets. These practical resources offer clear guidance on language, imagery and messaging that resonates with disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
By adopting inclusive communication, you’ll not only promote your activities more effectively but also help break down barriers, ensuring everyone feels informed, valued and motivated to take part.
Funding Opportunities
Small Grant
Small grants of up to £500 for local clubs and organisations looking to encourage and increase participation in physical activity for those living in Kent or Medway.
Funding could be available to cover facilitator or coaching costs, venue hire, equipment, marketing and publicity for projects such as new programmes, festivals, events, launches or celebrations of activity, that re-engage with previous audiences and/or encourages those new to activity to continue to be active.
Workforce Development Bursary
Thinking about becoming an activity leader or yoga instructor for your local community group? Perhaps an assistant coach to support your club’s weekly sessions?
Our Workforce Development Bursary can cover up to 50% of the costs (maximum £500) towards qualifications or awards that increase the quantity and quality of leaders, coaches, instructors and officials in Kent, and therefore assist the development of sport and physical activity in the county.
Forever Active Kent Fund
Active Kent & Medway is excited to launch the Forever Active Kent Fund, in partnership with Kent County Council, a microgrants programme supporting local organisations to deliver inclusive physical activity opportunities for adults over 50 across Kent.
With grants of up to £6,000 per year for three years, the Fund aims to improve strength, balance and mobility through accessible 12-week programmes, helping people aged 50+ stay active, connected and independent.
Applications open 1 December 2025 and close 11 January 2026.
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in this newsletter you’d like to discuss, then just get in touch and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. Please email: activekent@kent.gov.uk
If you received this newsletter via a colleague and you’d like to receive future newsletters into your own inbox, just follow the link below: