Online portal supports sports coaches

Qualified sports coaches are now able to include their details in a new online, searchable database provided by the Guernsey Sports Commission.

The Approved Coach Portal can be accessed via the Commission’s website and has been developed in partnership with local IT firm Resolution IT.

‘The overall aim of the portal is to build even greater confidence in the workforce that supports our local community as well as providing an efficient and reliable way to share important information with key partners in relation to those working in sport, both voluntary and paid,’ said Jeremy Frith, the Commission’s Performance Director.

‘There are over 40 different coaches working in and around schools and many, many more in the local community. Supporting them to keep all their qualifications and training up to date was a huge logistical challenge so we wanted to develop something that put coaches in control of their own CPD.

‘As a qualifications provider it also helps the Sports Commission understand more about the demand for various courses so we avoid periods where people’s qualifications are out of date, but they can’t get on a course for months,’ said Jeremy.

Coaches are required to upload various documents to the portal including certificates of coaching qualifications, evidence of DBS checks (we still need to see a copy of the check in person) and other relevant documents such as First Aid and Safeguarding training.

Once the documents have been uploaded to the portal they are reviewed by the Sports Commission before the coach registration is approved. The basic details of the coach - name, sports, qualification, and a short biography (if provided) - are then available online.

A more detailed view of the coaches, including the ability to view/check their documents, will be available to a small number of specific admin users including Headteachers and other Heads of Service. This means they will be able to carry out any checks quickly and effectively before allowing a coach into school.

Laurel Le Tocq, who is the owner of sports skills for toddlers’ business Little Champs, was excited to get signed up to the portal and said it would help reassure parents.

‘It’s important for me that parents know children are coming to classes which are safe and reputable and being recognised on the portal means they can be confident of that,’ said Laurel.

Approved coaches will be able to display a digital badge on their email signatures or websites.

Anyone can search the Portal for an approved coach by visiting https://guernseysports.com/support/coach-portal/

You can search for a specific sport e.g., football, rugby; a specific category e.g., Level 2 qualified; or check a specific name to ensure they have the qualifications you are looking for.

Any qualified sports coach who would like to be included on the portal should email info@guernseysports.com and we will send you a specific invite link which will allow you to set up your own profile.

You will be required to provide:

• Your DBS check registration number and issue date – this will need to be presented in person

• Proof of your coaching qualification e.g., certificate or relevant screen shot from NGB etc

• Proof of other qualifications/courses completed e.g., Safeguarding, First Aid etc

You must also include the expiration dates of any of your qualifications e.g. First Aid, normally three years from the date of the course, so that we can send you notifications/reminders to book to renew your qualification before it expires.

If you experience any issues with the Portal or have any questions about your documentation, please contact jeremy.frith@gov.gg