Why our Sport Welfare Officer is encouraging clubs to use the Culture Reflection Tool

Why our Sport Welfare Officer is encouraging clubs to use the Culture Reflection Tool

As a Sport Welfare Officer, one of the most important parts of my role is supporting clubs to create environments where everyone feels welcome, safe, and included.

That’s where the Culture Reflection Tool comes in.

It’s a friendly, practical tool designed to help clubs pause and reflect on how the club works day to day, and, just as importantly, how it feels to be part of it.

This isn’t about judging or inspecting clubs. It’s about opening conversations, recognising what’s already going well, and identifying small changes that could make an even bigger difference.

What Is the Culture Reflection Tool?

The Culture Reflection Tool helps clubs look at their culture with fresh eyes.

It supports clubs to:

• Talk openly about values, behaviours, and experiences
  
• Reflect on everyday interactions and decisions
  
• Make small, realistic improvements that fit their club
  

The tool has been shaped by advice from clubs, National Governing Bodies, safeguarding experts, the CPSU, ACT, and Sport England, so it’s rooted in real experiences and practical understanding of club life.

Why Club Culture Really Matters

A positive club culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s something we create together.

When culture is strong:

• People feel respected, valued, and included
  
• Coaches and volunteers feel supported and confident
  
• Families trust the club and enjoy being involved
  
• The wider community feels positive about the club
  

When people feel good about their club, they’re more likely to stay, enjoy their sport, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

We can all become used to seeing things from our own perspective. Taking time to reflect together helps clubs notice things they might otherwise miss, both the positives and the opportunities to grow.

How the Tool Works

I will support clubs to work through the Culture Reflection Tool in a simple, supportive way.

Together, we:

• Use a set of clear, accessible questions
  
• Focus on what the club does well as well as what could be even better
  
• Keep conversations open, respectful, and practical
  

Using the tool is completely voluntary, and there’s no expectation to “get everything right”. Every club is different, and the focus is always on what makes sense for that club and the members.

What Clubs Can Expect

The conversations are:

• Friendly and informal
  
• Honest and supportive
  
• Focused on learning, not blame
  

We might explore questions like:

• How do people show respect and kindness to each other at the club?
  
• How do new members and families experience their first few weeks?
  
• How do people know they can speak up or ask for help if something doesn’t feel right?
  

These discussions help bring different voices together and build shared understanding.

A Small Step That Can Make a Big Difference

I’d encourage every club to take some time to use the Culture Reflection Tool.

Creating a positive culture is an ongoing journey and this tool is one way to support clubs to make their environment an even more safe, welcoming, and enjoyable place for everyone.