Active Gloucestershire

Based on GRFU's existing engagement with Lisa Kankowski and Active Gloucestershire, there is a great emphasis on club development, safeguarding support, coach education, inclusion, and physical activity across Gloucestershire.

Benefits for GRFU Clubs

1. Free and subsidised training opportunities

Active Gloucestershire regularly offers workshops and learning opportunities covering:

  • Challenging Conversations
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Active Bystander Training
  • Lower Level Concerns & Codes of Conduct
  • Safeguarding
  • Trauma Informed Coaching
  • Neurodiversity in Sport
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Mental Health and Sport
  • Child-First Coaching Approaches

These provide valuable development opportunities for volunteers, coaches, and committee members.

2. Club Development Workshops

Active Gloucestershire has worked with GRFU to develop rugby-specific club development sessions focused on:

  • Play Their Way (child-first coaching)
  • Safer Cultures
  • Welfare and Safeguarding
  • Inclusion and Accessibility

These sessions help clubs strengthen their culture and attract and retain participants.

3. First Aid Training

A key area identified by GRFU was access to affordable first aid training. Active Gloucestershire has organised subsidised Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work qualifications with additional sport-specific content and indicated a willingness to run extra rugby-focused courses if demand exists.

4. One-to-One Club Support

Lisa Kankowski has repeatedly offered direct support to clubs, including:

  • Safeguarding and welfare advice
  • Preparing for club audits
  • Club visits
  • Tailored support based on club needs
  • Guidance for clubs facing specific challenges

This support has already been discussed for clubs requiring additional assistance or preparing for reviews.

5. Access to Wider Networks and Resources

Active Gloucestershire connects clubs into the wider "We Can Move" network, providing access to:

  • Funding opportunities
  • Best practice sharing
  • Physical activity initiatives
  • Community partnerships
  • Local and national expertise

Their role is specifically to "inspire, connect and enable" organisations across Gloucestershire.

Benefits for Volunteers

1. Personal Development and CPD

Volunteers can access free learning opportunities that improve their confidence and capability in areas such as:

  • Welfare
  • Safeguarding
  • Communication
  • Mental health awareness
  • Inclusion
  • Coaching practice

2. Support for Club Safeguarding Officers

Active Gloucestershire works closely with welfare and safeguarding leads and can provide:

  • Advice on safeguarding requirements
  • Audit preparation support
  • Welfare resources
  • Club visits
  • Ongoing guidance

3. Coach Support

The organisation provides specialist coaching workshops including:

  • Coaching neurodivergent athletes
  • Child-first coaching approaches
  • Trauma-informed coaching
  • Inclusion and accessibility

These help coaches create more positive and player-centred environments.

4. Volunteer Wellbeing and Community

Through networking events, club forums and welfare workshops, volunteers gain opportunities to learn from others, share challenges, and build relationships across the county.