New UK Coaching toolkit aims to improve diversity and inclusion

Improving diversity, inclusion and mental wellbeing are amongst the key aims of a new toolkit for coaches launched by UK Coaching this week.

The Duty to Care Toolkit, which will be available on UK Coaching’s learning and development platform ukcoaching.org, is being launched as coaching resumes following lockdown, and after extensive consultation with a range of partners and coaches across the UK.

The toolkit comprises five pillars – diversity, inclusion, mental health, safeguarding and wellbeing. It will challenge coaches to demonstrate their knowledge of the principles of Duty to Care and signpost them to resources that can help them to adapt sessions safely; creating diverse and inclusive environments that help to increase the mental health and wellbeing of both them and their participants.

Coaches who complete the free Duty to Care Knowledge Check in each pillar will earn a nationally recognised Duty to Care ‘Digital Badge’, which they can display to show their commitment to great coaching.

The findings of Baroness Grey-Thompson’s Duty of Care in Sport review coincided with UK Coaching’s plan to devise a product that ensures coaches are sufficiently equipped to deliver great coaching – and thereby, inspire their participants to develop lifelong active lifestyles and ensure athletes’ welfare is at the top of their priority list.

The Paralympic legend said: “UK Coaching’s toolkit is the right way for coaches – at any stage of their career – to check in, challenge themselves and refuel their coaching skills to keep delivering great coaching experiences.”

UK Coaching’s Director of Coaching Emma Atkins, added: “We are ecstatic about the launch of our new Duty to Care Toolkit and Digital Badge, which supports coaches by enabling them to show their commitment to great coaching, and to continue to improve the coaching experience people receive.

“In the coronavirus era, coaches have a big part to play in their communities, lifting the mood and boosting the physical, social, emotional and mental health of the nation. More than ever before, we need to look after our participants regardless of where they are on their sport and physical activity journey.”