FAQ August 2007
East Region
Community Sports Networks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a Community Sports Network (CSN) and what should it look like?
A1: A CSN is a collection of people/organisations who have a desire to develop and promote sport and physical activity in their locality. A typical CSN may include representatives from: Local Authority, Primary Care Trust, School Sport Partnership, voluntary and community sector, Children’s Trusts, Children’s Services, regeneration projects, sports regeneration, community safety initiatives, professional sport, projects aimed at older people, health initiatives, the local sports council, sports clubs and any one else who may impact upon the delivery or promotion of sport and physical activity locally.. It is suggested that the partnerships will also have the memberships of the professional sport sector so where there is a local authority sports development officer (SDO), the County Sports Partnership (CSP) should have a member of the core team on the CSN and where appropriate a member of the Sport England regional team may also attend a meeting or consultation event. The above list is not exhaustive and the “make up” of the group is based on local interest and need. For further information visit: http://www.sportengland.org/community_sports_networks.pdf.
Q2: Is there any funding to getting us started?
A2: Yes, Sport England East has recognised that there is a cost to setting up a CSN in the very early stages. Therefore to help ease this process each CSN can apply for start up funding to enable it to become “Established”. Once local partners have made a commitment to become a CSN an application can be made to CSP for up to £3000. These funds are to enable establishment which should include partner commitment, Terms of Reference, evidence of local consultation and crucially a visioning document and action plan.
Q3: How do CSNs secure funding?
A3: While Sport England recognises the importance to local investment CSNs should secure funding from a variety of sources.
(i) CSNs may secure funding locally through budget alignments, programme specific funding and/or private commercial investment. Funding may also be secured through the numerous Trusts, sport specific (NGB) and cause related streams which are available externally.
(ii) Sport England East has aligned its investment plan to support the development of the Delivery System for Sport, subsequently, between March 2007 and March 2009 CSNs will be able to access a defined amount of money based on the areas current activity levels, population, obesity levels and standing within the indices of multiple deprivation. Each CSN, based on the above parameters and linked to demonstration of need, will be able to access between £15 and £25k per annum to directly deliver activity and increase participation. For example, a programme of badminton classes for mid-life to older life people to increase participation amongst adults.
It is important that when applying for these funds CSNs are mindful of the fact that Sport England leads on the PSA 3 target and contributes to the PSA 1 and 2 targets. For more information on Sport England’s focus visit: http://www.sportengland.org/what_we_do_and_how_we_do_it.pdf.pdf
(iii) CSNs should also consider programmes such as Awards for All which provides small grants (up to £10K) for local projects.
(iv) A CSN can apply for funding in its own right if the network formally exists with a constitution and has its own bank account.
Q4: Do the CSNs have to provide any partnership funding?
A4: As with any application for Lottery funds Sport England seeks to maximise the investment and ensure that limited lottery funds are able to impact on as many people and projects as possible. Any application must demonstrate a financial need for the project and that other potential sources of partnership funding have been exhausted. Sport England expects any applicant for funding to have secured a degree of partnership funding, part of which can be ‘in kind’, e.g. facility hire costs, officer time as long as there can be a clear demonstration of additionality. Sport England has a target of seeking £2 partnership funding for every £1 investment it makes For more information regarding funding you can visit Sport England’s funding pages at: http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_funding.htm
Q5: What can this money be used for?
A5: This will be dependent upon local need, but this money is very likely to be used for revenue projects that will deliver local interventions to address areas of work identified as areas of need/improvement. For example, one such project could be a ‘Get Back Into’ initiative targeting adults who used to participate to get back into a particular sport or activity, this could be in partnership with the local authority, local clubs, possible health referral schemes and with possible utilisation of private sector representatives.
It is important that the applications are focused on the delivery services to a particular group or groups and not in the planning for delivery. Applications should also clearly indicate the expected measurable impact on local participation.
The focus of any revenue project should be on the impact the investment and interventions will have on increasing opportunity for people taking part in sport.
Q7: Do CSPs provide money to the CSNs or do Sport England?
A7: The CSN will access funding independently through their own application to sport England’s Community investment Fund (CIF). The CSP will be asked to comment upon the Action Plan with regards to their engagement with the CSN, how the plan aligns to CSP strategic priority and potential risks that may be envisaged. However, CSNs still awaiting start-ups funds will need to access these through their CSP.
Q8: What level of support can I expect from my CSP and from Sport England?
A8: As part of the Performance Framework the CSPs are measured on the number of CSNs Established, Embedded and Effective. Most CSPs have a dedicated CSN lead and will, therefore, support each of their respective CSNs to ensure they are ‘Established’. This support will continue as they start to action plan and draw down money identified within the Community Investment Fund. Once the Action Plan has been agreed, the CSN is in receipt of their CIF and as a unit the CSN is delivering projects and interventions they are deemed ‘Embedded and Effective’.
Sport England will provide strategic guidance at a regional level and support each CSP in developing any further guidance required. Sport England will provide support to any CSN that needs advice where and when it adds value to what is already being provided by the CSP.
Q9: What’s the role between CSPs and CSNs? Can you give me a clear breakdown?
A9: The CSP will play a strategic role in this partnership by advising, coordinating and supporting a number of CSNs within the county. It is the role of the CSP together with Sport England to develop a Delivery System that will ensure that CSNs contribute to widening of access and increasing participation at a local level. More detail regarding the CSN CSP relations and the support mechanism that should be in place can be found on page 7 of the Community Sports Networks: Implementation and Investment Guidance
It is the job of the CSN to ensure there is local “buy in” to the partnership and the action plan is completely in line with their CSP and adding value to their Annual Delivery Plan (ADP – a set of agreed actions that the CSP will deliver over the 12 month period April – March each year) and not duplicating it!
Q10: Will the CSN just be doing the work of its CSP?
A10: No. It’s important that the CSN’s action plan is a balance of local demand in the context of the CSP overall plan. The CSNs plan should be complimentary as the CSP business plan were produced through dialogue/consultation with local stakeholders. The work of the CSN is delivery at a local level while the CSPs have a role in delivery at county level it is more focused on coordination. Alignment of plans is crucial to ensure there is no duplication and resources can be used to maximum affect across the county – there are only enough resources for one delivery system.
Q11: Are there any examples of what will not be funded?
A11: With the exception of the initial start-up fund, CIF is intended to put activity on the ground therefore things like project administration, meetings, conferences, workshops, full-time staff, etc, are lower priority and do not directly contribute to an increase in participation in sport and physical activity. We want the resources available to be predominantly used to deliver an activity as such all applications should reflect this sentiment.
Continuation of existing activity programmes or projects run by any of the CSN members is ineligible. However, if there is an existing project, which can be further enhanced by the CSN making an input, then this is acceptable. This is dependant on the CSN providing extra value (enhancing) to that existing project. For further details on the application process and funding eligibility please visit http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_funding/how_funding_works.htm and once again the Community Sports Networks: Implementation and Investment Guidance (page 12) gives guidance as to what is and is not acceptable.
Q12: Why won’t continuation of existing projects qualify for funding?
A12: Because there is no additionality or long-term sustainability.
Q13: What role does education have in CSNs?
A13: Within a CSN there should be a clear and identifiable pathway for children from school to club. Education can play a key role in delivering on this agenda via the PESSCL (Physical Education, School Sport and Club Links in England) strategy. It is likely that these pathways will help to achieve similar outcomes for other partners within a CSN (Community Safety Partnerships, Youth Service, PCT, etc) and resources can be pooled to add extra value and then pull down further money from CIF.
Q14: How does a CSN add value to what is happening locally?
A14: As part of the CSNs initial start-up it is advised there is a form of local consultation to understand what is the local need, what is happening locally and how the CSN can deliver activities for the community. It is important that the CSN recognises what is already there and how resources can be pooled by the strength of a partnership approach. Each CSN can make a difference locally by ensuring that there is a clear link with the Local Strategic Partnership, and possibly identifying funds that can match any potential CIF application. Each CSN should identify any gaps which exist within their locality that compliment those identified by their CSP and ensure the action plan reflects that. The CSN is best placed to identify the need for investment locally and should hold strength in a broad partnership base which can identify a need for sport and physical activity within the many facets of the community. A CSN may have a key role in club development, community safety initiatives, GP referral schemes, direct sports delivery projects aimed at the + 16 age group, for example, roadshows, taster sessions, local participation events.
Q15: Will funding continue after March 2009?
A15: Sport England is committed to investing in the Delivery System past 2009. At present we are awaiting regional confirmation of projected lottery funds for sport past this date. This is dependent on the DCMS settlement from the Treasury following the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Q16: I am already involved in a local sport council or other local partnership. Is this a CSN?
A16: It could well fit the definition of a CSN, and possibly already been given a different name or branding. Make contact with your local authority Sports Development Officer who can tell you if your partnership is included or at what point they will start the process of officially setting up their own CSN. In some districts, the local Sports Council has taken ownership of the respective CSN. This is fine, but not compulsory, however it is essential that the local Sports Council has a voice within their respective CSN. It is also important to note that all CSNs are different, some are an evolution of the local Sports Council, some are themed groups working on different projects, others have local Sports Council representatives feeding into the wider group – there is no prescription it is whatever works best for the group as long as there are representatives from local stakeholders.
Q17: I understand that Sport England are concentrating more on performance measurement nowadays? Is this the same with CSNs?
A17: Yes, absolutely. It’s crucial that we are able to demonstrate that the investments we make contribute to increasing participation by 1% each year. CSNs have been prioritized within our Investment Plan and therefore there will be an onus for all CSNs to collect and collate basic Key Performance Indicators to demonstrate that the respective CSN is working well, and achieving the targets that have been set.
Q18: Where can I get advice on setting up my CSN?
A18: You can download the CSN guidance document at http://www.sportengland.org/community_sports_networks.pdf which is an essential read when establishing a CSN. You should then contact your respective CSP CSN lead who will have the local knowledge of whether or not there already is a CSN and if there is who sits on it. It is also important that the CSP are fully engaged with the CSNs processes to ensure the Delivery System can be embedded Nationwide.
Sport England East also has a dedicated CSN officer, Kirsty Clarke, contactable on 0207 273 1827 or at kirsty.clarke@sportengland.org
Q19: Who should I contact for Communications and Marketing Advice?
A19: Each CSP has a Communications Lead Officer. These are:
Active Norfolk: Vicki Hall;
Marketing & Communications Officer
Tel: 01603 727892 vicki.hall@activenorfolk.org
Herts Sport Partnership: Corina Best;
Marketing, Communications & Events Officer
Tel: 01707 281007 c.l.best@herts.ac.uk
Living Sport (Cambs & Peterborough): Trudy Salandiak
Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator
Tel: 01487 849 925 trudy.salandiak@livingsport.co.uk
sportessex: Alistair Russell;
Marketing & Communications Officer
Tel: 01245 702458 alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk,
Suffolk Sport: Terry McEntee; Partnership Sports Manager
Tel: 01502 523447 terry.mcentee@waveney.gov.uk or
Tony Bush; Business Development Manager, Tel: 01394 444881
Team Beds and Luton: Keely Glenister; Communications Lead OfficerTel: 01582 813765 keely@teambedsandluton.co.uk
Further advice around developing a communications plan:
Australia’s Maroochy Council provides some good guidance and a template format: http://maroochy.qld.gov.au/ppp/Tool17b.pdf
The Media Trust provides some good tips and pointers: http://www.mediatrust.org/online_guides/Writing%20a%20PRcomms%20plan.pdf
Community Sports Networks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a Community Sports Network (CSN) and what should it look like?
A1: A CSN is a collection of people/organisations who have a desire to develop and promote sport and physical activity in their locality. A typical CSN may include representatives from: Local Authority, Primary Care Trust, School Sport Partnership, voluntary and community sector, Children’s Trusts, Children’s Services, regeneration projects, sports regeneration, community safety initiatives, professional sport, projects aimed at older people, health initiatives, the local sports council, sports clubs and any one else who may impact upon the delivery or promotion of sport and physical activity locally.. It is suggested that the partnerships will also have the memberships of the professional sport sector so where there is a local authority sports development officer (SDO), the County Sports Partnership (CSP) should have a member of the core team on the CSN and where appropriate a member of the Sport England regional team may also attend a meeting or consultation event. The above list is not exhaustive and the “make up” of the group is based on local interest and need. For further information visit: http://www.sportengland.org/community_sports_networks.pdf.
Q2: Is there any funding to getting us started?
A2: Yes, Sport England East has recognised that there is a cost to setting up a CSN in the very early stages. Therefore to help ease this process each CSN can apply for start up funding to enable it to become “Established”. Once local partners have made a commitment to become a CSN an application can be made to CSP for up to £3000. These funds are to enable establishment which should include partner commitment, Terms of Reference, evidence of local consultation and crucially a visioning document and action plan.
Q3: How do CSNs secure funding?
A3: While Sport England recognises the importance to local investment CSNs should secure funding from a variety of sources.
(i) CSNs may secure funding locally through budget alignments, programme specific funding and/or private commercial investment. Funding may also be secured through the numerous Trusts, sport specific (NGB) and cause related streams which are available externally.
(ii) Sport England East has aligned its investment plan to support the development of the Delivery System for Sport, subsequently, between March 2007 and March 2009 CSNs will be able to access a defined amount of money based on the areas current activity levels, population, obesity levels and standing within the indices of multiple deprivation. Each CSN, based on the above parameters and linked to demonstration of need, will be able to access between £15 and £25k per annum to directly deliver activity and increase participation. For example, a programme of badminton classes for mid-life to older life people to increase participation amongst adults.
It is important that when applying for these funds CSNs are mindful of the fact that Sport England leads on the PSA 3 target and contributes to the PSA 1 and 2 targets. For more information on Sport England’s focus visit: http://www.sportengland.org/what_we_do_and_how_we_do_it.pdf.pdf
(iii) CSNs should also consider programmes such as Awards for All which provides small grants (up to £10K) for local projects.
(iv) A CSN can apply for funding in its own right if the network formally exists with a constitution and has its own bank account.
Q4: Do the CSNs have to provide any partnership funding?
A4: As with any application for Lottery funds Sport England seeks to maximise the investment and ensure that limited lottery funds are able to impact on as many people and projects as possible. Any application must demonstrate a financial need for the project and that other potential sources of partnership funding have been exhausted. Sport England expects any applicant for funding to have secured a degree of partnership funding, part of which can be ‘in kind’, e.g. facility hire costs, officer time as long as there can be a clear demonstration of additionality. Sport England has a target of seeking £2 partnership funding for every £1 investment it makes For more information regarding funding you can visit Sport England’s funding pages at: http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_funding.htm
Q5: What can this money be used for?
A5: This will be dependent upon local need, but this money is very likely to be used for revenue projects that will deliver local interventions to address areas of work identified as areas of need/improvement. For example, one such project could be a ‘Get Back Into’ initiative targeting adults who used to participate to get back into a particular sport or activity, this could be in partnership with the local authority, local clubs, possible health referral schemes and with possible utilisation of private sector representatives.
It is important that the applications are focused on the delivery services to a particular group or groups and not in the planning for delivery. Applications should also clearly indicate the expected measurable impact on local participation.
The focus of any revenue project should be on the impact the investment and interventions will have on increasing opportunity for people taking part in sport.
Q7: Do CSPs provide money to the CSNs or do Sport England?
A7: The CSN will access funding independently through their own application to sport England’s Community investment Fund (CIF). The CSP will be asked to comment upon the Action Plan with regards to their engagement with the CSN, how the plan aligns to CSP strategic priority and potential risks that may be envisaged. However, CSNs still awaiting start-ups funds will need to access these through their CSP.
Q8: What level of support can I expect from my CSP and from Sport England?
A8: As part of the Performance Framework the CSPs are measured on the number of CSNs Established, Embedded and Effective. Most CSPs have a dedicated CSN lead and will, therefore, support each of their respective CSNs to ensure they are ‘Established’. This support will continue as they start to action plan and draw down money identified within the Community Investment Fund. Once the Action Plan has been agreed, the CSN is in receipt of their CIF and as a unit the CSN is delivering projects and interventions they are deemed ‘Embedded and Effective’.
Sport England will provide strategic guidance at a regional level and support each CSP in developing any further guidance required. Sport England will provide support to any CSN that needs advice where and when it adds value to what is already being provided by the CSP.
Q9: What’s the role between CSPs and CSNs? Can you give me a clear breakdown?
A9: The CSP will play a strategic role in this partnership by advising, coordinating and supporting a number of CSNs within the county. It is the role of the CSP together with Sport England to develop a Delivery System that will ensure that CSNs contribute to widening of access and increasing participation at a local level. More detail regarding the CSN CSP relations and the support mechanism that should be in place can be found on page 7 of the Community Sports Networks: Implementation and Investment Guidance
It is the job of the CSN to ensure there is local “buy in” to the partnership and the action plan is completely in line with their CSP and adding value to their Annual Delivery Plan (ADP – a set of agreed actions that the CSP will deliver over the 12 month period April – March each year) and not duplicating it!
Q10: Will the CSN just be doing the work of its CSP?
A10: No. It’s important that the CSN’s action plan is a balance of local demand in the context of the CSP overall plan. The CSNs plan should be complimentary as the CSP business plan were produced through dialogue/consultation with local stakeholders. The work of the CSN is delivery at a local level while the CSPs have a role in delivery at county level it is more focused on coordination. Alignment of plans is crucial to ensure there is no duplication and resources can be used to maximum affect across the county – there are only enough resources for one delivery system.
Q11: Are there any examples of what will not be funded?
A11: With the exception of the initial start-up fund, CIF is intended to put activity on the ground therefore things like project administration, meetings, conferences, workshops, full-time staff, etc, are lower priority and do not directly contribute to an increase in participation in sport and physical activity. We want the resources available to be predominantly used to deliver an activity as such all applications should reflect this sentiment.
Continuation of existing activity programmes or projects run by any of the CSN members is ineligible. However, if there is an existing project, which can be further enhanced by the CSN making an input, then this is acceptable. This is dependant on the CSN providing extra value (enhancing) to that existing project. For further details on the application process and funding eligibility please visit http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_funding/how_funding_works.htm and once again the Community Sports Networks: Implementation and Investment Guidance (page 12) gives guidance as to what is and is not acceptable.
Q12: Why won’t continuation of existing projects qualify for funding?
A12: Because there is no additionality or long-term sustainability.
Q13: What role does education have in CSNs?
A13: Within a CSN there should be a clear and identifiable pathway for children from school to club. Education can play a key role in delivering on this agenda via the PESSCL (Physical Education, School Sport and Club Links in England) strategy. It is likely that these pathways will help to achieve similar outcomes for other partners within a CSN (Community Safety Partnerships, Youth Service, PCT, etc) and resources can be pooled to add extra value and then pull down further money from CIF.
Q14: How does a CSN add value to what is happening locally?
A14: As part of the CSNs initial start-up it is advised there is a form of local consultation to understand what is the local need, what is happening locally and how the CSN can deliver activities for the community. It is important that the CSN recognises what is already there and how resources can be pooled by the strength of a partnership approach. Each CSN can make a difference locally by ensuring that there is a clear link with the Local Strategic Partnership, and possibly identifying funds that can match any potential CIF application. Each CSN should identify any gaps which exist within their locality that compliment those identified by their CSP and ensure the action plan reflects that. The CSN is best placed to identify the need for investment locally and should hold strength in a broad partnership base which can identify a need for sport and physical activity within the many facets of the community. A CSN may have a key role in club development, community safety initiatives, GP referral schemes, direct sports delivery projects aimed at the + 16 age group, for example, roadshows, taster sessions, local participation events.
Q15: Will funding continue after March 2009?
A15: Sport England is committed to investing in the Delivery System past 2009. At present we are awaiting regional confirmation of projected lottery funds for sport past this date. This is dependent on the DCMS settlement from the Treasury following the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Q16: I am already involved in a local sport council or other local partnership. Is this a CSN?
A16: It could well fit the definition of a CSN, and possibly already been given a different name or branding. Make contact with your local authority Sports Development Officer who can tell you if your partnership is included or at what point they will start the process of officially setting up their own CSN. In some districts, the local Sports Council has taken ownership of the respective CSN. This is fine, but not compulsory, however it is essential that the local Sports Council has a voice within their respective CSN. It is also important to note that all CSNs are different, some are an evolution of the local Sports Council, some are themed groups working on different projects, others have local Sports Council representatives feeding into the wider group – there is no prescription it is whatever works best for the group as long as there are representatives from local stakeholders.
Q17: I understand that Sport England are concentrating more on performance measurement nowadays? Is this the same with CSNs?
A17: Yes, absolutely. It’s crucial that we are able to demonstrate that the investments we make contribute to increasing participation by 1% each year. CSNs have been prioritized within our Investment Plan and therefore there will be an onus for all CSNs to collect and collate basic Key Performance Indicators to demonstrate that the respective CSN is working well, and achieving the targets that have been set.
Q18: Where can I get advice on setting up my CSN?
A18: You can download the CSN guidance document at http://www.sportengland.org/community_sports_networks.pdf which is an essential read when establishing a CSN. You should then contact your respective CSP CSN lead who will have the local knowledge of whether or not there already is a CSN and if there is who sits on it. It is also important that the CSP are fully engaged with the CSNs processes to ensure the Delivery System can be embedded Nationwide.
Sport England East also has a dedicated CSN officer, Kirsty Clarke, contactable on 0207 273 1827 or at kirsty.clarke@sportengland.org
Q19: Who should I contact for Communications and Marketing Advice?
A19: Each CSP has a Communications Lead Officer. These are:
Active Norfolk: Vicki Hall;
Marketing & Communications Officer
Tel: 01603 727892 vicki.hall@activenorfolk.org
Herts Sport Partnership: Corina Best;
Marketing, Communications & Events Officer
Tel: 01707 281007 c.l.best@herts.ac.uk
Living Sport (Cambs & Peterborough): Trudy Salandiak
Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator
Tel: 01487 849 925 trudy.salandiak@livingsport.co.uk
sportessex: Alistair Russell;
Marketing & Communications Officer
Tel: 01245 702458 alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk,
Suffolk Sport: Terry McEntee; Partnership Sports Manager
Tel: 01502 523447 terry.mcentee@waveney.gov.uk or
Tony Bush; Business Development Manager, Tel: 01394 444881
Team Beds and Luton: Keely Glenister; Communications Lead OfficerTel: 01582 813765 keely@teambedsandluton.co.uk
Further advice around developing a communications plan:
Australia’s Maroochy Council provides some good guidance and a template format: http://maroochy.qld.gov.au/ppp/Tool17b.pdf
The Media Trust provides some good tips and pointers: http://www.mediatrust.org/online_guides/Writing%20a%20PRcomms%20plan.pdf
posted by Sport England East at 14:42
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