CLUB ACCREDITATION
1. Accredited Club Status – what is changing for 2027?
The ECB is introducing a new Accredited Club Status process, replacing the previous Clubmark programme.
For 2027, clubs that have previously held Clubmark status will have the opportunity to undertake the process, alongside any others who would like their club to take this step.
Key dates:
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November 2026: Preparation Phase
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Early January 2027: The accreditation application window opens.
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30 April 2027: The deadline for submitting accreditation applications.
Accreditation will last for three years, subject to clubs continuing to meet the requirements, with their recognition level reviewed annually.
Importantly, clubs will no longer need to submit accreditation applications for individual approval by Berkshire Cricket Foundation. The ECB will manage the assessment centrally, allowing Berkshire Cricket to focus more time on supporting clubs with their development priorities. Of course, if you require any support during this process, we are on hand to help, so please contact Ben Abrahams.
2. ‘The Preparation Phase’ – What should clubs do now to get ready for this new Accreditation process?
Although applications do not open until January, there are a number of tasks that will help you to prepare for the accreditation process.
Please use the following checklist to prepare your club:
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Review your Club Constitution – Check that your governing document is up to date and aligned with the ECB model constitution. Please feel free to use the attached Club Constitution Checklist to help identify any changes needed.
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Review your Safeguarding Policy Statement – Please review and update your document, referring to the attached ECB template where required.
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Use your AGM to approve any necessary updates – Where possible, please include document reviews in your upcoming AGM agenda.
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Update your club records – Please take time to update your Play-Cricket officials list and SHMS club profile, to reflect any changes to committee members and key club volunteers following your AGM.
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Check Play-Cricket administrator access – Please also check that your club Chair, Secretary and other appropriate key officials have “main administrator” rights.
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Familiarise yourself with the requirements – Please take some time to read the attached 2027 Club Accreditation Requirements Checklist, so you know what your club will need to evidence if applying for accreditation.
We can also recommend utilising the Club Affiliation Toolkit, with full supporting information and guidance for clubs available to view – CLUB AFFILIATION TOOLKIT
Additional Documents
CLUB SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
CLUB CONSTITUTION CHECKLIST
CLUB ACCREDITATION 2027 REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
