Volunteer & Workforce Plan
England Golf’s Role
OUR MISSION
To provide high-quality training and support to enhance the experience and capability of people working and volunteering in golf.
Those working and volunteering in golf are a critical component of our ambition to inspire more people to see themselves as part of the golf community.
OUR DEFINITIONS: VOLUNTEERS & WORKFORCE
Volunteers
‘ Volunteeringiswhensomeonespendsunpaidtimedoing somethingingolftobenefitothers.’
Gov.uk
Volunteer roles in golf are wide-ranging, from supporting championships to new junior golfers, from strategic roles on Boards, to helping out with course maintenance.
Workforce
‘Thepeoplewhoworkingolfandreceivepayment, includingthoseemployed,contractedandself-employed.’
EnglandGolf
This includes General Managers, Community Golf Instructors, PGA Professionals, greenkeepers, F&B staff, and many more.
THE VOLUNTEER & WORKFORCE LANDSCAPE
In England
100,000 people volunteer in golf each year
Unlike most sports, our volunteer network are still active participants, on average playing twice a week
30% of volunteers in golf are female
46% of clubs employ a General Manager in their lead operational role 83% of clubs have a PGA Professional, an average of 2 per club On average there are
6 Greenkeepers per club. There is an average of 12 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees at clubs in regular club roles
OUR WHY
There are many amazing people who work and volunteer in golf, who are talented, skilled, motivated and dedicated to the work they do. However, roles in golf can also be challenging, and we have work to do to ensure that everyone gets the support and training they need to undertake their duties effectively.
Our research highlights that volunteers and paid staff are hugely passionate about the game, with a strong emotional attachment to their clubs and counties. They are also a key determinant to grow participation and inclusivity in our sport.
It is our duty to harness and support this incredible commitment to golf.
Challenges to overcome if we are to effectively support volunteers and paid staff
Based on research with Manchester Metropolitan University, The Activation Project, Volunteer & Workforce Surveys, and engagement with industry partners
INCONSISTENCY IN THE QUALITY OF INDUCTIONS FAIR PAY AND CONDITIONS FOR ALL THOSE WHO WORK IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF VOLUNTEERS IS AFFECTED BY THE SUPPORT THEY RECEIVE AND OVERALL VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
TO MAKE OUR GAME MORE INCLUSIVE, WE NEED MORE DIVERSITY IN DECISION-MAKERS
OFTEN STAFF LACK BASIC CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE TRAINING
THERE IS LIMITED INVESTMENT IN TRAINING & EDUCATION IN GOLF CLUBS
CLEARER STRATEGIC DIRECTION, ALIGNED TO OPERATIONS, IS REQUIRED ACROSS MANY GOLF CLUBS
OUR AMBITION
Our ambition is to have a network - both volunteers and paid staff - that is more reflective of our communities, with enhanced capability and satisfaction, and with a shared purpose to inspire more golfers.
1. Increase the diversity of both the paid staff and volunteers at all levels through targeted interventions.
2. Improve satisfaction levels and experiences of the paid staff and volunteers through increased recognition and respect.
3. Enhance the capability of the paid staff and volunteers through training, support and connectivity.
To help us achieve the above, we need to develop a stronger insight of the volunteers and paid staff.
England Golf’s
approach to developing volunteers and the wider workforce
WHAT WE DO…
Our FOUR areas of focus in development of volunteers and the workforce
A Network to Grow the Game
Through Community Golf Instructors and Activators, we are building a more diverse workforce to inspire more people to play golf.
Learn & Develop
Targeted training and education activity to improve the skills and capability of volunteers and paid staff.
Stakeholder Collaboration
We support the recruitment and retention of volunteers. We recognise their efforts and provide forums for connectivity.
Volunteer Support for Clubs, Counties & Facilities
We work closely with stakeholders to support the paid and voluntary golfing workforce.
A NETWORK TO GROW THE GAME
We are striving to grow and diversify this network and embed in them the skills to make golf activity fun and inclusive.
More golf in schools and communities
Community Golf Instructors delivering Unleash Your Drive out in the community
Fun beginner activity in clubs and facilities
PGA Coaches, Community Golf Instructors and Activators delivering our initiatives
Affordable and accessible coaching for all abilities
Inclusive golf provision working with multiple stakeholders
with the time and passion to diversify the game by leading fun, engaging activity
inspire more golfers, developed for GB&I, which is now being rolled out in Europe and Asia.
• A blended training course developing the skills and confidence to deliver introductory group golf sessions independently.
• Ongoing development to support Community Golf Instructors to deliver across a range of environments and communities.
A Community Golf Instructor’s reflection…
“It has honestly brought me so much joy. I can go and deliver to people about golf in a fun way that makes it exciting. So, the Cubs I went to go and teach, had an absolute blast. They'd never even thought of golf before.”
Our role in the development of volunteers and paid staff, providing education across key topics using accessible learning solutions.
Our offer is provided across a combination of these formats…
Webinars & online learning
Face-to-face training & events
Resources & Guidance
Films & video case studies
Learning & Development
Signposting to industry partners
Areas where we currently provide support include…
Play & Competition
Governance & Compliance
Growing the Game
Volunteering
Sustainability
Course Rating
One-to-one tailored support
Rules & Officiating
Community Golf Instructors & Activators
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT FOR CLUBS, FACILITIES & COUNTIES
Attracting volunteers and retaining them can be challenging. However, by making roles more accessible, supporting a great experience and providing the tools and resources required, we can sustain our vital network of volunteers.
Volunteer Peer Communities
Create thriving online communities where volunteers can connect, share successes, and overcome challenges.
Good Governance
Produce resources and guidance and provide bespoke support for clubs and counties to enhance their governance practices.
Recruit, Retain & Respect
Support clubs and counties to attract new volunteers while influencing culture, where volunteers are treated fairly and valued for their efforts through our Respect in Golf movement.
Listen to the volunteer network
We actively seek feedback and perspectives of volunteers, undertaking research to understand how we can improve the experiences.
85% of club volunteers are satisfied with their volunteer experience. Volunteers undertake their role because of a passion for golf, to give something back, to inspire more people to play, and because they enjoy it.
STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
SUPPORT CAREERS IN GOLF
Influence how employers and deployers in golf support the development of people through orientation, training and progressive pathways.
INDUSTRY-
RECOGNISED
TRAINING
Encourage training in golf to have credibility in the wider leisure industry, by aligning to standards, accreditation and qualifications.
COLLABORATE ON PRIORITIES
By developing insight and working with stakeholders, we can have a greater impact on key priorities, improving the experiences and capabilities of volunteers and paid staff.
“We commit to working collaboratively and innovatively with stakeholders who support those working and volunteering in golf.”
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
COMMUNITY GOLF
INSTRUCTORS & ACTIVATORS
1000 active deliverers across schools, clubs and communities
LEARNING
& DEVELOPMENT
VOLUNTEER
CONNECTIVITY
5000 members of our peer communities and a comprehensive Volunteer Survey
UNIVERSITY GOLF OFFICER
20 universities providing enhanced beginner and casual golf opportunities
20,000 engagements with our learning opportunities. Development of Customer Experience Training
CAREERS IN GOLF
Launch of the Careers in Golf platform to improve recruitment across the industry
OUR MISSION FOR VOLUNTEERS & WORKFORCE
To provide high-quality training and support to enhance the experience and capability of people working and volunteering in golf.
SUPPORTING THE ENGLAND GOLF STRATEGIC PLAN TO…
…empower a thriving community of golfers to get the most out of the sport we love!
