Purpose
One of the club’s stated objectives is to provide opportunities for members to participate in training programmes and make progress towards recognised sea kayaking qualifications.
The Training Policy, including the training programme, the training budget and the arrangements for financial assistance is subject to the approval of the LSKC Committee.
The day to day administration of the Training Policy is the responsibility of the Training Sub Committee and financial assistance decisions are at their ultimate discretion. Current members are David Towsey (Chair), Katerina Stein and David Simpson. The Financial Assistance Sub Group consists of David Towsey, David Grieve and Chris Morgan.
Financial Assistance
Individual members may apply for financial assistance towards part of the costs of suitable training. The club may offer some support to individual members, where that may be of general benefit to the club.
Suitable training will normally include courses which have a significant focus on safety, leadership, or coaching. This may also include attendance at volunteering events and any other activities which the Financial Assistance Sub Group considers consistent with the Training Policy’s objectives. The Sub Group shall decide which courses, etc are eligible for support
Conditions
Eligibility for assistance will be restricted to paid up club members who meet the prerequisites for the course or activity concerned, and who will commit to making an appropriate contribution to coaching, leadership development, organising or other voluntary support in the club.
Applicants will be expected to make a contribution towards their costs.
Applications for LSKC assistance must be made before the date of the course, etc and applications for funding from any other sources should also be made in good time.
Applicants are expected to try to identify the best value course, etc available.
Where there is a cheaper equivalent LSKC organised course available, there will not normally be club assistance for a more expensive alternative.
Applicants for courses, etc should not sign up for them before assistance is approved.
Payment will normally be made after the course has been completed.
Amount
The club has a limited annual training budget. Support is subject to the availability of funding, and it may not be possible to fund all eligible applications in a given year.
Applicants are expected to make a contribution to their costs. The club may make a maximum contribution of up to £100 per course. Subject to availability of funds and to the level of demand, an individual may be offered support towards more than one course, etc in a year.
The support is not means tested. But the Committee asks that, where members feel they can afford to meet the full costs of courses etc from their own resources, they should not apply for club assistance. In that way the club’s resources can be used more cost effectively and lever participation which would not otherwise happen.
How to apply
Any paid up member may apply by emailing the Financial Assistance Sub Group at training@lskc.com, setting out the details of the course, etc., including dates, location, provider, qualification to be achieved, costs etc (where appropriate) and stating the amount of financial support sought.
The Chair of the Financial Assistance Sub Group will maintain a record of applications received and decisions taken. The decisions should be circulated in the note of the next full Committee meeting.