WE SUPPORT, TRAIN AND REWARD THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF RUGBY UNION
CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Rugby Football Union is very conscious of its responsibilities within sport, rugby union in England, the wider world and within its own community.
The Union has long been lobbying for the leading unions to become more involved with helping the development of emerging nations. The Barclays Churchill Cup, part of the strategic development agreement we have with USA Rugby and Rugby Canada, has made a noteworthy contribution to the development of rugby in North America as could be seen in the USA and Canada’s performances in the Rugby World Cup. The International Rugby Board has now adopted the model, with similar tournaments in the Pacific and Europe.
We also try to support, through our coaches and volunteers, development work in countries where enthusiasm hugely outweighs resources and work with groups like SOS IRB Kit Aid who recycle kit from clubs and schools, sending it out to those less fortunate in 10 emerging rugby nations.
We support, train and reward thousands of volunteers who are the lifeblood of rugby union and give leadership opportunities to many young people, who gain in skill and confidence.
The RFU currently employs 468 staff, of whom nearly 40% are spread around the country engaged in developing the sport. The Union also provides work for a further 2,500 casual workers and volunteers in stadium events and coaching, and Twickenham Experience Limited engages 2,500 more to service stadium outlets and restaurants on major event days.
Investment continues in the ongoing development of staff, with £197,000 spent on people development in 2006/07. An innovative CD-rom-based induction programme has been produced for home-based learning for all new employees and casual workers and the RFU is committed to providing opportunities for staff to gain National Vocational Qualifications through work based learning, with employees gaining awards in Leadership; Business Administration; Retail Operations; Customer Service; and Security Operations.
As active members of our sector skills council, “Skills Active” we also help to develop national occupational standards and skills acquisition in the sports sector. The RFU has also gained accredited training centre approval for the operation of the nationwide AASE programme (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Excellence) for young people preparing for a career in professional rugby and other sports careers.
The education of local students is also supported through the provision of 31 work experience placements for 15 and 16-year-old students from local schools.
Staff are also regularly involved in fundraising for many local and national charities, this year supporting Comic Relief, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Macmillan Cancer Relief Nurses and the Wooden Spoon charity for
The Union has long been lobbying for the leading unions to become more involved with helping the development of emerging nations