You may have recently received an email from the ECB regarding the future of Clubmark and the introduction of a new ECB Accredited Club status. We wanted to follow this up with some additional guidance and reassurance from Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
What does this mean for your club?
If your club was awarded or renewed Clubmark between 1 January 2022 and 30 September 2025, your Clubmark status remains valid for the whole of the 2026 season. There is nothing you need to do at this stage. All the work clubs have put into safeguarding, governance, and good practice is fully recognised, and the new ECB Accredited Club framework will build on this rather than replace it overnight.
What happens in 2026?
For clubs with current Clubmark accreditation, 2026 is about maintaining existing standards, ensuring policies remain up to date and that good safeguarding and governance continue as normal. If your Clubmark accreditation has lapsed and was last achieved before 2022, your club may be eligible to take part in the 2026 pilot programme for the new ECB Accredited Club framework. We will support clubs in this position and share more information where relevant.
Looking ahead
The 2026 pilot will help shape the new accreditation system ahead of its full launch in 2027. Clubs will be recognised at different levels based on governance standards and the breadth of their cricket offer. We’ll continue to keep Lancashire clubs updated throughout 2026 and provide clear guidance well in advance of any changes.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions about your Clubmark status or would like support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lancashire Cricket Foundation CDO:-
Greater Manchester
Jonathon Osbourne – Senior CDO (Greater Manchester) - JOsborne@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Jamie Skyes – CDO Oldham & Rochdale - jsykes@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Tom Jenkinson - CDO Manchester & Tameside - TJenkinson@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Rory Kellett – CDO Bury & Salford - rkellett@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Ted Simpson – CDO Wigan & Trafford - tsimpson@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Holly Pearson – CDO Bolton - HPearson@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Stuart Naden – Senior CDO (Merseyside & West Lancashire) - SNaden@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Paul Morris – CDO Liverpool & Knowsley - pmorris@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Darren Leader – CDO Sefton, West Lancs & St Helens - Darren.Leader@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Eliesha Netherwood – CDO Chorley & South Ribble - enetherwood@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Steve Pemberton – Senior CDO North & East Lancashire - spemberton@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Lauren Burrow – CDO Preston & Lancaster - lburrow@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Owen Williams – CDO Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde) - OWilliams@lancashirecricket.co.uk
John Corringley – CDO Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley & Rossendale - jcordingley@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Paul Naylor - CDO Ribble Valley, Pendle & Hyndburn - pnaylor@lancashirecricket.co.uk
Clubmark Transition – FAQs
Do we need to do anything now?
No. If your club was awarded or renewed Clubmark between 1 January 2022 and 30 September 2025, your accreditation remains valid for the whole of the 2026 season.
Is Clubmark ending?
Clubmark will be transitioning into a new ECB Accredited Club framework. This will be piloted in 2026 and fully launched in 2027.
What happens during the 2026 season?
For clubs with current Clubmark accreditation, 2026 is a maintenance year. Clubs should continue to:
- Keep safeguarding policies up to date
- Maintain good governance and financial practice
- Ensure safe and inclusive environments
There are no new requirements for accredited clubs during 2026.
What if our Clubmark has lapsed?
If your club’s Clubmark lapsed and was last achieved before 2022, your club may be eligible to take part in the 2026 pilot programme for the new ECB Accredited Club framework. Lancashire Cricket Foundation will contact and support clubs in this position.
Who is included in the 2026 pilot?
The pilot is only open to clubs that do not currently hold Clubmark accreditation. It is designed to test and refine the new framework before full launch in 2027. If interested in taking part in the pilot please contact your local CDO.
Will all clubs be assessed the same way under the new system?
Clubs will be accredited at different levels, based on governance standards and the breadth of their playing offer.
Will our previous Clubmark work still count?
Yes. The new ECB Accredited Club framework builds on the strong foundations of Clubmark. All the work clubs have already done is recognised.
Who do we contact if we have questions?
Your first point of contact is your area Cricket Development Officer who will support clubs locally throughout the transition.