Brighton & Hove Hockey Club is delighted and proud to have been awarded England Hockey's prestigious ClubMark accreditation, joining a select band of clubs across the country to have achieved it.

Club Secretary Julia Shorrocks has led the drive to achieve ClubMark and has worked tirelessly with the committee and England Hockey over several years to realise this ambition. The certificate of accreditation was awarded on Monday night and will be displayed proudly in the clubhouse.

The ClubMark process has been designed by England Hockey to help create a safe and positive environment for club members and to ensure hockey clubs are operating within the minimum standards. A hockey club that actively engages in the ClubMark process will ensure happier, better players in a sustainable and vibrant club environment.

ClubMark ensures that the appropriate risk assessments, policies and procedures are in place. Attainment of ClubMark is the evidence for clubs and their members that these levels are being systematically met.

In a congratulatory message to BHHC on Monday, Nick Pink, England Hockey's Chief Executive wrote: "It is my great pleasure to inform you that you are one of a select number of hockey clubs across England to achieve England Hockey ClubMark accreditation.

Achieving England Hockey ClubMark is an important step in ensuring your club operates to a set of core criteria and has good practices in place to ensure that you can deliver quality hockey in a sustainable and vibrant club environment.

As we stride towards a ‘Nation where Hockey Matters’ we wanted to acknowledge and thank you for your commitment and dedication to creating more, better and happier hockey players.

Congratulations once again on achieving England Hockey ClubMark, and best of luck to all your club members for the future."

Graham Edwards, BHHC's chairman, would like to place on record the club's thanks and immense gratitude to Julia for all her hard work in finally getting this lengthy process to a successful outcome. And the club also wishes to recognise the help given by Gaynor Toms, the region's EH Club Development Manager, who has worked closely with Julia throughout.

The benefits of a hockey club completing ClubMark are widespread and varied. These include: providing a clear focus and vision; ensuring a safe environment for all club members; opportunity to grow club membership through adoption of a club development plan; a pre-requisite to becoming an England Hockey accredited talent centre; and opportunities to tap into wider benefits.