Role Description 

Paddle Scotland directly employs a team of National Trainers to support the development of new and existing providers of qualifications and awards. 

The National Trainers are pivotal to the safety, growth, success, and inclusivity of the paddlesport community. They are essential professionals who ensure the development and consistency of paddlesport coaching and leadership, thereby advancing the sport. 

Operating within the Awarding Body framework and coaching philosophy, National Trainers are highly qualified, skilled, and experienced practitioners. Their key responsibilities include delivering high-quality orientation, moderation, Community Learning Event programs and Final Recommendations at a national level. They are exemplary role models, upholding the integrity of the awarding and national governing bodies, ensuring training and assessment environments are supportive, inclusive, and meet national standards, and providing the expertise vital for developing the workforce and delivering qualifications. 

This is a profoundly rewarding, yet demanding, position. It requires a significant commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism, quality, and safety. National Trainers must skilfully balance their duty of care and accountability for national standards with the enthusiasm required for workforce development. 

Paddle Scotland is responsible for appointing appropriate National Association Trainers in Scotland as required. Recruitment for this role takes place approximately every five years, and a contract with Paddle Scotland must be entered into upon appointment. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Supports the development and delivery of high quality Tutor, Assessor, and Provider training, for authorised Tutors, Assessors, and Providers.

a. Educates and supports providers of awards and qualifications to cascade training down to a wider audience. 

b. Contributes and maintains a network and community of National Trainers. 

2. Completes Final Recommendations for Aspirant Tutors, Assessors, and Providers, when required, recommending approval where appropriate for the prospective role. 

3. Upholds national standards across all aspects of paddlesport education and training under the Awarding Body framework and coaching philosophy. 

4. Develops Training materials: 

a. Adapt or create curriculum and training resources to support provider learning (as needed). 

b. Ensure content aligns with Awarding Body curriculum, national standards and / or organisational goals. 

5. Ensures Standardisation: 

a. Delivers consistent messages, policies, and procedures across the Nation. b. Monitors and evaluates training to ensure alignment. 

6. Evaluates Effectiveness: 

a. Assesses the success of training programs through feedback, achievement of learning outcomes, and reflection. 

b. Suggests, shares, and implements improvements based on evaluations. 

7. Leadership and Mentorship: 

a. Serves as a subject matter expert. 

b. Coaches and supports other trainers, team members, providers, and aspirants. c. Share practice and learning. 

Available National Trainer (NT) Roles 

We are recruiting experienced and existing providers of the following roles who are interested in supporting the development of new and existing tutors, assessors, and providers. 

NT Safety & Support Modules 

● Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (PSRC) 

● Intro to White Water Safety 

● White Water Safety 

● Advanced White Water Safety 

● Inland Open Water Safety and Rescue 

● Swimmer Safety and Rescue 

● Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue 

● Surf Kayak Safety and Rescue 

● Navigation, Open Crossings, Surf & Swell, Tides and Weather Support Modules ● Introduction to Paddle-Ability 

● Guide Modules & Guide Endorsement 

NT Leadership 

● Paddlesport Leader (PSL) ● Paddlesport Touring Leader (PSTL) 

● White Water Leader 

● Advanced White Water Leader ● Sea Kayak Leader 

● Advanced Sea Kayak Leader ● Surf Kayak Leader 

● Advanced Surf Kayak Leader ● Canoe White Water Leader ● Advanced Canoe White Water Leader 

● Canoe Open Water Leader 

● Advanced Canoe Open Water Leader 

● SUP Sheltered Water Leader ● SUP Inland Open Water Leader ● SUP White Water Leader ● SUP Tidal Leader 

● SUP Coastal Leader 

● River Trip Leader (Grade 3) ● River Trip Leader (Grade 4) ● Raft Guide (Grade 2) 

● Raft Guide (Grade 3) 

● Raft Guide (Grade 4) 

NT Instructor & Coach 

● Paddlesport Instructor 

● SUP Instructor 

● Canoe Coach (SW) 

● Kayak Coach (SW) 

● SUP Sheltered Water Coach ● Canoe & Kayak Coach (SW) ● White Water Kayak Coach (MW) ● White Water Kayak Coach (AW) ● Sea Kayak Coach (MW) 

● Sea Kayak Coach (AW) 

● Surf Kayak Coach (MW) 

● Surf Kayak Coach (AW) 

● White Water Canoe Coach (MW) 

● White Water Canoe Coach (AW) 

● Open Water Canoe Coach (MW) 

● Open Water Canoe Coach (AW) 

● SUP Open Water Coach (MW) 

● SUP White Water Coach (MW) 

● SUP Race Coach (MW) 

● Freestyle Coach 

● Polo Coach 

● Racing Coach 

● Slalom Coach 

● Wild Water Coach 

Pathway to Becoming a Paddle Scotland National Trainer

If you are interested in becoming a National Trainer for Paddle Scotland, you must hold full membership with Paddle Scotland and be resident in Scotland for at least 9 months of the year. We recommend that you consider these factors and the minimum requirements (detailed below) to ensure that you are in a position to submit a strong application. 

1. Application - Submit your application form to be considered for the role by 31st October 2026. See Minimum Requirements below. If you wish to apply via alternative means please contact coaching@paddlescotland.org.uk.

All applications will be reviewed after this date and you will be notified of your result week commencing 16th November. 

2. Interview - For those shortlisted for the role, we may arrange an informal interview to check you understand the full role requirements and that it’s for you. If required, this will take place in November via an online meeting. 

3. National Association Trainer Online onboarding session (mandatory) - a free 2.5 hrs online session. Either: 

a. Tuesday 8th December 6:30pm - 9pm OR 

b. Thursday 10th December 9am - 11:30am OR 

c. Wednesday 16th December 6:30pm - 9pm OR 

d. Friday 18th December 9am - 11:30am 

4. National Association Trainer 1 day workshop - an optional 1 day in person 

workshop event for those appointed the roles. Proposed for March 2027. Expenses will be covered. 

Minimum Requirements 

● Qualifications 

• An active Provider of the relevant roles specific to the environment(s) and craft(s). Holds Discipline Specific BCAB recognised Coaching qualification(s) to operate within the specific environment(s) and craft(s). For multi-discipline awards, we require you to hold a coaching qualification in all crafts. 
• Holds a Nationally recognised Tutoring qualification*. 
• Holds a Nationally recognised Assessing qualification**. 
• Holds a Nationally recognised Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) or Internal Verifier (IV) qualification (desirable). 

● Experience 

• Possesses substantial, relevant experience and knowledge of paddlesport specific to the required craft(s) and operating environment(s). 
• A proven track record of delivering the relevant Awarding Body training and / or assessment courses. 
• High level of competence in observation, decision-making, and judgement in dynamic environments. 
• Experience providing constructive, evidence-based feedback. 
• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of other coaches and leaders. 

● Technical & Professional Skills 

• High level of personal paddling competence in relevant environments and craft(s). 
• Strong understanding of Awarding Body syllabi, standards, and delivery frameworks. Ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality training and assessment. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrates sound judgement and decision-making in dynamic environments. 
• Digital literacy sufficient to complete administrative and reporting requirements. 
• Track record of high quality delivery that meets the needs of participants and Paddle Scotland.

● Safety & Compliance 

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and risk management. 
• Up-to-date knowledge of good practice in paddlesport safety. 
• Maintains up-to-date First Aid certification and Safeguarding training. 
• Possesses knowledge of national policies and standards. 

● Wider Contribution & Influence 

• Actively engages with and contributes to national conversations within paddlesport. Demonstrates awareness of current issues, trends, and developments affecting the sport. Provides constructive, evidence based input to the development of coaching, leadership, and training standards. 
• Willing to represent and advocate for the values of Paddle Scotland at a national level. 

● Values & Behaviours 

• Acts as a positive ambassador for Paddle Scotland, Paddle UK, and the Awarding Body. Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and ethical practice. 
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in paddlesport. 
• Works collaboratively with peers and the wider paddling community. 

● Continuous Professional Development (CPD) 

• Engages in ongoing CPD relevant to coaching, leadership, and training delivery. 
• Maintains currency through regular practice and involvement in the sport. 
• Open to feedback and reflective practice. 
• Attends required update or standardisation events. 

If you have any questions or wish to discuss, please contact coaching@paddlescotland.org.uk

* Examples of Nationally recognised Tutoring Qualifications: 

● Qualified Teacher Status 

● Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF) 

● Sports Education Tutoring PDA (SCQF) 

● Level 3 Award in Delivering Learning (QCF) 

● Level 3 Award in Education and Training 

● BCAB Tutoring in the Paddlesport Environment eLearning 

** Examples of Nationally recognised Assessing Qualifications: 

● Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Related Achievement (QCF) 

● Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement (QCF) 

● Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (QCF) 

● Conduct the Assessment Process PDA (SCQF) 

● NVQ A1 Assessor Award 

● NVQ D32/D33 Assessor Award 

● BCAB Assessing Competence in the Paddlesport Environment eLearning 

APPLICATION DETAILS
- Closing date for all applications: 31st October 2026

- Notifications: Week commencing 16th November 2026
- How to apply: Application Form link: https://forms.gle/EYAvWYYox28gg832A