How to use this toolkit

For further information on how to use the toolkit and for answers to some frequently asked questions please see below:

How is the toolkit structured?

The toolkit essentially has three layers: Topics, Levels and Subjects. Each topic is structured in the same way. Each one starts with a summary of what is included. Under this summary will then be a list of pages which always starts with:

• What do we mean by….. (essentially a definition to provide a context for this topic)
• Things to consider before you start

Then under this introductory information there will be listed the 3 levels of activity which are broadly based on experience and knowledge of the topic:

• Level 1 – Getting started
• Level 2 – Underway
• Level 3 – Next steps

At the beginning of each level there is an overview which includes information to help you work out if this is the right level for you and a list of suggested activities. Within each level will be a list of subjects which form the main content of the toolkit. These subjects relate to the suggested activities for that level.

There is a lot of information in the toolkit – do I need to read it all?

No, not if you don’t want to. The toolkit is designed so that you can choose a topic and work through all the levels and subject headings within it if you would like to, or you can dip in and out as you need to. When you have chosen a topic, we would recommend that you look through all the subject headings in each level before you start so you can choose which aspects are appropriate for you.

Please note that the toolkit will be linked to the e-learning module which will be launched in autumn 2022

What sort of information is in each topic?

Information is drawn from the heritage, voluntary, charity, business sectors and beyond. We have selected what we consider to be the best advice for each topic. The toolkit is no way an exhaustive list of all resources for each topic as this would be overwhelming but it aims to provide enough information to get you started.

Wherever possible we have included material which is relevant to each of the four home nations. We have also included, where appropriate, information which is both museum and archive specific to suit whichever approach you have to caring and managing your collections. If you are aware of a resource which meets these criteria but it is not included in the toolkit please email toolkit@sportingheritage.org.uk.

I am not a museum or archive so does this information apply to me?

Many of the resources included in this toolkit are drawn from the museum and archive sector but the advice given in them is applicable to anyone who holds a collection. So where you see the word ‘museum’ or ‘archive’ you could read ‘collection holder’.

We would like to undertake some of the activities recommended by the toolkit but don’t have anyone who can help us.

Please contact Sporting Heritage on toolkit@sportingheritage.org.uk to discuss how we can help you.

I am looking for advice that is not covered in the toolkit

Please contact Sporting Heritage on toolkit@sportingheritage.org.uk to discuss further.

I would like to recommend a resource to be included in the toolkit

New resources are coming out all the time so if you find one which you think should be included in the toolkit please contact toolkit@sportingheritage.org.uk.

I have found broken link or have spotted an error

If you find a broken link or a mistake we would like to know so we can update or correct it. Please send details to toolkitsportingheritage.org.uk.

I am looking for a topic or subject but can’t find it – can I search the toolkit?

There is not currently a search function specifically for the toolkit but you can use the site map to find a topic or subject.