Talent Identification is both an art and science involving a complex blend of scientific knowledge and assesment, alongside coaching art. It is designed to proactively seek out those that possss the raw material for World Class success, and respond positively to an intense training and competition environment.

The scientific approach of identifying talent involves a series of rigorous assessments and filters to detect individuals that have 'higher probability' for podium success.

The system has to be smart enough to select individuals based on their future abilities and standards required to deliver medals in five years time. Not just current performance abilities being produced here and now.

UK Sport sets the strategic lead and provides guidance on the field of talent identification, selection, confirmation and Olympic/Paralympic development. The EIS acts as the support delivery agency with specialist talent identification staff working in partnership with NGB's implementing tailored programmes to detect and build greater stockpiles of world class talent for the high-performance pipeline.