The importance of safeguarding | Sport England

The person in charge of the youth and adolescent division at Sport England.

Engaging in physical activity is not only beneficial for our bodily well-being. It possesses the capability to bring about an abundance of other positive effects!

One of the benefits that may arise from this is the potential decrease in anxiety or stress levels and an increase in confidence or self-assurance.

When we are engaging in physical activity, it is crucial that we feel secure and assured that our well-being is the top priority. This is precisely why club welfare officers are in place.

The duty of being a welfare officer in a club is assigned to fantastic volunteers who play a significant part in promoting sports in their communities across England.

Their main duty is to oversee the well-being matters and establish measures that ensure the protection of individuals in their clubs.

Working in an area that requires caution and sensitivity demands a meticulous approach, which is why it's not uncommon for individuals to be hesitant in taking on the task.

Our aim is to bring in a transformation and we will consider our mission accomplished once we observe that clubs no longer struggle to appoint people for key positions, as mentioned by a national governing body of sport.

In July 2022, the Whyte Review regarding British Gymnastics addressed the responsibility of safeguarding that was assigned to volunteers at the regional and local level.

As a result, Sport England presented its policy reaction alongside UK Sport in January 2023. This consisted of a suggestion to provide financial support for a fresh, proficient network of sport well-being officers spread out all over England.

A suggestion based on our plan, Coming Together as One.

The plan we had been discussing finally came to fruition in June 2023, as our board gave the green light for a fresh investment of £14.83 million. This funding will be utilized from October 2023 through March 2027.

This assistance will establish a group of approximately 59 welfare officers for sports, situated in and hired by the group of 42 Partnerships that are actively involved in promoting safe sports and good practices.

However, this blog does not focus on the investment itself.

This blog section narrates events that occurred between February and June of this year and are ongoing to achieve that investment.

From February onwards, I have initiated and am still carrying out the responsibility of leading a team of 28 colleagues from various domains of the sports industry, collaborating to develop the program for the welfare of sports officers.

I am grateful for the knowledge and skills possessed by nine National Governing Bodies, six Active Partnerships, the National Team of Active Partnerships, the Ann Craft Trust, the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit, and five teams from Sport England.

If you're curious, our team works really well together. We push each other to do better while also providing help and encouragement, all with the goal of achieving what's best for the project.

I am grateful for the invaluable knowledge and support provided by the welfare officers of the three National Governing Bodies - Badminton England, British Triathlon, and Table Tennis England.

In the sunny summer evenings, they offered their free time to work on the project (even though they could have been engaged in other activities). I expressed my appreciation when they approved the project.

As the club welfare officers carry out their duties within their specific clubs, the welfare officers of the sport will provide guidance and aid to the club welfare officers within their individual Active Partnerships that span throughout their county or sub-region.

They plan to unite welfare officers from various sports clubs to exchange effective methods, emphasize the importance of attending nearby clubs or events, and form strong partnerships with other sports welfare officers, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and other organizations.

In addition, they will facilitate communication between individuals involved in matters concerning welfare and protection, whether they are affiliated with sports or not. It is important to note, however, that they will not have responsibility for overseeing such cases.

The task will still be under the jurisdiction of National Governing Bodies.

In order to achieve this, the officers responsible for sports welfare must possess skills in building relationships and communication, as well as significant experience in professional welfare.

Local support will be provided through their partnerships in the community, while the Active Partnerships National Team will provide centralized support.

Their participation will promote a positive atmosphere for the implementation of best practices which will ensure that sport clubs offer a secure environment for their members.

Consequently, the creation of secure environments will result in more comprehensive and enhanced experiences for individuals of all ages, ultimately reducing the disparity in sports.

At Sport England, we are prepared to take the initiative and make this transformation happen.

While it may not ensure that club welfare officer positions are filled quickly in clubs throughout England, the most important thing is that these amazing volunteers will receive enhanced support and a sense of community through the sport welfare officers initiative, which will benefit us all.