Safeguarding
Everyone should feel safe when participating in sport and physical activity.
Safeguarding Resources for Adults
Ensuring adults with a care & support need have a safe environment to take part in sport.
Safeguarding Resources for Children & Young People
We work to ensure young people have a safe environment to take part in sport.
Sport Welfare Officer Network
Leah Goode is our Sport Welfare Manager at Energize STW and part of the national network of sport welfare officers.
Safeguarding Resources for Adults
We work to ensure adults have a safe environment to take part in physical activity.
Our Approach to Adult Safeguarding
Energize, alongside a host of national and regional partners, work to ensure adults with a care and support need have a safe environment to take part in sport and physical activity. We've met the Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework as part of our commitment to safeguarding adults at risk.
We're here to provide signposting to resources, policies and local experts in safeguarding adults with a care and support need.
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How do I report a concern?
If you have a safeguarding concern about a local sports organisation or activity please contact us via info@energizestw.org.uk or contact our Lead Safeguarding Officer Harry Cade.
If you are affiliated to a national governing body of sport you can refer concerns direct to your NGB safeguarding lead or contact our Sport Welfare Manager Leah Goode for further advice and guidance.
If you believe an adult is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.
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How can I get support / advice?
The following organisations have a safeguarding responsibility and are available in different capacities to support safe active environments for adults with a care and support need:
Ann Craft Trust
The Ann Craft Trust are a leading UK authority on Safeguarding Adults at Risk and can provide extensive resources and templates, advice and guidance and also have a useful “message an expert” function.
Safeguarding Adults boards
Local Safeguarding Partnership Boards have been set up by local authorities and co-ordinate the local provision for adult protection in each respective county.
National Governing Bodies of sport (NGB's)
NGB’s provide sport and activity specific safeguarding support. A list of all recognised NGB’s can be found here: Sport England list of NGBs
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What support is available for adults?
Action on Elder Abuse (Hourglass)
A national organisation which aims to prevent the abuse of older people by raising awareness, encouraging education, promoting research and collecting and disseminating information. Click here to access their website or contact them on 0808 808 8141.
National 24Hour Freephone Domestic Abuse Helplines
Tel: 0808 2000 247 or visit their website here
Respond
Respond is a national charity providing therapy and specialist support services to people with learning disabilities, autism or both who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Click here to access their website or contact them on 020 7383 0700.
Victim Support
Provides practical advice and help, emotional support, and reassurance to those who have suffered the effects of a crime. Click here to access their website or contact them on 0808 168 9111
Women’s Aid Federation of England and Wales
Women’s Aid is a national domestic violence charity. Click here to access their website or to access their online help service click here
Travel/Trips Away
If working with vulnerable adults, and planning travel or trips away, gain written consent from the correct people and fill out relevant checklists and information forms. This must be the adult themselves if they have capacity to do so.
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Have a toolkit for safeguarding adults in sport?
Ann Craft Trust
ACT have collaborated with Sport England on a guide to safeguard adults in sport, see more.
ACT have also introduced a Safeguarding Twitter Hour on Wednesdays from 12-1pm and they would like as many people as possible to participate – you can raise a question and get involved in discussion on the issues that are important to you. Their Twitter handle is: @AnnCraftTrust
Mind
Mind have worked with ACT to create a Safeguarding in Sport Toolkit which shares advice and guidance for sports clubs, groups and delivery organisations to help them support their participants’ mental health. The guide can be found here
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Where can I get safeguarding training?
Our Approach to Children & Young People Safeguarding
Energize, alongside a host of national and regional partners, work to ensure young people have a safe environment to take part in sport and physical activity.
We continue to meet the advanced level NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit's Safeguarding Standards as part of our commitment to safeguarding children and young people. We're here to provide signposting to resources, policies and experts in safeguarding to support sports and physical activity organisations.
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How do I report a concern?
If you have a safeguarding concern about a local sports organisation or activity please contact us via info@energizestw.org.uk or contact our Lead Safeguarding Officer Harry Cade
If you are affiliated to a national governing body of sport you can refer concerns direct to your NGB safeguarding lead or contact our Sport Welfare Manager Leah Goode for further advice and guidance.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999
Telford & Wrekin
Click here if you have a concern about a young person in Telford.
Shropshire
Click here if you have a concern about a young person in Shropshire.
NSPCC
Report abuse helpline - 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk or use the Online report form
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How can I get support / advice?
Below is a list of useful agencies and other sources of advice and guidance:
CPSU
CPSU have created a Parents' Hub to sign-post parents to all the advice you need to keep your child safe in sport, from choosing safe clubs and activities, to supporting your child in a positive way. The Parents' Hub can be found here.
CPSU have also created a poster for displaying at clubs and organisations reminding parents of 5 key questions they should be asking the club or group.
NHS
NHS have information and guidance on how to speak to children and young people about feelings, especially if you think there is a problem. The guidance can be found here.
Activity Alliance
Activity Alliance is the leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity and have safeguarding information, advice and guidance on their website.
Stonewall
Stonewall will work with all organisations to ensure they offer inclusive, equal and inspiring environments for LGBTQI+ people, and to empower them as advocates and agents of change in wider society. Further information, resources, help and advice can be found on their website.
Sporting Equals
Sporting Equals is an independent body that actively works to promote ethnic diversity throughout the sporting community. They exist to empower organisations, individuals as well as communities to achieve their full potential and promote a more active and healthier lifestyle. Further information, research and advice can be found on their website.
UK Coaching
UK Coaching have produced a 'Code of Practice for Sports Coaches' outlining key principles linked to rights, relationships, personal standards and professional standards. Click here to view the code of practice.
Department for Education
The DfE have published a code of practice offering non-statutory guidance for providers offering out of school activities and tutoring. Click here to view the guidance.
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Which agencies can provide support?
The following agencies are available to provide Safeguarding advice, guidance and support:
Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
The CPSU is a partnership between the NSPCC, and Sport England, and has a wealth of experience in developing safe sports environments. Its resource library provides templates, best practice examples and templates for you to use to ensure you are helping young people to take part in activity in a safe environment. Information is also available to support procedures for safe away trips which can be found here.
National Governing bodies of sport (NGB’s)
NGB’s provide sport and activity specific safeguarding support. A list of all recognised NGB’s can be found here: Sport England list of NGBs
Safeguarding Partnerships (formerly Local Safeguarding Children Boards)
Local Safeguarding Partnerships have been set up and co-ordinate the local provision for child protection in each respective county.
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What support is available for young people?
Childline
Childline is for children only and is a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything - 0800 11 11
Childline have also launched a new Mental Health Hub which can be accessed here.
Home Office
The Home Office has created a new campaign, 'Something's Not Right', to help secondary children in England who suffered a range of harms, such as sexual and physical abuse, during lockdown.
'Something's Not Right' has been developed in close collaboration with the NSPCC, Barnardo's, The Children's Society, Internet Watch Foundation and the Marie Collins Foundation.Young Minds
Young Minds are leading the movement to make sure every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. If you're feeling different from usual or noticed a change in your behaviour, find out about some common feelings and symptoms, how to cope, and where to go to get help by clicking here.
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What is Position of Trust legislation?
The Ministry of Justice has announced the Positions of Trust law, which currently applies to roles like teachers and social workers, has been extended to cover 'any adult who has regular and direct contact with children and is in a position of authority over them’.
The Close the Loophole campaign, run by the NSPCC and backed by many sports organisations, has resulted in the Ministry of Justice extending the law to see sports coaches and faith leaders included in this definition.
This extends the legal protection for 16 and 17 year olds to prevent them being targeted by adults who hold a position of power and influence over them. Although young people aged 16 and 17 have reached the age of consent for sexual activity according to UK law, they could be vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation in certain situations.
The NSPCC have developed two briefing papers that define abuse of positions of trust within a sports and dance context, and outlines the updated legislation passed in response to the success of NSPCC's Close the loophole campaign.
These papers discuss the positive impact that those in position of trust can have on young people, and highlights recommended best practice for sports clubs, activities and organisations.
Briefing Papers:
Preventing Abuse Positions of Trust - Sport
Preventing Abuse Positions of Trust - Dance
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Need info about online safety, or travel away?
NSPCC
From setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps, NSPCC can help you to understand the risks. View their online safety resources here.
MyTutor
A practical guide for parents on how to keep teens safe online, including useful summaries of popular internet apps as well as the types of threats teens could be exposed to online. Access the Parents’ Guide to Teaching your Teen Online Safety here.
Parent Zone
Guides for parents that includes information and advice on features good and bad, plus privacy and safety settings on the online services young people use. You can access the parent guides here.
Internet Matters
From age-specific online safety checklists to guides on how to set parental controls on a range of devices, you’ll find a host of practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world. You can access the resources here.
Travel & Trips Away
If working with children and young people, and planning travel or trips away, gain written consent from the correct people and fill out relevant checklists and information forms.
CPSU provide further information on travel and trips away, including the Away Trips and Fixtures - Safeguarding Considerations Briefing Paper.
Additional CPSU resources on travel and trips away also include:
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Away day trips and fixtures checklist- CPSU form
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Overnight trips and international travel checklist- CPSU form
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Safe sports event management- CPSU tool
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Safe sport events activities and competitions- CPSU guidance
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Missing children at events procedure and flowchart- CPSU policy
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Safeguarding at events - weather considerations- CPSU guidance
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Where can I get safeguarding training?
Sport Welfare Officer Network
Our Sport Welfare Manager, Leah Goode, is part of the new national network of sport welfare officers.
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Aims of the role
The Sport Welfare Manager’s role is to:
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Provide additional, local support for club welfare officers
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Signpost clubs to the right advice and guidance
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Work with club welfare officers to create a safer culture within their organisation
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Facilitate local training opportunities and events
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Create networks so that volunteers and staff feel better connected and informed
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Recognise, share and develop best practice
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Help raise awareness of safeguarding and welfare for young people and adults at local events.
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Contact Leah
Email Leah if you're a local club welfare officer needing support, advice, guidance or training opportunities.
Please note it is not the Sport Welfare Manager’s role to advise on or manage concerns – all concerns must be referred without delay in accordance with your National Governing Body / Club Safeguarding Policy. See the FAQS above.
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