Safeguarding for activity providers
Individuals with impairments are the foundations and future of parasport; the next generation of club competitors, officials and administrators. They are even potentially the Paralympic medallists of the future.
Safeguarding children and adults at risk is a responsibility for every sport and physical activity provider. It is vital in ensuring participants have a safe and positive experience, which, in turn, will contribute to children and adults at risk choosing to remain involved in parasport throughout their lives.
Having the right safeguards in place will help activity providers to respond appropriately and keep sport safe and fun for children and adults at risk. So, all clubs and activity providers should be familiar with their sport governing body's safeguarding policies and procedures and have their own policies, procedures and welfare officers in place. In particular, activity providers should know how to respond to concerns around abuse or poor practice.
Benefits of having safeguards in place
Having the right safeguards in place will help activity providers to:
- Respond appropriately, with the knowledge and confidence to recruit responsibly, manage bullying and harassment, report concerns and much more;
- Protect your organisation’s reputation; and
- Keep sport safe and fun for children and adults at risk
How do we keep children and adults at risk safe?
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and the Ann Craft Trust (ACT) for adult safeguarding have put together a range of essential safeguarding resources for all sport organisations, activity clubs, groups and bodies. This has essential safeguarding information including:
- Why does my organisation need a safeguarding policy and procedures?
- The difference between safeguarding adults and safeguarding children
- Dealing with a concern
- Maintaining and embedding safeguards in your organisation
- Safe recruitment of coaches and club volunteers.
This information can be found at the links below: