Session 1 The role of the Safeguarding Lead

The front of tile one says. Visible, approacable, and available. The back of tile one says. It is important that Safeguarding Leads are easy to contact through a range of means – particularly for someone wanting to share their experiences or concerns. A warm and open communication style means they are welcoming to children. The front of tile two says. Trustworthy, discreet and a good listener. The back of tile two says. Any person wanting to report a concern needs to be confident they will be heard, and that the Safeguarding Lead can be trusted to keep information confidential. The front of tile three says. Someone who is unbiased and able to handle a range of issues. The back of tile three says. They should be competent to receive and act on any reported concerns. They should always be fair in how they approach this task. The front of tile four says. Friendly, caring, helpful and supportive. The back of tile four says. People with concerns need assurance that the response they can expect from the person they approach will be supportive. Talking to anyone in these circumstances can be difficult and stressful.

The stakeholder groups are as follows. Junior athlete. Coach. Senior Leader. International Federation staff. Parent. Organisation’s lawyer. The motivation statements are as follows. I want to run a winning team and to keep my best athletes. I want the organisation to have robust policies and procedures in place to comply with the law and reduce the chances of costly legal challenges. I want our sport to be safe and inclusive globally so that everyone gets the opportunity to play. I want to protect the integrity and reputation of the sport – media reports on a safeguarding case handled inappropriately would be very damaging. I want my child to be in a club run by people who look out for them as they train and compete. I want to have fun, make new friends, and improve my skills. The benefits of safeguarding are as follows. Child athletes are more likely to stay in a positive and safe sport environment. If I like a sports club and people are nice to me – I’ll stay there. Safeguarding has enhanced our sports standing and reputation and the integrity of our organisation. Parents and children will choose to play a sport that promotes and embeds safeguarding in its activities. The sport meets its moral and legal obligations and avoids damaging cases and being negligent. It’s good to know they take good care of my child – I’d recommend this club to other parents. The correct matches for these three sets of statements are as follows. Junior athlete. I want to have fun, make new friends, and improve my skills. If I like a sports club and people are nice to me – I’ll stay there. Coach. I want to run a winning team and to keep my best athletes. Child athletes are more likely to stay in a positive and safe sport environment. Senior Leader. I want to protect the integrity and reputation of the sport – media reports on a safeguarding case handled inappropriately would be very damaging. Safeguarding has enhanced our sports standing and reputation and the integrity of our organisation. International Federation staff. I want our sport to be safe and inclusive globally so that everyone gets the opportunity to play. Parents and children will choose to play a sport that promotes and embeds safeguarding in its activities. Parent. I want my child to be in a club run by people who look out for them as they train and compete. It’s good to know they take good care of my child – I’d recommend this club to other parents. Organisation’s lawyer. I want the organisation to have robust policies and procedures in place to comply with the law and reduce the chances of costly legal challenges. The sport meets its moral and legal obligations and avoids damaging cases and being negligent.