Meet Yvette Hockley, Leap’s Sport Welfare Officer committed to fostering safer sports environments for everyone. This article will look at the importance of safeguarding in sports, how it differs from health and safety, and the crucial role Sport Welfare Officers play in creating safer sport for everyone.
What is safeguarding?
That’s why the other day when I was asked ‘what is the difference between safeguarding and health and safety’ I was confused. My assumption that when people nod when I say I work in safeguarding may not be, because they understand what I do, but maybe because they don’t but feel that they should. So apologies, if I am telling you what you already know, but: –
- Safeguarding is the general term for the protection of people from exploitation and abuse by others.
- Safeguarding in Sport denotes the measures we take to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals and to create an environment where all individuals can be involved in sports activities free from the threat of abuse, discrimination, or exploitation. These measures allow people to live free from abuse, harm and neglect. Safeguarding in sport is particularly important given the inherent physical nature of sport, combined with the imbalance of power between sports personnel (coaches, physios, sports doctors and National Governing Bodies and employees) and athletes/participants.
- Health and safety is a set of practices, regulations, and guidelines to protect individuals’ well-being, security, and welfare in various environments, particularly in their workplaces. It encompasses the prevention of accidents, injuries, and illnesses by identifying, assessing, and controlling potential hazards and risks. (Occupational Health and Safety Blog )
How do Sports Welfare Officers support safer sport?
Deliver or find training for the staff and volunteers in your club.
Support you to review and update your safeguarding policies.
Engage with parents and participants to help them recognise what good and bad practise looks like.
Provide Advice regarding low level safeguarding or welfare concerns.
Contact me
If you have any questions or want to know how the network can support your club or activity please email me Yvette.hockley@leapwithus.org.uk