It is a membership requirement for all clubs to have a Club Safeguarding Officer and provide details of this person on affiliation.
The Club Safeguarding Officer plays an important role in the welfare of the members of a club. They help to develop a safe and inclusive environment for all people at the club, give advice and listen to concerns about safeguarding and well-being issues and are a link in the reporting process which helps protect the welfare of the netball community.
England Netball takes safeguarding seriously and has developed policies, procedures and resources to be adopted by clubs, to help Club Safeguarding Officers effectively safeguard young people and adults at risk in netball.
The role of Club Safeguarding Officers can be a challenging one and England Netball greatly appreciates the work carried out by these people. We consider it a priority that the people fulfilling these roles are trained and supported in their work and have developed the training requirements to meet the needs of the role. The training requirements for Club Safeguarding Officers in clubs with under-18s can be found in the downloads below.
Please be advised that Club Secretaries and Safeguarding Officers must be aged 19 years or older on 1 September of the membership year. You can find out more about the Club Safeguarding Officer role and expectations around skills, preliminary requirements, training and main areas of responsibility below.
We hope you find the guidance and resources provided here helpful. Being a visible and friendly face around the club, having regular chats with the young people and asking how they are if you notice any changes or behaviours which cause you concern, will help you make your role most effective.
England Netball are also proud members of the Anti Bullying Alliance, working together with a unique coalition of organisations and individuals to stop bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.
If there is any further advice you need you can contact us on 01509 277911 or besafe@englandnetball.co.uk.