The Sport Welfare Network
At Together Active we want every person and community to experience the enjoyment and benefits that being active can bring and believe their needs, expectations, and safety should come first in the design and delivery of activity. As such, all Active Partnerships are delivering the new Sport Welfare Officer (SWO) Network programme to support clubs locally.
In response to the 2022 Whyte Review, UK Sport and Sport England committed to a number of actions, including the embedding of the Sport Welfare Network. Lijana Kaziow has since been Together Active’s Safeguarding and Welfare Adviser, working with local sports clubs and organisations within the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent area to develop, promote and maintain good practice and safe sport for children, young people and adults.
The role of the Sport Welfare Network is to add capacity and expertise to the existing safeguarding work of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Active Partnerships, whilst supporting in any areas where knowledge could be improved. They are in place to fully support clubs in promoting good welfare and safe sport whilst moving from being compliant in their work, to actively embedding an effective culture to their club which is actively supported by Child Protection in Sport Trust (CPSU) and Ann Craft Trust (ACT).
Individually in their areas and together, they:
- Raise awareness of safeguarding and welfare
- Work with clubs to create safer cultures within their organisation
- Signpost clubs to advice and guidance
- Provide local support for Club Personnel, including Club Welfare Officers
- Create networks so volunteers and staff feel better connected and informed
- Facilitate local training opportunities and events
- Recognise, share and develop best practice
What SWA don’t do is advise on or manage concerns. All concerns must be referred without delay in accordance with your National Governing Body / Club Safeguarding Policy.
The Sport Welfare Network contributes towards the Uniting the Movement strategy that was put in place in 2021, which you can find out more about below.
Uniting the Movement (January 2021):
Positive Experiences for Young People – Contribute to safer sport.
Connecting Communities – More communities to enjoy the benefits of what sport and physical activity can do (organised sport has a role).
Tackling Inequalities – Provide consistent, best practice welfare experience for all participants including those under represented in sport and physical activity.
Catalyst for Change – A sector that embraces good governance in a way that goes beyond compliance and ensures safe, well-run and enjoyable environment for everyone. Realising the power of people and leadership – people who spend time helping others to be active are our most precious resource.
The Whyte Review Policy Response (January 2023):
Funding a national network of welfare officers who will work with National Governing Bodies of Sport and their network of local clubs to promote good practice and safe sport on a local level.
OSF/Multisport:
Opening school facilities to school and community users
- Safe, appropriate opportunities for targeted groups
Multi-sport approach to facilities
- Influence design and investment models to ensure safe places and spaces
- Strengthening community led activity at sites. working across sectors within a place
With a varied background across Sport, Physical Activity and Education sectors, including local, regional, national and international projects and programmes, Lijana is also an active tutor for safeguarding and welfare related courses for UK Coaching and some National Governing Bodies and has lived experience as a Club Welfare Officer. If you would like to ask her anything about safer cultures, please scan the QR code below.
