17th August 2026
A busy summer for the Active Sussex Sport Welfare Officers
It’s been a busy and energising summer for the Active Sussex Sport Welfare Officers (SWOs), whose work continues to strengthen safeguarding practice and build safer, more inclusive environments across sport and physical activity in Sussex.
From supporting national governing bodies at major events to visiting local clubs, delivering training and filming new resources, the two‑person team has been non‑stop, and their impact since launching in January 2024 is already being felt across Sussex.
Strengthening safeguarding across Sussex
Since the programme began, the SWOs (pictured below) have worked closely with clubs, coaches, volunteers and safeguarding partners to embed consistent, confident welfare practice. Their reach continues to grow:
- 176 clubs supported, accessing opportunities to connect and learn from key safeguarding partners
- 70+ club visits, offering 1:1 guidance and practical support around welfare practice and lower‑level concerns
- 259 participants engaged in training, learning and connect opportunities
- 5 face‑to‑face connect and learn events for clubs
- 11 online learning opportunities, sharing resources and training from safeguarding partners
- 5 pop‑up engagements at sporting events and leisure centres
- 3 Sussex Safeguarding in Sport Forums, bringing together NGBs, safeguarding organisations, county partners and volunteers
- 37 NGBs engaged through direct contact, events and collaborative work
- Attendance at multiple sporting events to speak with parents and participants, raising awareness and sharing resources
This growing network is helping clubs feel more confident, better connected and clearer about their responsibilities, ensuring that safeguarding remains at the heart of positive experiences in sport.
Supporting the LTA at the Eastbourne Tennis Championships
One of the standout moments of the summer came in June, when Sport Welfare Officers from Sussex, Kent and Surrey joined the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) at the Eastbourne Tennis Championships.
Working together on a welfare and safeguarding marketplace stand, the team helped raise awareness among school groups, parents, children and club representatives. The stand offered a mix of fun and learning, including:
- A spin‑the‑wheel tennis knowledge quiz with prizes such as Play Their Way fidget spinners
- A digital escape room, challenging participants to solve puzzles linked to welfare and safeguarding
- Safeguarding in Your Pocket guides, Welfare Officer lanyards and other resources shared with clubs
- A special Welfare Officer hoodie gifted to one club representative to help raise visibility of the role (pictured above)
The event sparked valuable conversations with parents, young people and club staff, helping reinforce the message that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The LTA praised the team’s contribution, noting that their “enthusiasm and support in promoting safeguarding was unfaltering,” and that their assistance “led to meaningful conversations about safeguarding.”
They added: “It remains clear that the continued collaboration between Active Partnership Sport Welfare Officers and the LTA Regional Safeguarding Officers can have a significant impact within our sport.”
Spreading the word
This summer, the SWOs have been busy sending clubs marketing material and resources for their notice boards.
The free safeguarding and welfare poster packs have been designed to help strengthen visibility of key contacts within clubs. These resources raise awareness, reinforce that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and ensure that all members know who to speak to if they have a concern.
To receive your personalised poster pack (free of charge), please complete the short form below. You can request printed materials for your noticeboard and/or digital versions for your website and social media channels.
Looking ahead
With filming underway for the next Active Sussex Sport Welfare video and more club visits, forums and learning opportunities planned, the team’s momentum shows no sign of slowing.
Their work continues to build a more connected, confident and coordinated safeguarding system across Sussex, ensuring that safe, inclusive and positive experiences remain central to sport and physical activity for everyone.
