New kit boosts visibility of club safeguarding officers across Sussex

A project by Active Sussex to make club welfare and safeguarding leads more visible with new kit is having a positive impact on local sports clubs.

The aim of the project is to help parents and participants to be aware of who to contact with concerns by increasing the visibility of safeguarding leads within clubs – with new t-shirts and hoodies marked with ‘welfare/safeguarding officer’ on the front and back.

The kit was delivered to clubs by Active Sussex Sport Welfare Officers (SWOs), which gave them the opportunity to connect with clubs, develop relationships, and identify if there was any other local support they could provide. In one case, the SWO provided support by connecting a club with a National Governing body (NGB) to review their safeguarding standards. 

The new kit is already having an impact, with one safeguarding lead saying: “I have worn the kit when at the club and had more people approach or acknowledge that I am the safeguarding officer at the club. This along with posters I have placed at the club has meant the role of safeguarding officer is more visible and approachable. Other team volunteers are considering similar kits to highlight their role/position at the club. Thank you.”

Another recipient of the kit said it has raised awareness of safeguarding and helped to encourage people to ask questions about what it covers.

And one safeguarding lead who wore the hoodie to an event was asked about the kit, which led to two more clubs getting in touch with Active Sussex, so the kit is helping to build new club connections.

To find out more about how our SWOs can help your club, visit: https://www.activesussex.org/sport-welfare-officers/ or contact sportwelfare@activesussex.org