How do I report a concern?
Help and advice from the Child Protection in Sport Unit
- All concerns should be discussed with your club welfare officer (designated person for safeguarding at your club) and reported in accordance with your national governing bodies (NGB) policy and procedures. If the welfare officer is not available, contact your sports NGB national lead child protection officer.
- Keep written records of any poor practice or child protection and welfare related incidents, allegations or concerns. Record details of any actions taken and contact details of anyone who was either involved or a witness as appropriate.
- Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who will provide advice and guidance.
- When delivering activities in a school or directly under the supervision/management of school staff, the school’s arrangements for child protection will apply. You must inform the designated teacher or person for that school, who will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures. You should also ensure that you inform your club welfare officer who will make the NGB child protection lead officer aware of the situation.
- When delivering activities in partnership with a school but in your club or out of school hours, you must follow your NGB/club child protection procedures and communicate any concerns to the club welfare officer. The club welfare officer will refer the matter to the NGB Lead Officer who will take responsibility for liaising with the school.
- If the club welfare officer, NGB lead officer or the school’s designated person for child protection are not available you must avoid delay and seek advice from the local Children's Services or the Police. Inform your NGB lead officer as soon as possible, explaining the concern and action taken.
The Safe Network offers advice to voluntary organisations on how to put a disciplinary procedure in place or raise a concern about a colleague.
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