Assembly Government endorses new framework to protect children in sport

A new framework for safeguarding children in and through sport has been endorsed by Welsh Assembly Government Minister, Jane Hutt, at its launch today (Friday 22 May).

The framework, which has been jointly developed by the NSPCC Cymru/Wales’ Child Protection in Sport Unit and the Sports Council for Wales, provides practical support for sporting organisations and groups throughout Wales to help raise child protection standards within their sport.

The development of the framework has been based on current good practice in the sporting community and has been influenced by legislation and guidance drawing from both fields of safeguarding and sport, which enables sporting organisations to meet their statutory requirements.

The framework, which is relevant to all sports at all levels and to any sporting activity that takes place in an organised setting, is aimed at helping to create a safer sporting environment for children and young people.  It will provide clarity to sports organisations and help them identify what they need to do to protect children and minimise avoidable risks.

Jane Hutt, Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, said: “The safeguarding and well being of children and young people is a top priority for the Welsh Assembly Government and we welcome the development of the NSPCC's and Sports Council for Wales's new framework for safeguarding and protecting children in and through sport in Wales. “

“Our commitment is to give children and young people in Wales the best possible start to life by promoting their welfare and protecting them from abuse and neglect.  In support of this, we welcome the introduction of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme that will be introduced later this year to strengthen arrangements for those who wish to work with children or vulnerable adults.  I am pleased that the framework highlights the importance of having clear policies and procedures in place for recruiting staff and volunteers, and for assessing suitability to work with children."

Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones has also thrown his weight behind the project,

“It’s crucial that at a time when we want as many children as possible to be taking part in physical activity that we should take great care to ensure their safety whilst undertaking that activity. This framework will help sporting organisations to keep children in their care safe. I’m therefore happy to endorse it and I would like to commend the Sports Council for Wales and the NSPCC for their work in producing it.”

Anne Tiivas, director of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit said:  “When implemented fully, the framework should provide parents with more confidence and peace of mind. Most important of all, it should help create safer environments for children, where they can enjoy and get the very best from their involvement in sport in Wales.”

Philip Carling, chair of the Sports Council for Wales, said “We’re committed to making sure that that the safety and welfare of children is at the very top of agenda in Welsh sport. We are delighted to team up with NSPCC Cymru/Wales.”

For further information on the Framework for safeguarding children in and through sport, please contact the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit Wales on 029 2026 7000 or email cpsuwales@nspcc.org.uk

Ends

For further media information please contact the NSPCC Cymru/Wales divisional communications team on 029 2026 7014 or out of hours on 07977 127064.

Notes to editors:
The safeguarding framework is an overarching approach to safeguarding children and through sport, and incorporates standards, support, progress and evaluation.

The framework consists of five standards that a sports organisation should demonstrate it undertakes at all levels of its sport. In order to meet the framework, organisations will identify actions for implementation. Each of these actions will be promoted and supported through effective communication and safeguarding training opportunities that will benefit the organisation.

About the NSPCC:
The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children. Our vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We seek to achieve cultural, social and political change – influencing legislation, policy, practice, attitudes and behaviours for the benefit of children and young people. For more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk

About the Sports Council for Wales:
The Sports Council for Wales is the national organisation responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical recreation. It is the main adviser on sporting matters to the Welsh Assembly Government and is responsible for distributing funds from the National Lottery to sport in Wales.