Safer Bradford

The majority of children who take part in sport do so in a safe and helpful atmosphere, with genuine support from the adults involved. But for the small minority of children who are abused during sporting activities, the picture is very different. We need to ensure that preventative steps are taken and that clear processes for reporting concerns are established.

The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)

The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is a partnership between the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Sport England, Sport Scotland, Sports Council for Northern Ireland and The Sports Council for Wales. The CPSU’s mission is to safeguard the welfare of children and young people under 18 in sport and to promote their well-being – find out more on their website at thecpsu.org.uk.

CPSU case management model

Covers: safeguarding awareness, referring concerns and risk assessment – for more information visit thecpsu.org.uk/case-management.

CPSU safe sport events management tool

Covers: creating a safe environment, roles and responsibilities and responding to concerns – for more information visit thecpsu.org.uk/event-management.

CPSU self-assessment tool

Organisations can use this to check that they are doing everything they can to keep children and young people safe in sport – visit their website at thecpsu.org.uk/self-assessment-tool for the self assessment toolkit.

CPSU Online safety and social media policy template

This is an ‘exemplar’ of an online safety and social media policy for use by sports clubs and organisations that work whose members include children and young people. This useful document outlines expectations in relation to communication between members, staff, parents, boundaries relating to privacy and management of the organisation's online presence. The template can be used to get an idea of the types of things that need to be included and can form the basis of your own policy. Everyone in your organisation, including staff, children and parents should read the policy and agree to its terms.

Find out more and view the template on the CPSU website at thecpsu.org.uk/sample-online-safety-policy.

CPSU parents resource

This brings together information about getting parents involved in sport and how they can encourage children’s safe participation in sport – find out more at thecpsu.org.uk/parents.

NSPCC

For information on safe sport events, activities and competitions visit their website at ww.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding.

The NSPCC has published guidance for parents on how to spot the signs of child sexual abuse. It sets out the signs that might indicate a child is being sexually abused, and where to go for information, support and advice. For this guidance visit their website at www.nspcc.org.uk/what-protecting-child-sexual-abuse.pdf.

Safeguarding Children in Golf

Safeguarding Children in Golf (SCiG) is a network of industry groups in the UK and Ireland. Their mission is to ensure instructors, volunteers and anyone else working with children are using best safeguarding practice. Its work is facilitated by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit – for more information visit their website at England Golf Safeguarding.

Swimming

Visit the Swim England website at www.swimming.org for more information for swimming clubs.

Further parental advice Parental Advice - Swimming Pool Safety and Hygiene.

Football

A club or league which involves anyone under the age of 18 needs to ensure it has the appropriate safeguards in place.

The Football Association has a Safeguarding Children programme, which provides information and support to help put this in place. Locally there is a network of Welfare Officers based at County Football Associations and a comprehensive education programme – find out more on the FA website at Football Association Safeguarding.

Safeguarding covers everything from sideline abuse – swearing and bullying – to serious sexual abuse. The site includes useful downloads which provide more detailed information on the Welfare Officer role, policies and procedures.

Sport