It has been brought to Swim England’s attention that there has been an increase in queries around under 18’s in roles which require DBS’s and some confusion as to whether they are required to have mandatory safeguarding training.
Within the new Wavepower (2020-2023), page 55 states:
“UK Coaching offer a workshop for young volunteers between the ages of 13 and 17 to help them understand how to keep themselves and other children safe. It is designed to introduce young coaches, officials, volunteers and sports leaders to the concept of ‘good safeguarding practice’ and develop their confidence in how to identify what abuse of a child in sport may look like and the appropriate action to take.”
This course is not mandatory to Swim England members. As a minimum any volunteers under the age of 18 should receive child safeguarding information from their Club Welfare Officer so they understand the reporting procedures at the club and who to contact should they have any concerns for either themselves or other children.
Swim England have a new free online resource which aims to ensure everyone involved in aquatic clubs across the country has an awareness of child safeguarding. This is launched in conjunction with the Institute of Swimming as part of its ongoing commitment to create a safe environment for youngsters.
The resource also give young volunteers who are under 18 the chance to develop their awareness of child safeguarding as they start out on their volunteering journey.
The course covers:
This course does not replace the requirement for those who work with children to complete Safeguarding Training.
Please click here to access the Basic Safeguarding Awareness Course.
