The Sport Welfare in Action: together for safer sport campaign recognises the important role volunteers, staff, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and local partners play in creating positive club cultures, and reinforces the support available to them through the Sport Welfare Officer (SWO) Network.
The SWO Network was launched in 2023 to strengthen safeguarding and welfare for children, young people, and adults taking part in sport in England. Officers work locally with NGBs, and can provide clubs with free guidance, training and support on creating a safer, more inclusive culture.
Since October 2024, the network has delivered focused support to more than 5,000 sports clubs across England, but the Sport Welfare in Action campaign aims to further increase awareness of the work of its officers and the free advice and support on offer to clubs. It’s hoped that this will ensure even more clubs can benefit, helping to create positive, welcoming environments and experiences and keeping more people involved in sport and physical activity.
The network, funded by Sport England through the National Lottery, and supported by the Ann Craft Trust and the NSPCC, has more than 60 Sport Welfare Officers embedded across 42 Active Partnerships all working with NGBs to provide local, day-to-day support for clubs across a range of safeguarding and welfare issues. This support includes signposting clubs to the right advice and guidance, delivering local training and events, and helping club welfare officers create a safer culture within their clubs.
With welfare and safeguarding often the responsibility of volunteers at clubs, the support from SWOs has been welcomed across the sports system.
Andy Taylor, Chief Executive of the Active Partnerships National Organisation, said: “The Sport Welfare Officer network is already achieving hugely positive outcomes with more than 5,000 sports clubs and thousands more participants benefiting from tailored support.
“This shows that the network is already helping to strengthen the support available to clubs, by working collaboratively with volunteers, National Governing Bodies and local partners helping create safer, more welcoming environments and experiences for everyone involved in sport and physical activity.
“The Sport Welfare in Action campaign is about recognising the important work already happening across the sector and ensuring every club in England knows where they can access this vital free support, advice and guidance through their local Sport Welfare Officer.”
Phil Smith, Sport England’s Executive Director for the Sporting System, said: “Sport England’s investment in the Sport Welfare Officer Network reflects our belief that safeguarding and welfare are not optional extras – they are fundamental to safe, positive and enjoyable environments and experiences for everyone, and, as a result, help create a more active nation.
“This week’s campaign is vital in recognising the incredible work of Sport Welfare Officers, while also ensuring clubs are aware of the free and valuable support that’s on offer.”