It’s been a while since my last blog post and there has been a lot happening in the world of safeguarding.
I am very pleased to see so many clubs with registered Club Welfare Officers. During 2025 it will become necessary to have a Club Welfare Officer registered to your club to access certain elements of British Taekwondo activity. So why not get ahead of the game now? Read on to find out more about how to get started….
Why do you need a Club Welfare Officer?
The Club Welfare Officer plays a vital role in safeguarding the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of members, especially young people, within a Taekwondo club. CWOs are tasked with ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and being followed. This includes:
- Creating a Safe Environment: CWOs are responsible for ensuring that the club environment is free from abuse, neglect, and bullying. They work with coaches, athletes, and parents to promote safe practice.
- Supporting Vulnerable Participants: In many Taekwondo clubs, young athletes or those with additional needs may require extra attention and care. The CWO ensures these individuals are supported appropriately, both inside and outside of training.
- Handling Concerns and Complaints: If any safeguarding concerns or complaints arise, CWOs are the first point of contact. They are trained to handle these issues discreetly and professionally, ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly.
By having a dedicated Club Welfare Officer, Taekwondo clubs demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding, and they help ensure the long-term success of the sport by creating a welcoming and safe environment for all.
What are the requirements for becoming a registered Club Welfare Officer?
- An enhanced DBS certificate (England and Wales)/PVG scheme membership (Scotland)/Access Ni certificate (Northern Ireland) – these are available at a reduced fee for volunteers. Please contact Membership Services to begin this process.
- An introduction to safeguarding course – British Taekwondo recommend the NSPCC Child protection in sport and physical activity training which is an elearning course, however we do also have a list of other accepted courses which can be found here. If you already hold safeguarding training for example via your employment, please contact safeguarding@britishttaekwondo.org as you may be exempt.
- Welfare Officer Training – These tutor led courses will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of how to handle concerns within a sports setting:
England and Wales – Uk Coaching Time To Listen Training
Scotland – Child Wellbeing and Protection Training
Northern Ireland – Designated Safeguarding Children Officer (DSCO) training
Please note: all courses are bookable directly with the course provider at a time and date that suits you.
Once all three steps have been completed, please forward evidence of training to safeguarding@britishtaekwondo.org
Once registered, you will be added to a distribution list to ensure that you receive all relevant updates, news and volunteering opportunities!
CWOs play a vital role in helping us ensure the British Taekwondo community is safe and welcoming environment for all members, volunteers and staff. We look forward to welcoming more CWOs to our clubs in 2025 and we are here to help you recruit the right people. For any questions at all contact safeguarding@britishtaekwondo.org
Sarah Howard, Safeguarding Manager at British Taekwondo
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