Sport Welfare Officer

A new, national network of Sport Welfare Officers is being created across England to support National Governing Bodies (NGB) and their local clubs to promote good practice and safe sport for children, young people and adults on a local level. The officers will help support clubs move from welfare  compliance to develop effective welfare and inclusive cultures. 

Active Cumbria Sport Welfare Officer Liz, can provide local support and opportunities to assist Club Welfare Officers in their volunteer roles. Whether that’s helping meet safeguarding responsibilities, connecting you with other club welfare officers or assisting you to grow your knowledge and skills - we are here to help.  

Your sport may already have regional safeguarding staff who provide your club with support. If it does – these teams are still your primary contact. Sport Welfare Officers will work with these representatives and your National Governing Body to connect sports and promote good welfare locally. 

Good welfare practice matters to everyone and together we want to help create environments in sport and physical activity which are positive and safe for all children, young people and adults.  

The network is funded by Sport England through an investment of National Lottery money. Active Partnerships are working with National Governing Bodies, NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, Ann Craft Trust, Sport England and other key safeguarding partners. 

What is the purpose of the Sport Welfare Officer’s role?  

Our role is to;            

  • Provide additional, local support for club welfare officers   
  • Signpost clubs to the right advice and guidance   
  • Work with club welfare officers to create a safer culture within their organisation   
  • Facilitate local training opportunities and events  
  • Create networks so that volunteers and staff feel better connected and informed  
  • Recognise, share and develop best practice   
  • Help raise awareness of safeguarding and welfare for young people and adults at local events  

It is not the Sport Welfare Officer’s role to;  

  • Advise on or manage concerns – all concerns must be referred without delay in accordance with National Governing Body / Club Safeguarding Policy.   
Liz Wright

Meet Liz Wright, Active Cumbria Sport Welfare Officer

My professional background is primarily in children’s social care.  I have worked as a children’s social worker and then moved on to children’s rights and participation for many years, though I did spend my spare hours when not in some form of learning in my late teens/ early twenties working in Nursing Homes for Older Adults .  I am passionate about improving mental health for all and have undertaken the Youth Mental Health Instructor Course a few years ago. The Sports Welfare Officer post was advertised at a time when I felt ready for a new challenge and incorporates my interest and professional background in safeguarding and good mental health whilst being able to put together a whole new project offering support to the sporting community so I am really excited to get going.

As a child I was a competitive swimmer and ballroom/latin American dancer (though hard to believe that now!!!) and my own three children enjoy football, basketball, swimming and dance.  As a Mum I spend a lot of time on the side of a football pitch and see both the positives and negatives of the interactions my children have which again spurred me on to apply for the job as I really believe this is an opportunity to make sport safer, more inclusive and a place where everyone is getting the best opportunities to have their welfare needs met.  It is really important to me that this role has a great interaction with the sporting community so please do get in touch if you have any ideas of ways I can support you in improving the welfare of your club/group.

To find out how we can support you and your club get in touch - by e-mail Liz.Wright@cumberland.gov.uk or call 07825 340475