The welfare role in plain English
A welfare officer usually helps the club follow safeguarding responsibilities, supports safer practice and acts as a point of contact if a concern needs to be raised.
What parents should ask
Before a child attends, ask who the welfare or safeguarding contact is, where its policy is available, how adults communicate, whether parents can stay and how a child or parent can raise a concern.
- Who is the club welfare contact?
- How do parents raise a concern?
- How are coaches and volunteers checked and trained?
- Where can I read the safeguarding policy and code of conduct?
What coaches and clubs should make clear
Coaches and club officials should make the welfare contact, policy and reporting route easy to find. Use the agreed parent communication process and do not ask families to publish child contact details. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999; other concerns should go through the relevant official route below.