WSA host its first Safeguarding Community event for sport & leisure

WSA host its first Safeguarding Community event for sport & leisure

On Tuesday 14 January, the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) hosted its inaugural Safeguarding Community event for the sport and leisure sector in Wales.

We were welcomed by Complete Background Screening for the morning, who provided their excellent facility and hospitality to host the great event and reinforce our pivotal relationship that is helping to keep sport and leisure safe.

Attendees listened to expert insight from a panel comprised of Jeremy Rogers, WRU Head of Policy & Integrity, Clare Skidmore, Sport Wales Senior Governance Officer, and Sara Tomaszewski, Hugh James Partner – Regulatory, hosted by the WSA’s Safeguarding Manager, Sian Jones.

The event brought together safeguarding representatives from across the sector and key discussions were held over topical issues, including the importance of strategic ownership of safeguarding within organisations and how this is critical to creating and embedding a culture of safeguarding within sport.  It was noted that collaboration and partnership working is key to achieving this.

The panel also discussed the benefits of safeguarding in creating safe and positive environments within sport and the impact of that upon participation and retention. 

The importance of high-quality and accessible training and education was not overlooked, whilst the challenges of differing legislation across the home nations, as well as the training expectations between sectors, was also fully acknowledged. 

As part of the event, attendees were able to complete a consultation form asking them what they would like to gain from the Safeguarding Community and future events which reiterated the value of networking and coming together, as well as shining a light on key matters including mental health and wellbeing, Safeguarding and EDI, and peer-on-peer abuse. 

Following the success and value of this first Safeguarding Community event, the WSA is currently working on a programme of future events and CPD opportunities that will support with further enhancing safeguarding across the sector. Stay tuned for further updates.