WSA to host in-person Safeguarding and Facilities Communities at the National Centre in September
The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) will host simultaneous Safeguarding and Facilities Communities at the Sport Wales National Centre on Thursday 18 September 2025.
WSA Members are invited to attend as we gather with colleagues to discuss important issues regarding both safeguarding practices and topics affecting facilities within the sport and leisure sector.
Both events will happen concurrently, before we open the doors for a final, collaborative session involving all attendees, followed by a networking lunch.
Beginning at 09.45, the Safeguarding Community will host an array of discussions.
We will be joined by representatives from Cwm Taf Morgannwg & Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Boards to provide a greater insight into the role of the Boards and to discuss how sport can access support and greater engagement with them.
Also taking place will be a facilitated discussion in respect of the ongoing Safe Sport UK work, and the following open Welsh Government consultations:
Find a detailed agenda for the Safeguarding Community, and register for FREE, here!
Meanwhile, attendees of the Facilities Community will hear from colleagues from Good Boost, Welsh Government and GLL.
Jo Theaker, Head of Partnerships and Delivery at Good Boost, will share the latest independent study that has been published in Musculoskeletal Care; the results of which are significant for facility operators interested in the future of community health and digital rehabilitation.
International Sports Events Manager in Welsh Government, Jonni Tomos, will introduce himself and his new role, in which he leads Event Wales’ work alongside national governing bodies, local authorities and venues on bidding for and attracting international sports events to Wales. Jonni will also detail the new Disability Sport Wales online platform for inclusive event spaces, as well as discuss opportunities for suitable venues for event owners.
Ann Hillman is Community, Sport and Health Manager at GLL, and will also join us to present the GLL Escape Pain collaborative NHS programme which earned Best Collaborative Initiative at the WSA Sports Industry Awards 2025. Ann will discuss how the programme was first established and what is now done to maintain and ensure the programme’s sustainability.
Find a detailed agenda of the Facilities Community event and register to attend for FREE, here!
Finally, at 12.00, colleagues from both communities will come together for the final, collective session of the day.
WSA Legal Partner, Hugh James, will close the day by discussing the impact of existing policies in relation to access to changing rooms and other shared spaces in light of the Supreme Court’s decision on the definition of sex within the Equality Act 2010.
Hugh James colleagues will cover whether organisations should change policies in advance of updated Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance, and how best to balance the rights of all sport participants.
This will be followed by a networking lunch for all attendees.
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