Why do clubs need a Club Safeguarding Officer?

Club Safeguarding Officers (CSO’s) are vital members of the club and key to making a safe, welcoming and family friendly environment for children to enjoy the game of cricket.

Whilst everyone is responsible for safeguarding, the Club Safeguarding Officer will make sure safeguarding policies and procedures are in place, and that everyone working with children is recruited safely and appropriately vetted by the ECB.

The CSO is the first point contact to for any concerns, and having attended specific training, will know what to do in order to assist, or where to signpost for further help.

What training do I need?

To be fully compliant a Club Safeguarding Officers needs to have completed;

  • A ‘Safe Hands Workshop’ which is a face-to-face course run by The Norfolk Cricket Board – renewable every three years
  • An online ECB Safeguarding for Specialist Roles Course via E-Learning
  • A current DBS vetted by the ECB is also required.
  • Details of training courses will be published in good time    

What skills do I need? And what makes up a good Club Safeguarding Officer?

We asked a group of young cricketers “what makes a perfect Safeguarding Officer?” they were asked to write on the picture, this is what they come up with:

  • Approachable, friendly, visible are key skills required in the role

Where do I start, what should I do first?

There are several things that you can start to do, firstly maybe conduct an audit of you Club, to see where you currently are.

Within Cricket, we get our Safeguarding guidance from an ECB document called Safe Hands. This document informs us of the policies and procedures we need to have in place within cricket.  It also guides us one what people require within our Club and who requires a DBS check.  Cricket Coaches for example require, as a minimum, a coaching qualification, an ECB vetted Enhanced DBS and a First Aid Certificate.  (You can find out about more roles by clicking the Safeguarding Tab above and selecting ‘Safeguarding Standards’).

How do I fit into my Club structure?

The Club Safeguarding officer is a critical role at the club – what can be more important than the safety and welfare of children within the club environment?  The CSO should have a position on the Club Committee as a minimum standard.  Safeguarding should be a standard agenda item and we recommend this is high on the agenda as an essential topic at every meeting.

Whilst there is a need for any cases to be kept confidential (you will receive guidance on this), there will be a need to share coach compliance details for example and if there is nothing to report, perhaps pick a policy from Safe Hands and spend a few minutes talking it through with your committee colleagues.

Safeguarding is not your responsibility but a club responsibility – the ultimate ownership sits with the Club Chair.

Where can I get help?

There is lots of help available!

The Norfolk Cricket Board safeguarding team should be your first point of contact and beyond that the ECB Safeguarding team are also happy to help. Never be afraid to pick up the phone – no question is a silly question

There is also lots of advice and tips within the FAQ section and the other Safeguarding Tabs on the top of this page.

Providing a safe and welcoming environment can make a HUGE difference for children, keep them in the game and encourage others to join us.  Thank you for all that you do.  

#Makeadifference


Confused, need help?

Don’t hesitate to contact any of the NCB Safeguarding Team who will be delighted to help.

Norfolk County Safeguarding Officer – MARK CAMPBELL
Email: HERE
Phone: 07917 735469
(Please feel free to contact Mark with any queries that you may have)

Deputy Norfolk County Safeguarding Officer (if LIZ is absent) – KEVIN DENMARK
Email: HERE
Phone: 07876 561388
(Please feel free to contact Kevin with any queries that you may have)



Club Safeguarding Officer Document

Download

Club-Safeguarding-Officer.pdf Download