Club Welfare Officers

The EPSB recommends that clubs should have a designated person with responsibility for implementing their safeguarding and child protection policy, known as a Club Welfare Officer (CWO).

This step is mandatory for clubs affiliating to our 147 Club affiliation scheme that have members who are under 18 years of age or vulnerable adults.

CWOs do not need to be experts, but they do need to be approachable and have a child-focused approach. It is helpful if they have relevant knowledge and experience, and training is available (see below).

The CWOs’ main responsibilities are to ensure that the club has up-to-date procedures and that relevant staff and/or volunteers are aware of and follow good practice. CWOs should be the first point of contact for any concerns, seeking advice and support from the EPSB when necessary.

The EPSB has produced a Club Welfare Officer guide to support nominated CWOs to understand and fulfil their role.

You can also find a template for the CWO role among our Useful Documents.

The EPSB maintains a list of CWOs to ensure that the right people receive good practice information, advice and training.

Club Welfare Officer training and requirements

A CWO must be an employee, committee member or someone involved in the running of the club who has a valid, enhanced DBS check covering the CWO role.  It is the club’s responsibility to organise this check.

The CWO must have attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop. These short in-person or online workshops are organised by UK Coaching, Active Partnerships, local authorities and other accredited providers, such as Sport Structures.

Find a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop

The CWO must have also attended further training specific to the CWO role responsibilities, known as the ‘Time to Listen’ course.  These short in-person or online workshops are also organised by UK Coaching, Active Partnerships, local authorities and other accredited providers, such as Sport Structures.

Find a Time to Listen workshop

If you cannot find a course to attend, please try the Active Partnerships and Sport Structures links above for more options.

EPSB can provide support and signposting to newly registered CWOs. Please contact us for information.