When we talk about sport and physical activity, we often speak about the physical and mental health benefits it brings. We also speak about the passion, performance, and development it produces. But none of these things can thrive unless they are grounded with something deeper. Safety. Every time someone puts on a team kit, a coach blows their whistle to start a training session or every time a volunteer gives up their free time to support others, there must be a foundation of safeguarding in place.
That’s why safeguarding matters.
My personal journey into safeguarding has been shaped by decades of frontline experience, as before joining Active Essex, I spent 30 years as a detective with Essex Police, most of it investigating serious offences against children, sexual offences against adults and managing sex offenders in the community. These roles taught me the cost of silence, the dangers of not acting and the importance of proactive safeguarding.
After retiring from policing, I continued in the safeguarding arena, working with Essex FA supporting grassroots football clubs with safeguarding matters. I have also coached my sons football team, giving me a real understanding of the pressures coaches and volunteers are under and must deal with each day. Juggling multiple responsibilities, staying on top of welfare expectations, and still trying to create a positive fun experience for young people is no small feat.
At Active Essex we work every day to ensure this foundation is strong and consistently reinforced. Alongside my colleague Marianne Appleton we support grassroots sports clubs, physical activity providers, coaches, and volunteers across Essex. Our intention being clear, to build confidence and knowledge across the sector so people feel empowered to identify and address concerns appropriately and therefore creating safer environments for all.
We understand that safeguarding can feel like a daunting subject, especially for smaller clubs that rely heavily on volunteers. But safeguarding should not be about layers of red tape and barriers. Its about creating conditions where people are safe to learn, grow and enjoy their chosen sport or activity. Its about preventing harm before it happens and knowing how to respond if something does go wrong.
That’s safeguarding matters.
Marianne and I have been in post for the past year and in this time, we have seen encouraging levels of progress. We have worked directly with a range of clubs and organisations to review and improve their safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring they are not only compliant but also practical meaningful robust working documents there to support the club. We have delivered in person safeguarding training sessions and hosted a number of online forums. We also hold drop-in clinics where you can arrange a chat with us to discuss any issues and share what is working for you.
When it comes to working in the world of safeguarding, regardless of your sport or activity, we shouldn’t be working in silos and tackling issues alone. We are keen to share best practice and what really works for you in the hope it may also work for someone else. We are hoping to build a culture of curiosity and confidence.
We have had lots of conversations, and we make no apologies for that. Its through honest conversations that we can begin to break down barriers, bust myths and drive culture change. We have collaborated with coaches and volunteers who now feel better equipped to perform their role and assist in making a safer community.
A key part of our success this year has been due to the support we have received from the wider Active Essex team. From the outset our colleagues across the sector have shown a genuine willingness to listen and to understand the importance of our message. This message has been passed this on to their networks and partners across the county, with their support enforcing that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Safeguarding isn’t about knowing the policies or ticking boxes. It’s about developing a mindset, one that sees safeguarding as something embedded in everything, we do rather than a standalone issue or the last item on an agenda. Its how we recruit staff and volunteers, how we manage changing room use or our social media policies, it’s how we listen to young people and all participants and its how we respond to disclosures or concerns. Safeguarding is everywhere and is everything, it needs to be visible, valued and championed by everyone.
That’s why safeguarding matters.
Creating safer cultures isn’t just the responsibility of designated safeguarding officers or senior leads. Its not just Marianne’s responsibility and its not just mine. Its something everyone has a role in. Coaches, parents, referees, committee members and even the participants themselves all contribute toward the culture of a club or organisation. When everyone understands their role and is confident and supported in it, we build stronger more resilient environments.
That’s why safeguarding matters.
If you participate in grassroots sports or physical activity and you are not sure where to start, or you just want a no- judgment conversation about how your club or organisation can strengthen its safeguarding approach please don’t hesitate to reach out to Marianne and me. We are here to listen and here to support you.
Moving forward we will continue to raise awareness, deliver training, and facilitate open discussions supporting our sports and physical activity communities to be the absolute best they can be. Sport and physical activity should be a source of fun and connection and development. Not a space where harm takes place. With vigilance, education, and a collective commitment every child, every young person and every adult should feel safe and supported every time they take part.
That’s why safeguarding matters.
