Building safer clubs: Supporting club welfare across the nation
The Sport Welfare Officer Network (SWO network) has been created to support National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and their local clubs to promote good practice and safer sport for all. The network is funded by Sport England through National Lottery funding.
The SWOs are working with key partners to develop a local approach to assisting and supporting club welfare officers, to create safer club environments and improved experiences for children, young people and adults.
Sport Welfare Officer Network – Active Partnerships
Marianne Appleton
Marianne brings over 25 years’ experience in learning & development across the Education & Playwork sectors. In recent years, her focus has shifted toward safeguarding, wellbeing training & staff development within further education.
With a passion for impactful training, Marianne is committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge & confidence to create safe, inclusive environments where young people can really thrive – with plenty of focus on fun, positive experiences along the way. She’s worked with under-18s in schools, the holiday industry, the Playwork sector and as an enthusiastic volunteer.
Wayne Hickey
Wayne joins the team having previously spent 30 years as a police officer with Essex Police. Most of this time was spent as a detective primarily investigating serious sexual offences, child abuse cases and dealing with registered sex offenders. After leaving the police Wayne worked for Essex County FA. Working with grassroots football Club Welfare Officers on safeguarding cases and assisting clubs to improve their safeguarding and welfare provisions. After leaving Essex FA Wayne worked as a Safeguarding Officer for the Scout Association investigating serious safeguarding concerns. Outside of work Wayne is the manager of his sons football team so has a good understanding of the pressures of volunteering In grassroots sport.
