Role of the Welfare Officer:
This voluntary position is closely regulated by the Amateur Swimming Association and needs to be in place for any clubs associated with Swim England (SE). The Welfare Officer is in place for all swimmers in the club and makes the needs of these swimmers a priority. A Welfare officer must undertake a full DBS check, attend a Safeguarding & Protection Course, as well as attend a "Time to Listen" course. Welfare Officers will be aware of the Wavepower document, which is the SE policy and guidance to safeguarding children and young people in swimming. There is a link to this document below.
Clevedon Swimming Club Welfare Officer:
Our club Welfare Officer is Emma Wells [email protected]
How to raise a concern:
First steps to raise a concern is it get in touch with the club welfare officer. I can be contacted on [email protected]. If I am poolside please also feel free to approach me with any concerns. Both swimmers and parents are welcome to contact the welfare officers. Even if you think your concern is small, we are here to help. All issues will be treated in confidence. Please remember our welfare officers are volunteers and aim to reply to emails within 72 hours. There is also guidance on raising a concern on the Swim England website: https://www.swimming.org/swimconcern-complaint/ All Swim England members will adhere to the policies and guidance set out in the Wavepower document, which can be viewed via the link below.
In an emergency:
If you believe a child has been harmed or may be at immediate risk of harm, please make immediate contact with an appropriate agency, such as:
- The Police - 999 https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/
- Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) 01275 888 808 https://nsod.n-somerset.gov.uk/kb5/northsomerset/directory/site.page?id=gE-ZtDakyBs
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
Take the name and contact details of the person you have spoken to, plus the incident/referral reference number (if applicable) so you have a record of the advice they give. Then report this to the club welfare officer and the Swim England Safeguarding Team the next working day.
Key Contacts:
- Somerset County Welfare Officer Paul Chillingworth: [email protected]
- South West Regional Welfare Officer Libby Bell: [email protected]
- Swimline the Swim England/NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 100 4001
Useful links:
- NSPCC Childline - 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk (Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help) NSPCC Child Protection Helpline - 0808 800 5000 (24 hours) / nspcc.org.uk NSPCC Child protection in Sport Unit - 0116 366 5626, email: [email protected]
- Young Minds - youngminds.org.uk
- Kooth - Online Mental Wellbeing kooth.com
- Samaritans - 116-123, samaritans.org
