Use the drop-down headings under Safeguarding to find our Parent's Hub and Young Person's Hub.
Visit our news section for an important update on guidance for members.
CLICK FOR SAFEGUARDING TRAINING FOR COACHES AND TECHNICAL OFFICIALS
Safeguarding Home Page
Key Safeguarding Policy Updates
Weightlifting Wales have been reviewing all of its Safeguarding Policies and Procedures as we aim to achieve our Safeguarding Level 2 Standard.
This work is being completed by the WW Safeguarding Officers, supported by the WW Safeguarding Group and contacts within the Child Protection in Sport Unit, to ensure that the changes we make reflect best practice and align with up to date laws and current legislation.
The full policy can be seen below under Policies, Forms and Useful Guidance.
PREVENTING ABUSE IN POSITIONS OF TRUST
Weightlifting Wales is committed to safeguarding people participating in the sport, it is therefore vital that everyone involved in Weightlifting Wales, including coaches, volunteers and staff, are aware of their duty to safeguard the interest of children, young people and adults at risk.
In 2022 new legislation was published, closing a loophole which had previously enabled some sport leaders to abuse their position of trust. (See 2.2 in Safeguarding Policy).
People who hold a position of trust; such as a coach, a welfare officer, an official or a member of staff within a club or organisation, have a responsibility for the welfare of the under 18's members of their club / organisation, and therefore should not engage in a sexual relationship with anyone within their care, who is under the age of 18 years old.
If you are concerned about the behaviour of someone who is in a position of trust, you can report this to:
- Your/your child's Club Welfare Officer
- Weightlifting Wales Safeguarding Officers (simon.roach@weightlifting.wales or hannah.powell@weightlifting.wales)
- British Weight Lifting Safeguarding Officer (Sue Ward - via email: sue.ward@britishweightlifting.org or telephone: 01132 249 402.)
- The Police
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE
Sport should be a fun, enjoyable and safe part of every participant’s life.
If you have concerns about the welfare of a child / young person / adult at risk:
Are they in immediate danger or are they injured?
- If yes -> contact the emergency services immediately.
Report the concern:
In a sport setting:
- If you have a concern about something you have heard, witnessed, or have had disclosed to you by someone, then you should detail your concerns in the Safeguarding Concern form below, and send onto the Weightlifting Wales Safeguarding lead: Simon Roach. If Simon is not reachable, you can contact the Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Hannah Powell (contact details can be found below) unless you believe there is immediate risk to someone: in which case you should always contact the emergency services.
- All licensed Weightlifting Wales Clubs should have a Welfare officer (CWO) who has undergone safeguarding training and are there for you to report concerns to if the matter involves a member of their club or an incident has occurred at the club itself. If you are unsure of who is your CWO then you should speak to the owner or contact WW directly.
- If the club or activity where there is concern isn’t licensed with Weightlifting Wales, you should report your concerns to the social services relevant to the area that the club is situated / to the police if you suspect immediate harm to another person.
If you are outside a sport setting:
- You should notify the local authorities, such as the social services relevant to the area, if you have a concern about someone, again, if you suspect immediate risk of harm, call the emergency services straight away. It is still your duty to report a concern, even if this is outside your sport.
- If there's no one else available to help you, contact the police.
- If you are unsure of what to do, and there is no immediate risk to a person, you can visit the NSPCC Helpline
If you are looking to make a report about, or find support for, cases of non-recent abuse, the NSPCC have a dedicated page to this here
Receiving a Disclosure
REMEMBER
It's not your responsibility to decide whether or not abuse has taken place, but it is your responsibility to act if you have concerns. No action is not an option. Never ignore a concern; your information may be vital, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.
Take a look at this NSPCC animation video below: 'How to talk to Children: Receiving a Disclosure from a Child'
Upcoming Safeguarding Courses for Welfare Officers, Coaches and Volunteers:
Our Commitment to DBS Checking
As part of our commitment to safeguarding in sport, Weightlifting Wales uses the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) DBS Checking Service for Sport & Leisure. The service is run through its trading arm Vibrant Nation, and provides bilingual, online DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service, formally CRB).
The WSA is the only provider of a fully bilingual system and service in Wales, and even offer a free DBS bilingual helpline should you have any questions. WSA offer a range of ID verification options, including the Post Office. The system also utilises the DBS Update Service, allowing Weightlifting Wales to fully enhance our safeguarding practices.
The system is entirely web-based and can be accessed from any location, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system will also guide you through the process, ensuring that all correct information is provided thus reducing the likelihood of errors. Most applications are returned within 2 weeks, although many come back much quicker than this, some as quickly as 24 hours.
All individuals working with/having regular unsupervised contact with children should undertake an enhanced disclosure DBS check. Additionally, in Weightlifitng all licensed coaches must have an enhanced disclosure DBS check
For more information on DBS checks, please contact the Welsh Sports Association via the e-mail address or Helpline service below:
admin@vibrantnation.co.uk Tel 029 2033 4995
Alternatively contact your Weightlifting Wales safeguarding officers Simon Roach and Hannah Powell via the details below:
Simon.roach@weightlifting.wales; Hannah.powell@weightlifting.wales
Policies, Forms and Useful Guidance
pdf
Safeguarding Children Policy
word
Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form
word
Bullying Report Form
pdf
Safeguarding Reporting Flowchart
pdf
Preventing Abuse in Positions of Trust in Sport
pdf
Welsh County Safeguarding Contacts
pdf
Guidance for responding to a concern
pdf
Photography Guidelines
pdf
Duty of Care Policy and Procedures
pdf
Lead Safeguarding Officer Role Description
Weightlifting Wales Welfare and Safeguarding Officers
Simon Roach, Strategy and Development Manager
Hannah Powell, Business Support Officer
Useful Contacts
NSPCC
Childline
0800 1111
