Useful Links & Resources
Updated: Oct 13
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING FOR COACHES
We strongly recommend that all coaches complete recognised safeguarding training to ensure they understand their responsibilities and know how to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns.
The following organisations offer safeguarding training and resources:
UK Coaching – Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding training and professional development resources to help coaches create safe sporting environments and protect children and young people.
NSPCC Learning – Safeguarding Training
A range of safeguarding courses covering child protection, recognising and responding to concerns, and safeguarding responsibilities. https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/training
Safeguarding Today – Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding training and consultancy for organisations and professionals looking to develop their safeguarding knowledge and practice. Contact the provider for details of available courses and CPD accreditation. https://safeguardingtoday.co.uk/
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD
We highly recommend all clubs appoint a Safeguarding Officer/Lead and that they receive additional safeguarding training on handling case management.
CPSU & UK Coaching - Welfare Officer Training: Time to Listen Time to Listen is a role-specific safeguarding workshop developed in partnership with the NSPCC and the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU). It helps Welfare Officers understand their responsibilities, respond to and report safeguarding concerns, support coaches, and contribute to a child-centred safeguarding culture.
NSPCC Learning – Designated Safeguarding Lead Training for Sport and Leisure
This one-day training course is designed for people responsible for safeguarding in sports organisations and leisure facilities. It helps Designated Safeguarding Leads understand their roles and responsibilities, respond to and manage safeguarding concerns, make referrals, and strengthen child protection policies and practice within their organisation.
Safeguarding Today – Designated Safeguarding Officer Training
Safeguarding Today is a specialist safeguarding consultancy and training provider supporting organisations across sport, education, charities and other sectors. Its training helpssafeguarding professionals strengthentheir knowledge, respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and develop effective safeguarding policies and practices. Training can betailored to an organisation's needs.
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DBS CHECKING SERVICES
SportCheer England administers DBS checks through First Advantage via the Sport:80 platform. Clubs should use this process when applying for DBS checks for eligible coaches, volunteers and other relevant personnel.
Please access the Sport:80 platform to complete the appropriate DBS application by clicking 'screening requests' and follow the instructions provided throughout the process.
If you have any questions about applying for a DBS check or require support with the process, please contact SportCheer England for assistance.
Alternative DBS Checking Services
If your club is unable to complete a DBS check through SportCheer England’s First Advantage system via Sport:80, the following alternatives may be worth exploring:
Local council: Some local councils offer DBS checks through an umbrella organisation. Contact your council’s sports department to ask whether this service is available.
GOV.UK: Use the official DBS umbrella body finder to locate an organisation that can arrange an eligible enhanced DBS check. Fees may apply, and volunteer checks may be available at a reduced cost.
Care Check: https://www.carecheck.co.uk
uCheck: https://www.ucheck.co.uk
Disclosures DBS: https://www.disclosuresdbs.co.uk
The Child Protection Company: https://www.childprotectioncompany.com
First Advantage: https://fadv.onlinedisclosures.co.uk
Please note: Before using an alternative provider, clubs should contact SportCheer England to confirm that the proposed checking arrangements meet the organisation’s safeguarding requirements. Not all roles are eligible for an enhanced DBS check, and the appropriate level of check must be established for each role.
SAFEGUARDING RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Sport England - Resources and guidance on safeguarding in sport, including advice for clubs, coaches and organisations on creating safe sporting environments.
UK Coaching - Resources, advice and tools to help coaches deliver effective, positive and inclusive coaching.
Sport and Recreation Alliance - Guidance for sports organisations on safeguarding children and developing appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures.
NSPCC Sport – Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) - Specialist safeguarding resources for sport, including guidance, policy templates, training and advice on protecting children in sporting environments. https://sport.nspcc.org.uk/resources-and-tools/
NSPCC Learning – Safeguarding in Sport Training - Online training to help coaches, staff and volunteers recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns in sport. https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/safeguarding-in-sport
NSPCC Learning – Child Protection Resources - Resources and guidance on topics including bullying, sexual abuse, trafficking, mental health, neglect and online safety. https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources
iCoachKids – Child-Centred Coaching Resources - Free resources and online courses to help coaches create positive, safe and child-centred sporting environments. Topics include safeguarding, child development, motivation, inclusion and understanding children's needs.
Resources: https://icoachkids.org/the-hub
Free online courses: https://icoachkids.org/courses
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING SUPPORT
Save the Children - Downloadable reports, fact sheets and resources covering child protection and children's rights. https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/our-thematic-areas/child-protection
Ann Craft Trust - Adult safeguarding resources, guidance and training, including information relevant to sport and physical activity. https://www.anncrafttrust.org/
Childline - Free, confidential information and support for children and young people on topics including abuse, bullying, mental health, relationships and online safety. Call 0800 1111. https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/
Citizens Advice - Information about recognising child abuse, reporting concerns and understanding which organisations can help. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/children-and-young-people/protecting-children/reporting-child-abuse/
NSPCC Helpline - Advice and support for adults who are worried about a child or need guidance on what action to take. Call 0808 800 5000. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/nspcc-helpline/
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH
Samaritans - Free, confidential emotional support for anyone who is struggling or needs someone to talk to. Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
SANE - Information and support for people affected by mental health difficulties, including family members and carers. Check the website for current services and availability.https://www.sane.org.uk/
The Mix - Information and support for young people on mental health, relationships, money, work and other challenges. Check the website for current age eligibility and contact options. https://www.themix.org.uk/
PAPYRUS – HOPELINE247 - Support for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts and anyone concerned about a young person. Visit the website for current telephone, text and email contact details. https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - Support for people experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, with telephone and online support options. https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Nightline - A listening service for students at participating universities and colleges. https://nightline.ac.uk/
Switchboard LGBT+ - Listening support and information for LGBTQ+ people and anyone with questions about sexuality or gender identity .https://switchboard.lgbt/
CRIME, SEXUAL VIOLENCE & ABUSE SUPPORT
Victim Support - Support for anyone affected by crime, whether or not they have reported it to the police. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Survivors UK - Support for men, boys and non-binary people affected by sexual violence, including sexual abuse. https://www.survivorsuk.org/
Solace Women's Aid - Support for women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault .https://www.solacewomensaid.org/
Survivors Gateway - Information and referrals to specialist support services for survivors of sexual violence in London. https://survivorsgateway.london/
NHS – Find a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). - Find specialist services offering medical care, practical support and guidance following rape or sexual assault in England. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre
The Survivors Trust - Information and a directory of specialist services for survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/
Rape Crisis England and Wales - Information and specialist support for people affected by sexual violence. Visit the website for current helpline opening hours and contact options. https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
COUNSELLING & THERAPY
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - Information about counselling and psychotherapy, with a directory to help people find a qualified therapist. https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/how-to-find-a-therapist/
Counselling Directory - A directory for finding counsellors and therapists, with information about different types of counselling and mental health concerns. https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Important Information
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency safeguarding concerns in England, contact the appropriate local authority children's social care team or the police as appropriate.
These resources provide information, advice and support but do not replace SportCheer England's safeguarding policies and reporting procedures. Please check individual organisations' websites for current contact details, opening hours and eligibility requirements.
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