UK Athletics has expanded its Safeguarding Case Management Group (CMG) to 11 panel members, significantly strengthening the independent oversight and expertise supporting safeguarding decision‑making across the sport.

The Case Management Group exists to provide independent advice and guidance to the UK Athletics Safeguarding Team in managing safeguarding cases. The expansion of the group enhances its capacity and ensures robust and timely decision‑making to protect children and all participants within athletics.

The CMG plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of safeguarding processes. Its responsibilities include providing independent opinions, supporting case‑handling decisions, advising on risk management, and contributing to the development of safeguarding practice and policy.

All CMG members are fully independent of UK Athletics and are not employed by, nor remunerated by, the organisation. Members volunteer their time and bring extensive experience from sectors including law, education, social care, sport, and the charity sector.

The CMG will:

• Provide independent and informed advice, drawing on extensive professional expertise.
• Promote cooperation, consistency, and confidence in safeguarding‑related decision‑making.
• Assist with decisions on case handling, including interim and final outcomes.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are addressed fairly, equitably, and within appropriate timescales.
• Advise on policy and practice development arising from casework.
• Consider adverse Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and advise on their implications.
• Support a safeguarding culture that prioritises welfare and minimises risk across the sport.

The CMG will review and provide advice on:

• Individual safeguarding cases referred by the UK Athletics Safeguarding Team.
• Threshold decisions, including escalation, internal management, or external referral.
• Risk assessments related to individuals subject to safeguarding concerns.
• The application of interim safeguarding measures, including restrictions or suspensions.
• The consistency of safeguarding decision‑making across the sport.
• Best‑practice scrutiny, including advice on transparency and historic case reviews.

Kim Pearce, UK Athletics Safeguarding Manager, said:

“We are extremely lucky and grateful to have such a vast pool of experience within our expanded Case Management Group. The CMG is made up of experts in safeguarding, all of whom have extensive experience in safeguarding practice and investigations.

“CMG members are completely independent of UK Athletics, ensuring our case management process has integrity, transparency, and fully reflects the principles of natural justice. This supports fair, unbiased, and consistent decision‑making. None of our panel members are employed by UK Athletics or paid for their services. They generously volunteer their time to support our commitment to transparency and fairness. We would like to sincerely thank all CMG volunteers for their dedication and support of the UK Athletics Safeguarding Team.”