8th November 2018

New Measures In Coach Education To Further Improve Safeguarding

A new mandatory online safeguarding course for all athletics coaches has been launched in an effort to ensure that all children, young people and adults at risk within the sport are protected.

UKA and the Home Country Athletics Federations, have been working with EduCare – an independent and industry-leading provider – to develop the bespoke online safeguarding course which will meet the blended training requirements within the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) annual NGB assessment process.

Children, young people and adults at risk are best protected when those working directly with them are clear about what is required of them individually, and how they need to work together in partnership with others to promote the best interests of these individuals and their families.

Nigel Holl, UKA Interim Chief Executive said, “Safeguarding is everyone’s business and UKA alongside the Home Country Athletics Federations are leading by example by meeting the requirements of the CPSU.  We want, and need children, young people and adults at risk to feel safe and at ease in all athletics environments, so it is critical that all our coaches – whatever level and experience – complete the online course so we can maintain the integrity of our sport and the safety of those within it.

“We understand the huge time and resource demands on our dedicated and primary volunteer workforce, which is why extra measures have been taken to ensure this is a course they can complete in their own time and at lowest possible cost due to it being subsidised.

“When it comes to welfare and safeguarding we cannot take any shortcuts in getting this right; we have to ensure athletics coaches are best prepared but also that we help them to do it affordably and with a course that most closely meets the unique requirements of our sport.”

The new online safeguarding course will be introduced in phases from 1st April 2019 to coincide with each coach’s DBS renewal.  The online nature of the training allows coaches to complete it in their own time and choice of location.  The course, which is subsidised, will cost £10 to access, comprises two modules as well as a short, multiple-choice test after each module. It has been devised specifically for athletics using UKA’s existing welfare policies and procedures, so all examples are relevant to the sport.   

The course and information is available at http://www.uka.org.uk/SafeguardingCourse