Club Welfare Officer
The role of a swimming club welfare officer is essential in providing the first point of contact for children, parents and adults within the club who have a child safeguarding or welfare concern.
Bart Popelier – bart@popelier.co.uk
What does a club welfare officer do?
- To be the first point of contact for club staff, volunteers, young people, and parents for any issues concerning child welfare, poor practice or potential or alleged abuse.
- To assist the club in implementing Wavepower, Swim England’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures document.
- To ensure that all incidents are reported correctly and referred, in accordance with Wavepower.
- To act independently and in the best interests of a child at the club, putting their needs above that of others and the club itself.
- To ensure that all relevant club members, volunteers and staff have an up to date DBS Enhanced Disclosure (this should be updated every three years) and the opportunity to access appropriate child safeguarding training.
- To ensure that Codes of Conduct are in place for club staff, volunteers, coaches, competitors and parents.
- To ensure confidentiality is maintained and information is only shared on a ‘need to know’ basis.