Inside the Sport Welfare Officer Network
There’s something powerful about bringing people together who share the same mission: making sport safer for everyone. At the recent Sport Welfare Officer (SWO) Network away day, that sense of purpose was clear. The room buzzed with ideas, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating environments where young people and adults feel included, heard, protected and valued.
From presentations and discussions on youth voice (reminding us that listening is a process, not a one-off event) to practical tips for creating safe spaces at events, the day was full of insight. We explored creative engagement tools like Active Dorset’s most recent video featuring real clubs, heard inspiring examples of how British Judo are creating a culture safe for athletes with disabilities, and debated how to challenge outdated views in sport.
There are challenges: not all clubs, sports, places and people are the same. Trying to take a blanket approach is not what is needed. It became clear that SWOs prioritise building relationships with clubs and NGBs and ensuring a service that is based on what an organisation needs.
The passion and expertise in the room made one thing clear: this network is a game-changer.
What is the Sport Welfare Officer Network?
Video created by Active Sussex to describe how the SWO can support local clubs.
The Sport Welfare Officer Network is a nationwide initiative funded by Sport England through National Lottery investment and delivered by Active Partnerships. Its purpose is to strengthen safeguarding and welfare support at every level of sport.
With 63 Sport Welfare Officers now in post across 42 Active Partnerships, the network works alongside our team at the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), our partners at the Ann Craft Trust and NGBs to:
- provide local support for club welfare officers
- signpost clubs to trusted advice and guidance
- facilitate training and networking opportunities
- share best practice to create safer cultures
- raise awareness of safeguarding at local events
SWOs do not manage concerns directly — all safeguarding concerns must follow the NGB or club policy.
This programme complements existing safeguarding services and embedding welfare into the culture of sport.
Want to connect?
If you’re a club or NGB looking for support or want to learn more, find your local Sport Welfare Officer on the Active Partnership website.
Together, we can make sport safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone.