Insights from the Wales Safeguarding Lead Support Forum
By Cerri Dando-Thompson, Senior Safeguarding Consultant for Wales and Interim Head of Services CPSU
On 13 February, we hosted the first in person Wales Safeguarding Lead Support Forum of 2025, in collaboration with the Ann Craft Trust. This forum, one of three held annually, serves as a crucial platform for discussing and enhancing safeguarding practices in Wales. In this blog, Cerri talks about why it was important to bring young people into the conversation and hear from them directly.
The power of youth involvement
“The feedback from our panel assessments and direct communications with the National Governing Bodies and National Partners in Wales, highlighted a recurring theme: the need for more practical and cost-effective ways to include children and young people in decision-making processes.
We have previously provided training through our core programme and covered similar topics in past forums; however, the persistent demand for fresh ideas led us to invite three young individuals actively involved in sports and physical activities to share their perspectives.
Young people and capturing their voice in sport
- Rachel’s session titled ‘Why does it matter?’, focused on the importance of including children and young people in decision-making. She highlighted the reasons for their involvement and the positive impact it can have on creating safer environments.
- Elisa delivered a highly engaging session on how to involve young people through social media. She shared detailed statistics and insights into which age groups use different platforms, emphasising the need for using the right apps to reach the right audiences.
- Guto concluded the forum by discussing codes of conduct. He provided examples of good and poor practices and explained the significance of a well-defined code of conduct from a young person’s perspective.
All three young people provided clear and concise advice, information and feedback. They all emphasised the importance of using appropriate language, design and keeping children and young people at the centre and forefront of sport. This was invaluable, as it highlighted the real impact of our efforts and the areas needing improvement.
It was inspiring to see young people commanding the room, which included over 40 experienced professionals and guiding discussions. They held the safeguarding leads to account by asking them what they were doing to involve children and young people in their sport.
Rachel even went as far as to say, “Please don’t let me stand up here now and that’s the end of it. Go home and think about how you can implement these ideas. I’ll be checking in on you to see what you’ve done.”
When young people get the chance to speak up, ask questions, and share their perspectives, it’s not only good for their personal growth; it builds a culture of safety and respect that reflects their needs.
Their confidence and ability to lead these sessions were truly remarkable.
Why involving young people matters
Young people are experiencing sport and physical activity environments first-hand; therefore, they can give the greatest and most beneficial insight. We will continue to champion their right to have their say on creating safer sports environments because their experience and contributions are invaluable.
The Wales Safeguarding Lead Support Forums will continue to serve as a platform for amplifying their voices and fostering meaningful dialogue. The young people presented at this forum because it is what NGBs and NP’s were telling us they needed. But as Rachel said, we want to see change. As such, we will continually support and monitor alongside sports in Wales to help see that change happen.
Together, we can build a future where every young person can enjoy and thrive in sport and physical activity.”
>To read this in Welsh, reset the language of our page using the Accessibility Toolbar in the Footer of our website.
