In June 2025 we ran our first ‘Safeguarding in the High-Performance System Forum’, developed in partnership with UK Sport and the Ann Craft Trust.
The aim of the forum is to create an opportunity to bring high-performance sport safeguarding professionals together, to network and connect, learn from experts, and explore emerging trends in the world of elite sport.
GB Boxing
In the first session we spotlighted safeguarding arrangements in GB Boxing, with Head of Operations Laura Ross. GB Boxing are a great example of an organisation taking a holistic approach to safeguarding. They provide training to staff and athletes that not only covers safeguarding, but also areas such as mental health, anti-racism and diversity and inclusion, via a multidisciplinary team.
GB Boxing work closely with their Home Nations partners, England Boxing, Welsh Boxing and Boxing Scotland, to make sure that safeguarding is seamless across the partnership. This helps to protect athletes and staff at all levels.
Safe Sport Project
We also covered the recently published Safe Sport Project with Judy Tumber, UK Sport’s Integrity and Safeguarding Manager. The project provides a vision and framework for Safe Sport in the UK, which makes recommendations in areas such as complaint handling, funding and delivery, and strategy and operating structure. You can find out more about the Safe Sport Report on the UK Sport website.
Feedback for the future
We asked attendees what topics and themes they would find useful, so we know what to cover in future sessions. One request was for a session on online safety, so we will deliver this at our next forum, supported by leading researchers and practitioners.
The next forum will be held in November at SportPark Loughborough, and will be our first in-person session. We’re excited to welcome Neil Cooper to the event, who has been appointed as the new project director for the Safe Sport Project.