What does a club welfare officer do?
Howard Robinson, Helen Hart and Heather Allen are club Welfare Officers for Hart Road Runners. But what do we do? Generally club welfare officers are there to ensure that the club fulfills its safeguarding duties to children and adults. England Athletics says that the role involves the following:
“A supportive and positive environment in which children and adults can enjoy athletics safely is vital. You’ll provide leadership in the safeguarding of children and adults within the club and act as a key point of contact for anyone needing support or guidance. You will also need to maintain relationships with the UK Athletics welfare team. You’ll report to the club committee and work closely with the club team managers and the club coaching coordinator. Annually you will have to undertake an appropriate safeguarding course.”
Hart Road Runners is an adults-only club, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t worry about welfare – adults can be at risk as well. This can be for a whole host of reasons, such as having mental health problems, and so anyone in the club may feel that they need help. Safeguarding also crosses over with health and safety. One of our roles is to make sure that people feel safe and included when they are running with the club, for example that they don’t get left behind on a run or in cases of bullying.
We also have a range of policies concerned with children’s safeguarding and these are available below.
If something happens that makes you feel uncomfortable, please contact Howard, Helen or Heather for assistance, so they can deal with your concerns sensitively and promptly. This can be done by selecting the “Welfare” option on our contact page and one of Howard, Helen or Heather will get back to you.
Please click on the link below if you require further information on HRR or EA safeguarding and welfare policies.
Code of Conduct for Athletics Clubs: https://www.uka.org.
Code of Conduct for Athletes: https://www.uka.org.
Code of Conduct for Coaches: https://www.uka.org.