Role of the Club Welfare Officer
Northants Recreational Cricket and the ECB are committed to continuing to provide an environment that is safe, welcoming and friendly for children and for all people to enjoy the game of cricket.
Safeguarding in cricket is based upon providing an enjoyable environment that meets the needs and requirements of children.
A welcoming environment where children are asked for and are able to offer their views and opinions (for example, about the game, training sessions, or arrangements generally) is a safer environment, where children feel more able to share concerns, and everyone feels more able to challenge poor practice or behaviour.
Club Welfare Officers are vital to this and are key members of the club.
Why do clubs need a Club Welfare Officer?
Whilst everyone is responsible for safeguarding, the Club Welfare Officer makes sure things happen.
As the Club Welfare officer you will make sure the policies and procedures are in place, and that everyone who should be vetted to work with children, is vetted by the ECB.
You will be the person that others come to if they have concerns, and having attended the Safe Hands training, you will know what to do, or who to ask for further help.
Training for Club Welfare officers
Club Welfare Officers need to complete two sets of training and have a valid ECB DBS – the ‘Safe Hands Workshop’ which is run by Northants Recreational Cricket, and then a Safeguarding and Protecting Children course which is run by Sports Coach UK.
Every three years, the three requirements must be updated- the Safe Hands course is always face to face and the SPC course is refreshed by doing an online course.
Upcoming Club Welfare Officers Courses
Safehands Courses:
Courses will take place before the 2020 season, more info coming soon.
Safeguarding and Protecting Children’s Courses:
Courses will take place before the 2020 season, more info coming soon.
For further information on courses or on the position of Club Welfare Officers please contact Patricia at patricia.hankins@nccc.co.uk