Welfare Officers
Everyone in hockey has a responsibility to safeguard and protect young people. Our Welfare Officers promote good practice, provide a named point of contact, and ensure that England Hockey’s reporting procedures are followed.
Welfare Officers are here to support players, parents, coaches and volunteers whenever concerns arise.
They promote our safeguarding culture, help ensure policies are followed, and make sure everyone in the club knows how to raise a concern.
England Hockey provides training and resources to support Welfare Officers, but their role at club level is essential to making hockey safe, inclusive and welcoming.
Our Welfare Officer(s)
Overview
- Be the first point of contact for staff, volunteers, parents and young people where concerns about welfare, poor practice or child abuse are identified.
- Implement the club’s reporting and recording procedures.
- Promote the club’s Codes of Conduct and safeguarding best practice.
- Support the club in fulfilling its safeguarding responsibilities.
- Help volunteers keep DBS checks, certificates and training up to date.
- Sit on the club’s management committee as safeguarding lead.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Promote anti-discriminatory practice.
- Act as the link to England Hockey’s Lead Safeguarding Officer.
- Maintain contact details for local social services, police and safeguarding boards.
- Understand the club’s safeguarding policies and responsibilities.
- Know the boundaries of the Welfare Officer role.
- Be familiar with England Hockey’s Safeguarding & Protecting Young People Policy.
- Hold basic knowledge of statutory agencies (social services, police, safeguarding boards) and how to contact them.
- Be aware of equalities, diversity and inclusion in safeguarding.
- Basic understanding of core child protection legislation and government guidance (through training).
- Approachable and child-focused.
- Good listener with empathy.
- Able to provide advice and basic support.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Organised with basic admin and record-keeping ability.
- Able to promote club policies, procedures and resources confidently.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
but Welfare Officers are here to make sure it’s done right.
If you’re interested in becoming a Welfare Officer or supporting the safeguarding team, please contact the Club Secretary or one of our current Welfare Officers. Training and support are available through England Hockey.
