Exploring safeguarding training

There are different levels of safeguarding training which can be completed, which is determined by the role to be undertaken, the level of engagement with children/ adults at risk and the frequency of the engagement.

Introductory level

Whilst it is not essential, everyone can benefit from taking an introductory course, such as the NSPCC’s Child protection in sport – online course. These courses provide basic information only but are sufficient for those with:

• No contact with children and young people or adults at risk
• Incidental contact with children and young people or adults at risk
• Regular contact, but no direct responsibility for them

Alternative introductory courses include:

• Duty to Care Course suite of courses (Safeguarding element) - This course is free
• Introduction to Safeguarding course children and young people from the NSPCC or via Educare 
• Introduction to Safeguarding course adults at risk from the Ann Craft Trust (ACT)  

Basic level safeguarding training

The basic level training is appropriate for those who have regular contact and direct responsibility for children and young people and/or adults at risk. Suitable courses would include:

• UK Coaching’s Basic Safeguarding and Protecting Children’s Course or the NGB equivalent
• Some Active Partnerships in your county provide training, you can find your local Active Partnership  by clicking here  

For those working with adults in sport and in roles with a direct responsibility for player’s welfare, recognising and raising concerns of adult safeguarding issues (ie coaches, team managers, physio) then one of the following safeguarding courses would be recommended:

Safeguarding adults

• UK Coaching and ACT safeguarding adults online course 
• Safeguarding adults in sport and activity training: Level 2 

For further guidance on which training course is right, visit the CPSU website here