On 13 June, the Active Partnerships National Organisation (APNO), hosted the first away day in Birmingham for the new network of Sport Welfare Officers (SWOs), bringing them together to discuss progress, build relationships and agree ways of working.
The away day was attended by representatives from almost all of the 43 Active Partnerships from across England, Sport England, National Governing Bodies of Sport, the NSPCC and other partners, and provided the first opportunity for the newly recruited Sport Welfare Officers to get together.
As well as an initial introduction from Laura Middleton, Strategic Lead for Welfare for the APNO, and a warm welcome from Jeremy Lemarchand from Sport England, the delegates were treated to a thought-provoking presentation from Hayley Lever, CEO of GM Moving who talked about how the network can create the conditions for change, at scale.
The afternoon session included a Q & A with Marc Scott from British Triathlon and Lois Harrison from Basketball England, hosted by Michelle North from the Child Protection in Sport Unit, who have been a key partner in helping to establish the SWO network.
Laura Middleton explained the importance of the away day: “About 18 months ago a group of people came together to discuss the formation of a network of Sport Welfare Officers, and to see everyone in the room today is an amazing testament to all the partners involved in establishing this unique network. At the start of the event, attendees were asked to think about what they wanted to get out of the day, and some common themes emerged. Making sure this day was collaborative, a safe space and one which encouraged generation of ideas was asked for, and the event provided just that.
“This event has been great; the conversations have been enthusiastic and insightful throughout the day. Jeremy from Sport England started the day off, with an encouragement for the network and partners to work innovatively, and Hayley’s session led on perfectly by providing evidence-based learnings about how we can create the conditions for culture change. We were privileged to hear from NGBs about how they are addressing key challenges, and the vital role the network will play in supporting their club welfare officers”.
Leah Goode, Sport Welfare Manager at Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, gave her thoughts on the event: “I found the day very informative and useful. It was great to network and meet fellow SWOs as well as have positive and key discussions with Jeremy and NGBs.
“It was great to discuss with others, what we plan to deliver universally across England and I’m looking forward to delivering on this and attending our next face to face event!”
Emma Swan, Sport Welfare Officer at Active Suffolk added: “I thoroughly enjoyed our Sport Welfare Officer away day. I loved being able to meet with my regional colleagues, as well as those across the national network. This day gave us a great chance to connect and gather learning and insights from each other. It was wonderful to feel how much passion and motivation we share for enhancing safety and an inclusive culture in sport.
“Hearing from professionals in other areas of the sporting sector was valuable as it meant that we got to hear things from different viewpoints. I came away feeling inspired and excited for what we can, and will, achieve.”
The day finished with group discussions around a universal delivery model and conversations about how the network can collaborate to achieve its outcomes.
For more details about the Sport Welfare Officer Network, please visit this webpage.
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