Learn how the Sport Welfare Officer Network connects Club Welfare Officers, delivers safeguarding training and supports inclusive, safe sport across London
The Sport Welfare Officer Network exists to help clubs, volunteers and governing bodies create safer and more inclusive sporting spaces. Funded by Sport England using National Lottery investment, the Network forms part of the wider Uniting the Movement strategy and fulfils a specific commitment in the policy response to the Whyte review of abuse in gymnastics.
At its core the Network acts as a practical resource and an information hub, ensuring that the lessons from national reviews and strategic plans reach grassroots settings as well as formal organisations.
The Network works with a wide range of partners, from National Governing Bodies to small community groups, offering tailored support to the people who keep sport running.
That includes Club Welfare Officers (known as CWOs), safeguarding leads, coaches, parents and participants. By combining expertise, training and peer-to-peer connection, the Network aims to reduce harm, improve reporting and make safeguarding processes clearer and more accessible for everyone involved in sport across London.
What the Network provides
The Network’s activity is organised around four central aims that guide all its work. First, to connect practitioners and volunteers: building channels for CWOs to share learning and support one another across different sports. Second, to support those in welfare roles by delivering training, templates and practical help with policies and codes of conduct. Third, to raise awareness by bringing national safeguarding campaigns down to club level so both children and adults are better protected. And fourth, to enable safer and more inclusive environments by offering guidance that helps clubs move from intention to practical action.
How we prioritise our work
The Network tailors activity to reflect local need, focusing on work that benefits Londoners while remaining open to any sport that wants help. It works with both sports affiliated to a national governing body and unaffiliated community physical activity groups, and it supports not only CWOs but also coaches, parents and participants. Upskilling is targeted to need, with training developed when gaps are identified. Inclusivity sits at the heart of our approach, and we encourage governing bodies to make sure CWOs understand correct referral routes, including reporting to internal safeguarding officers and LADOs. Above all, we promote the importance of safeguarding adults and children through ongoing education and practical resources.
Training and practical support
The Network runs a wide range of internal and external training for CWOs, safeguarding leads, coaches and parents. Topics include recognising signs of abuse and self-harm, safeguarding and protecting children and adults, differentiating between safeguarding concerns and poor practice, writing clear safeguarding policies and incident reports, managing and referring cases, responding to traumatic situations and wellbeing-related concerns, and preventing burnout through self-care for those in safeguarding roles. We also cover online safety, social media policy, mental health first aid and strategies for working effectively with parents in sporting settings. Bespoke sessions can be developed for specific community or club needs; please email to discuss tailored options and bookings.
Events, booking and community groups
The Network hosts free events and workshops throughout the year; currently the calendar shows that April 2026 has no scheduled events. For updates on upcoming opportunities and to book training, clubs and individuals should contact us directly at [email protected]. We also facilitate a Pan-London Spond group for Club Welfare Officers where resources, news and event notices are shared. Club Welfare Officers in any sport are invited to join via the sign-up link available on our webpage, creating a practical forum to exchange experience and ask for peer advice.
Get involved and keep informed
If you volunteer or work in sport — whether as a coach, exercise professional, club leader, safeguarding lead, parent or participant — the Network encourages you to sign up for our monthly newsletter. The bulletin highlights free events, learning opportunities and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) offers, keeping practitioners informed about safeguarding trends and practical tools. By connecting, training and sharing resources the Network supports the people who protect participants, helping clubs apply best practice and respond confidently when concerns arise.
Contact and next steps
For general enquiries use [email protected], and for borough-specific support please contact the local representative listed on our site. Whether you are developing a safeguarding policy, preparing a case report, or simply seeking peer support, the Network is set up to provide pragmatic help. Join our Spond group, sign up for the newsletter and get the tailored training your club needs to strengthen safeguarding and welfare in sport across London.
