This section provides comprehensive information on the Safeguarding Officer role, including detailed guidance, updated job descriptions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Bowls England’s Safeguarding Team has issued a guidance document outlining the mandated responsibilities of Safeguarding Officers. Supplementary resources are attached in the Resources section.
What is the role of a Safeguarding Officer?
The Safeguarding Officer plays a vital role in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport of bowls. A key responsibility of the Safeguarding Officer is to record and report safeguarding concerns to Bowls England. Also to cultivate a positive environment of safety and respect within the bowls community.
Who can be a Safeguarding Officer?
Anyone passionate about creating a safe and positive environment in our sport can become a Safeguarding Officer, subject to checks. This vital role requires dedication to protecting participants, the ideal candidate possesses:
- A commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of members and participants
- A willingness to take part in development opportunities to support one’s understanding of how to make an impact in this area
- A clear Enhanced DBS check, recorded by Bowls England
- Experience working with people in a safeguarding context is desirable
Does the Safeguarding Officer need to be a member of the bowls club?
While a love for bowls is a plus, it’s not essential. Affiliated Clubs may welcome applications from anyone with a strong background in safeguarding, welfare, or education. Their expertise in protecting vulnerable individuals is what truly matters and our recommended training provider, Coach Bowls, run provide training on the specifics of bowls to ensure they are comfortable in the role. Suitable individuals for the role may be (but not limited to):
- Teachers and School Staff
- Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
- Social Workers
- Police Officers
- Mental Health Professionals
- Safeguarding Officers from other sports
It is encouraged that Affiliated Clubs extend an honorary membership to the Safeguarding Officer, granting them access to the club’s facilities and fostering a sense of belonging within the bowls community, this will also allow them to meet members and to form trust. Two character references must be provided using the Bowls England template.
How many Safeguarding Officers are needed per Club?
While only one Safeguarding Officer is mandatory, good practice in larger Affiliated Clubs suggests having multiple which may include having a split of genders to aid inclusivity. A general guideline suggests that one Safeguarding Officer can effectively support between 100 and 150 members. However, the specific number may vary depending on the individual needs and circumstances of each Club.
Can Affiliated Clubs share a Safeguarding Officer?
Affiliated Clubs within a County can explore sharing a Safeguarding Officer. This can be a great option for smaller Affiliated Clubs, although an agreement should be set to ensure Affiliated Clubs understand their joint responsibilities.
Affiliated Clubs may operate in venues that accommodate multiple sports and share a Safeguarding Officer. This is acceptable as long as the Bowls England Safeguarding Team has the necessary information about the Officer’s qualifications and contact details.
Does the Safeguarding Officer role require a DBS check?
Bowls England require all Safeguarding Officers require an in-date Enhanced DBS certificate.
The DBS check must be performed under either Bowls England or any other bowls code. The certificate will be valid for 3 years. However, individuals registered with the Government Update Service may be eligible for an automatic renewal.
The Bowls England website provides clear instructions and helpful links to the DBS for further information.
What training will the Safeguarding Officer require to be equipped for the role?
We strongly believe in equipping our Safeguarding Officers with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver the best possible experience.
In order to become officially appointed as Safeguarding Officer, the individual must complete a set of training as detailed in the ‘The steps to becoming a Safeguarding Officer’ pdf in the resources section. If the individual already has safeguarding training, let the Bowls England Safeguarding Team know so they can assess the qualifications.
Bowls England will also provide annual training so that Officers can stay up to date on the latest safeguarding practices (details coming soon).
How can a Safeguarding Officer keep their Club Committee informed?
Safeguarding is a collaborative effort, and the Safeguarding Officer plays a vital role in keeping the committee updated. Ensure safeguarding is a standing item on the agenda at every committee meeting, ideally, the Safeguarding Officer will be invited to attend the meetings which allows them to directly address the committee, answer questions, and provide updates. If attending meetings isn’t always feasible, the Safeguarding Officer can submit a written report to the Chair who can then present the report during the meet.
