As Safeguarding Officers, you play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of all members of our bowling community. By being vigilant and proactive, you help to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can participate without fear. Your efforts are essential in maintaining the integrity of our sport and protecting the interests of our members – we thank you for your efforts.
Please see below for key resources explaining how to become a Safeguarding Officer, how to respond to a safeguarding concern and how to create safer and more inclusive environments.
New Safeguarding Officer resources will be available soon.
Safeguarding Officer FAQs
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 Strong Commitment to Safeguarding
- A Willingness to Learn
- An Enhanced DBS Check
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. 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:
- Teachers and School Staff
- Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
- Social Workers
- Police Officers
- Mental Health Professionals
- Safeguarding Officers from other sports
Clubs may wish to 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.
How can the Safeguarding Officer contribute to a more inclusive sport?
The Safeguarding Officer plays a key role in fostering an environment that’s welcoming and fair for everybody. By becoming well-versed in Bowls England’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and its Action Plan, they will be equipped to:
- Identify and address potential barriers
- Promote equal opportunities
- Support a culture of respect
Does the Safeguarding Officer role require a DBS check?
Yes, to ensure the safety of everyone involved, all Safeguarding Officers require an in-date Enhanced DBS certificate. The Bowls England website provides clear instructions and helpful links to the DBS for further information.
The DBS check must be performed under either Bowls England or any other bowls code, whereby the certificate will be in date for 3 years. However, if you’re registered with the Government Update Service, you might be eligible for an automatic renewal.
Many clubs are happy to cover the cost of the DBS check to support their Safeguarding Officer. We encourage you to inquire about this when applying for the role.
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 thrive. Bowls England recommends completing the Coach Bowls ‘Safeguarding Officer Training’. This course covers adults, children, and best practices. It’s a 4-hour online course via Zoom and results in a certificate.
If the individual has safeguarding qualifications from a recognised provider, contact the Bowls England Safeguarding Team for approval.
Bowls England will also provide annual training so that Officers can stay up-to-date on the latest safeguarding practices (details coming soon).
We’re committed to the Officers success, they will have access to resources, guidance, and the opportunity to connect with other Safeguarding Officers within our network.
Does the club offer support for covering the cost of training for Safeguarding Officers?
Many Clubs are happy to cover the cost of Safeguarding Officer training, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding within the sport. Be sure to enquire about this when applying for the role.