Welfare Officer Guidance
The Welfare Officer (WO) is a key role within Rounders. By designating people to this role, Rounders England can ensure that someone is identifiable as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within a team, league or club. It is essential to ensure that the team/ league/ club has someone trained and supported to handle any welfare issues. All teams with young people should to appoint at least one Welfare Officer.
If you are appointed as your team’s WO then it is important to know what is expected within this role. The person must be approachable and be comfortable talking to people of all ages. The WO plays a key role in ensuring all members within the team or league feel safe and respected. It is their responsibility to act on any issues that arise. The person will need to be available if anyone has any concerns about the welfare of a child or adult at risk. This includes any poor practice/ abuse that is having a detrimental effect to the club, team, child or adult at risk. This role is important as it allows all participants to feel safe and enjoy playing in a happy and fun environment.
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Guidance Pack
We have created a Welfare Officer Guidance Pack for everyone who has been appointed to this role. The pack aims to provide you with advice, tips and support within your role. The pack contains a checklist that all new and current WO’s should use to update and keep track of their training stages. After completing this you should have everything you need in order to start carrying out the role effectively.
Guidance and Templates for Teams & Leagues
Additional Downloadable Resources
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Training
Rounders England can offer member teams funding up to £35 per team towards training to support you in your Welfare Officer role. This is to ensure you feel equipped to deal with any safeguarding issues if they arise.
If you require training please contact us or check the training and courses section within Safeguarding to see what is available in your area.
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Recognising & Responding to concerns
Allegations of abuse or poor practice must be reported to Rounders England. It is important when reporting an incident that Rounders England are informed as soon as possible in order to effectively manage any case or concern.
Inside Rounders / Outside Rounders / Incident Report Form
REPORT A CONCERN