Swim England

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New safeguarding CPD will help clubs meet Stronger Affiliation guidelines

An aquatics-specific safeguarding course has been created by Swim England which will help members and its workforce meet the new Stronger Affiliation guidelines.

The Swim England Safeguarding CPD has been created by the recognised national governing body’s child safeguarding, qualifications and educator training teams.

Those who complete the qualification will tick off a key element of Stronger Affiliation, which is being introduced to show clubs have the highest standards of safe and effective practice in place.

Bookings can now be made on the course at the specially-reduced rate of £25.

Jon Keating, Swim England Club Development Director, said: “Stronger Affiliation is about strengthening the governance of all clubs and safeguarding – therefore protecting our members and workforce – is a critical part of this work.

“Making the CPD aquatics specific will help the safeguarding training be more specific to Swim England clubs rather than some of the more generic courses currently accepted.

“We expect a spike from people needing to complete safeguarding training by December 1 and hope our clubs and members take this opportunity to book onto this key course at this reduced price.”

Three courses have been arranged which are specific to Swim England clubs and members and these will take place on 28 and 30 April and 4 May.

If coaches, teachers and club personnel can’t make those dates, they can still book on the other available courses.

Understand role and responsibilities

Jenni Dearman, Swim England’s National Child Safeguarding Manager, explained why the new CPD has been devised and introduced.

“Swim England is committed to ensuring that all children who take part in Swim England activities are able to have fun and participate in an environment that keeps them safeguarded from harm and promotes their welfare at all times,” she said.

“Approximately 75 per cent of the Swim England membership is under the age of 18. It is vitally important that adults working or volunteering with children are supported by us to understand their role and responsibilities so they know how to react to and report any child safeguarding concerns.”

The course reflects Wavepower, Swim England’s recently updated child safeguarding policy and procedures publication. This ensures that learners gain a real understanding of policy, advice and guidance relevant to our sports.

Jenni added: “Feedback and insight from our members showed a need to develop a bespoke Swim England child safeguarding course for our affiliated clubs and members that reflects Wavepower and the policies and procedures of our organisation.

“This CPD aims to provide learners with an understanding of their duties and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children. It also ensures they adopt a child centred approach in their role – listening and understanding the needs and views of children.

“The CPD has been written for any role within our sports that requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

“Everyone who works or volunteers with children has a responsibility to safeguard them from harm and promote a child centred approach.

“This course will ensure the duty and requirements of government legislation and the requirements of Wavepower are fully understood so all learners can play their part regardless of their role.”

A full list of all the dates when the Swim England Safeguarding CPD is taking place can be found on the Institute of Swimming website.

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