Swim England update safeguarding training requirements

Swim England are updating their safeguarding training requirements for all members who require a DBS check as part of their role in aquatics and in accordance with Wavepower.

Safeguarding is a mandatory requirement for swimming teachers, coaches and relevant club personnel within Swim England affiliated clubs or activities and is an integral part of the Club Affiliation process.

From January 1 2024, the national governing body will only accept Swim England Safeguarding training for those working within our clubs, counties and regions.

This change will be mandatory, with a phasing in period for those who hold existing approved safeguarding training that will be valid until it’s expiry date. For those who have not previously completed a Swim England tutor led course, this will be the first step to achieving compliance.

Currently, Swim England accepts child safeguarding training from a limited number of organisations – such as the England & Wales Cricket Board – but none of these are bespoke to Swim England, aquatics or the implementation of Wavepower.

Therefore, the decision has been made to only accept Swim England Safeguarding Training as part of our commitment set out in the Heart of Aquatics.

In April 2020, Swim England launched its own Child Safeguarding CPD tutor led training that has been completed by more than 8,500 people. And in March, Swim England released the first of its learner led Safeguarding Refresher Training Modules to ensure a full range of training is available.

The expectation is that members will complete a three-hour tutor led course as initial training – which is valid for three years – followed by a refresher course three years later so that training can move in a six-year cycle.

This update also addresses a gap in the national governing bodies training policy to cover 16 and 17 year olds who are in a ‘Position of Trust’.

From the start of next year, Swim England Safeguarding Training will be required for those in this age group that are in coaching or teaching roles and are delivering a Swim England recognised activity.

You can find out more information on Safeguarding and DBS requirements here.

If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].