The standards are set by the Child Protection in Sport Unit and measure the effectiveness of sport national governing bodies safeguarding practice across a number of different criteria, such as policy, procedures, training and education, and implementing and monitoring practice and activity.
The aim is to ensure that national governing bodies have robust safeguarding plans, and the WRU are committed to this to ensure that we support clubs in building safe and inclusive environments and developing a safeguarding culture throughout Welsh Rugby.
Safeguarding is the golden thread that should run through every organisation, and the WRU are committed to delivering best practice in the various rugby activities that take place every week across Wales. Coaches who are working with children in regulated activity have additional responsibilities and are in a Position of Trust. They are role models and leaders key who are working together to create exceptional experiences and opportunities for everyone throughout our game.
Coaches must be qualified, and competent, but also vetted to work with children, and work collaboratively with Club Safeguarding Officers to provide safe and inclusive environments.
The WRU delivered Safeguarding Roadshows in the summer with 272 volunteers attending 12 events held throughout Wales. The central theme was working together and building a cohesive one club approach. There were other discussion topics such as Parents in Sport, Club Safeguarding Officer updates, and consultation regarding the WRU Safeguarding Policy review.
In September the WRU launched the new Safeguarding Policy and a number of other resources to support clubs to build a safeguarding culture, these included an easy read version of the policy, along with some storybooks for young children to promote the values of rugby.
Community Director Geraint John stated ‘There is a huge amount of work that has been completed to achieve the Level 3 Standard, and it’s been a real team effort from everyone across the organisation to accomplish this.
“We are confident in our safeguarding practice, but we also recognise the need to keep learning and developing in this key area of business, there are always new challenges on the horizon, and we need to continue to develop both our proactive and reactive response to these challenges to ensure that our game is safe.
“I would also like to thank our unsung heroes, all the Club Safeguarding Officers across Wales who do such great work, and our Independent Safeguarding Advisory Group for their support throughout this process.”
