Scottish Rugby broadens safeguarding approach to cover whole rugby community

Historically seen as a reactive measure to dealing with concerns over child safety the new approach, endorsed by Chief Executive Alex Williamson, follows the learnings from a recent external audit carried out by industry experts, Patronus Safeguarding.

The audit provided the insight to give Scottish Rugby’s ‘Safeguarding Everyone’ policy a proactive focus and delivering a service to create safe spaces for the whole rugby community in work environments, clubs and teams.

The expanded remit covers both internal activities within Scottish Rugby and also in clubs, particularly adults at risk in mixed ability rugby settings.

Faye Henderson, Head of Safeguarding will lead an expanded safeguarding team alongside Amanda Boyle who has joined Scottish Rugby in the role of Case Management and Training Advisor.

We have also appointed a Safeguarding Compliance Advisor (Elaine McLean) who will be starting on 20 October.

Within Scottish Rugby, robust risk assessment processes will be conducted for relevant activities alongside mandatory training and clear processes for reporting and escalating safeguarding concerns, among other initiatives.

The focus in clubs will evolve from Child Protection Officers to Safeguarding Officers, with a greater level of support for mixed ability clubs.

A new online e-module will also be created to help education around adult safeguarding to support updated guidance being rolled out this season. More volunteer time will also be freed up through the automation of PVG checks.

Speaking on the new policy and approach, Faye Henderson said: “Safeguarding can be seen as a taboo topic and only applied once an incident has occurred. We are taking a proactive stance and broadening our remit to ensure everyone, young people and adults, can enjoy rugby in a safe and accountable way.

“It is vital we deliver this for our people within Scottish Rugby and also share our knowledge and learnings with our national club community so parents and participants at all levels can be confident we are taking their safety and wellbeing on and off the pitch seriously, with robust policies in place.

“We have taken on board the findings from the Patronus audit and, with Alex’s support, increased our resources to enable us to deliver in this essential area.”

CEO Alex Williamson added: “Scottish Rugby’s ‘Safeguarding Everyone’ Policy reflects our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals involved in our programmes and activities. Be it children, adults at risk, or adults more generally, our intention is to ensure that everyone feels safe – whether you are a player, coach, volunteer, match official, employee or spectator. Wellbeing matters.

“We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable sport through our programmes, clubs, teams and events. I would also ask that each of you plays your part, as safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every individual must be protected from harm.

“It is equally important that Scottish Rugby continues to provide a sport recognised not only for its health benefits, but also for building confidence, lifelong friendships, teamwork, a sense of belonging and a strong community across the country.

“Our aim is that everyone associated with rugby has a positive experience and is supported to achieve their full potential, both within the game and, just as importantly, in the rest of their lives.”

Read more about the Safeguarding Everyone Policy Oct 25.