The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit podcast: Recent Episodes

The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit podcast

This series of podcasts aims to bring the latest safeguarding in sport best practice to sports organisations, clubs, coaches, volunteers and sports parents with an aim to ensure all children can have safe and enjoyable experiences of sport.

The Child Protection in Sport Unit is founded on a partnership between Sport England, Sport Wales, Sport NI , UK Sport and the NSPCC.

We're here to offer advice and guidance on safeguarding children to the sports sector.

Moving from policies to people

Dive into our latest podcast where we explore the vital role of safeguarding in community sports and physical activities. The discussion features three guests: Anita Stewart, Sport Welfare Officer from Active Norfolk, John Downes, Designated Safeguard Lead from StreetGames, and Ross Podyma, Strategic Director from Sporting Communities. They share insights on the challenges and solutions in safeguarding within community sports.

Key points include:

volunteer confidence: emphasising the need for training and support to make sure volunteers are confident in safeguarding practices
community engagement: highlighting the importance of local partnerships and community involvement in creating safe environments
cultural shift: advocating for a shift from compliance-based safeguarding to a more integrated, welfare-focused approach that puts children first
youth involvement: stressing the importance of involving young people in decision-making and creating environments where they feel safe and valued

Featuring
Liza Ware – Host, NSPCC CPSU Senior Safeguarding Consultant * Anita Stewart – Sport Welfare Officer, Active Norfolk * John Downes – Designated Safeguarding Lead, StreetGames * Ross Podyma* – Strategic Director, Sporting Communities

Anita Stewart: "I went into an organisation and did a forum with some young people from a disability group in Norfolk, and we were asking them what made them feel safe and what safeguarding meant to them. A young person said, 'when I think of safeguarding, I think of folders, risk assessments and bits of paper.' And then we asked them what makes them feel safe? She said 'people make me feel safe'. And from that we came up with 'Let's move safeguarding from policies to people'."

Louisa Street—youth worker, PhD candidate, and member of the HeadStart Kernow Digital Resilience Project—sits down with NSPCC CPSU Senior Digital Content Editor Sam to answer key questions about online safety in sport.

We cover:

how top athletes can promote themselves on social media without compromising safety
how sports clubs can use photos responsibly while keeping participants protected
how clubs can take a harm reduction approach to instant messaging apps
how to respond to online bullying disclosures

We also explore setting boundaries across digital platforms, informed consent, photo selection and the importance of working alongside parents and carers to create safe spaces for young athletes.

Most importantly, we highlight why listening to young people and putting them at the centre of decision-making is key to safeguarding in sport.

Tune in now and make online safety a priority in your club or organisation!

💬Featuring:

Samantha Lawrence – Host, NSPCC CPSU Senior Digital Content Editor
Louisa Street – Youth worker, a PhD candidate and a member of the HeadStart Kernow Digital Resilience Project in Cornwall

📄Transcript:

You can access the full transcript for this episode here

Listen to the full Online Safety series here.

📚More information

Online safety and social media- NSPCC CPSU resource page
Using digital platforms safely - NSPCC CPSU guidance on how to use digital platforms safely
Sample social media policy- A sample of a social media policy which clubs, organisations and activity providers can adapt

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

In this episode, they explore how adults can support children and young people in reducing harm and building digital resilience in the online world.

Samantha and Louisa discuss: 
* why prohibition doesn’t work * the harm reduction principle and its application to online safety * concerns young people have about the online world * how adults can respond if a child or young person is worried about their online safety

💬Featuring:

Samantha Lawrence– Host, NSPCC CPSU Senior Digital Content Editor
Louisa Street– Youth Worker and PHD Candidate and member of theHeadstart Kernow Digital Resilience Projectin Cornwall.

📄 Transcript:

You can access the full transcript for this episodehere
Listen to the full Online Safety series.

More information:
Online safety and social media- NSPCC CPSU resource page * Using digital platforms safely - NSPCC CPSU guidance on how to use digital platforms safely * Sample social media policy* - A sample of a social media policy which clubs, organisations and activity providers can adapt

Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

Bullying has been raised as a big concern for children, particularly in the
online space, so it is vital that we understand how to handle it and what actions we need to take to keep children and young people safe.You can't get away from social media in a sport and setting, but we should never forget our safeguards and responsibilities. As safeguarders, we must take time to carefully think through the different types of risks that children and young people may be exposed to in a virtual sport setting. This podcast was originally recorded in May 2020 but has been repurposed for use in November 2024.Joined by host Helen and NSPCC Safety Officer Laura, we take a look at:
examples of how to deal with cyberbullying in your club * why cyberbullying in sport may be different * what young people should consider before posting messages online * what young people should do if they receive abusive content*

Always remember; if you're concerned or you're upset. Speak to someone that you know. Speak to a family member. Speak to somebody that you trust in a professional environment and seek that help.

Featuring:
Helen Westerman – Host, NSPCC * Liza Ware – NSPCC CPSU Senior Consultant * Laura Randall – NSPCC Online Safety Strategy Team*

Transcript
Read the full transcript on the CPSU website.

Listen to our previous episodes:
* Part 1 - Online Safety for the Sport and Activity Sector - Social Media and Online Platforms * Part 2 - Online Safety for the Sport and Activity Sector - Sharing Images Online

More information:
Online safety and social media- NSPCC CPSU resource page * Using digital platforms safely - NSPCC CPSU guidance on how to use digital platforms safely * Sample social media policy* - A sample of a social media policy which clubs, organisations and activity providers can adapt

Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

In this podcast, we discuss how you can make sure that your sports event stays safe for all children and young people by putting the right safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
We'll be talking to Michelle North, Head of CPSU and Senior Consultant, about the safeguarding needs for different sized sporting events, as well as what needs to be looked at pre, during and post sport event to help guarantee everyone involved has a safe and enjoyable experience.

how to start the safeguarding process at sport events
what to include in your events safeguarding policy
sport event planning, risk assessments, getting information together before the event
codes of conduct for sport events
permission slips
overnight stays
first aid

A sporting event can cover all kinds of games or matches; from a rounders match on the village green to the Olympics; it could involve 2 teams, it could be a multi-team event or it could be international. Safeguarding measures need to be in place regardless of the size of the event.

Listen to Part Two of our dive into the basics of DBS checks (if you missed Part One, take a listen here).

We asked our sport and activity audience to send in questions about DBS checks to Linda and Helen, in this episode we find out:

what levels of check are required?
do sport parents need to be DBS checked?
what is a referral?
how and when should sports refer?
how long does the DBS keep information?

Understanding the need for DBS checks is just part of safeguarding in sport, subscribe to our Podcast for the latest developments, information and guidance.

💬 Featuring:

Mel Addams and Lian Gaten – CPSU Information Officers
Linda and Helen – Disclosure and Barring Service

📄 Transcript:
You can access the full transcript for this episode here
📚More information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) website - the DBS website * Safer recruitment- NSPCC CPSU guidance about safer recruitment * Case management tool* - NSPCC CPSU's free tool which guides you through everything you need to know about case management, from small grassroots clubs to professional teams.

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport

Safeguarding in sport is all about protecting young people, anyone undertaking a role that involves contact with or responsibility for children (or other vulnerable groups such as adults at risks) should be taken through a safer recruitment process, a DBS check being one of the key onboarding procedures.

We speak to Helen and Linda from the Disclosure and Barring Service about the different levels of check available, who's eligible and how checks are carried out as well as the importance of safer recruitment and how this helps safeguarding in sport.

Take a listen to find out the answers to these questions:

what is a DBS check?
how does a DBS check help protect young and vulnerable people
how do you get a DBS check done?
how long is the DBS process?
what makes someone eligible for different levels of DBS check?

💬 Featuring:

Mel Addams and Lian Gaten – CPSU Information Officers
Linda and Helen – Disclosure and Barring Service

📄 Transcript:
You can access the full transcript for this episode here

🎧 Listen to our previous episodes:
* DBS Checks - Your Questions Answered

📚More information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) website - the DBS website * Safer recruitment- NSPCC CPSU guidance about safer recruitment * Case management tool* - NSPCC CPSU's free tool which guides you through everything you need to know about case management, from small grassroots clubs to professional teams.

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport

In this podcast we explore the basics of what safeguarding actually means within the sport and activity world. Looking at what steps sports clubs and organisations need to take to ensure they're effectively safeguarding children and young people in the sector.

We look into:

why safeguarding in sport is so important
the different types of abuse in sport and how to spot them
how to create and implement a safeguarding policy
putting safeguarding measures in place
finding out what safeguarding training is right for you and your club
the risks of not doing anything
how to raise and deal with a safeguarding concern

Whether you've just started on your safeguarding journey, or are listening to this podcast as a refresher, we'll have you getting to grips with the basics of safeguarding in sport in no time.

💬 Featuring:
Mel Addams, Lian Gaten and Laura Young – CPSU Information Officers * Jude Toasland – CPSU Senior Consultant*

📄 Transcript:
You can access the full transcript for this episode here
📚 More information:
Putting safeguards in place- NSPCC CPSU guidance page on how your club, organisation or activity provider should out safeguards in place * Mental health and wellbeing* - NSPCC CPSU resource page about mental health and wellbeing in a sport and activity setting.

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

Mel, our CPSU Information Officer, is joined by Jen and Lisa, two sports parents whose young athletes compete at a high level.

We'll be hearing about:

the reality of being a sport parent for higher performance young athletes
the competitive sport community
the importance of parental support in sport clubs and organisations
parent/coach trust
choosing the right club for your young athlete
parental behaviour at matches and how it's managed

💬Featuring:

Mel Addams – CPSU Safeguarding Information Officer
Jen and Lisa – Sports mums of 5 young people (ages 7 to 11) involved in competitive sports

📄 Transcript:
You can access the full transcript for this episode here
📚More information
Keeping your child safe in sport - The NSPCC CPSU yearly campaign focusing on how parents can help keep sport and physical activity safe. * Parents in sport – Our information page for coaches and clubs which sets out advice and guidance on how to deal with parents in sport * Information for parents*The dedicated NSPCC CPSU Parents Hub designed specifically to help parents understand their role in sport and safeguarding

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport

Join us as we have a chat with Helen and Ali, two passionate sport parents, about the very different roles they play in their children's sports, as well as Dr Camilla Knight, Sport Scientist at Swansea University and a bit of an expert when it comes to sport parents.

We'll be hearing about how sports parents:

support young athletes
build the coach/parent relationship
discuss what's expected from your child's sports club
highlight the responsibilities of a sport parent
choose a sports club for your budding young athlete
discuss sport safeguarding 101; who to report your concerns to

💬 Featuring:

Dr Camilla Knight – Sports Scientist at Swansea University
Mel Addams – CPSU Safeguarding Information Officer
Ali – Sport parent to a 7 year old who does disability swimming & trampoline and a 4 year old who does swimming
Helen - Sport parent to a 5 year old who does gymnastics, swimming & horse riding and a 2 year old who does toddler football and swimming

📄 Transcript:
You can access the full transcript for this episode here
📚More information
Keeping your child safe in sport - The NSPCC CPSU yearly campaign * Parents in sport – NSPCC CPSU guidance for sports clubs and coaches * Information for parents* - The NSPCC CPSU resource dedicated to parents

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport

In this episode we shift the focus to the topic of sharing of images online. It's fantastic that we have so much technology that allows children, young people, professionals and athletes to communicate. But it's crucial that we are making sure that everyone is secure and safe in how they do this.

We look into advice for clubs, organisations, activity providers and parents to help them talk with young people about sharing images and how to get young people to understand the consequences that can be a part of this.

This podcast was originally recorded in May 2020 but has been repurposed for use in November 2024.

Joined by Helen and Laura from the NSPCC Online Safety Team, our NSPCC CPSU Senior Consultant Liza Ware cover:

consequences of sharing indecent images online
challenges faced by professional young athletes on social media
sharing, tagging and promotion of children in sport by sports clubs
mixed aged chat groups and forums

💬 Featuring:
Helen Westerman – Host, NSPCC * Liza Ware – NSPCC CPSU Senior Consultant * Laura Randall – NSPCC Online Safety Strategy Team*

📄 Transcript:
You can access the full transcript for this episode here
🎧 Listen to our previous episodes:
* Part 1 - Online Safety for the Sport and Activity Sector - Social Media and Online Platforms

📚 More information:
Online safety and social media- NSPCC CPSU resource page * Using digital platforms safely - NSPCC CPSU guidance on how to use digital platforms safely * Sample social media policy* - A sample of a social media policy which clubs, organisations and activity providers can adapt

💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

In this first podcast episode, Liza Ware, one of our NSPCC CPSU Senior Consultants, talks about how we can keep children and young people safe on social media and online platforms with fellow colleagues from the NSPCC online safety team.

With the increasing role of social media in daily life, it's important that clubs, organisations and activity providers understand what to look for in a social media app or platform as well as the policies that need to be in place to protect young people and children.

This podcast was originally recorded in May 2020 but has been repurposed for use in November 2024.Liza and her guests discuss:

what should sport and physical activity organisations look for in a social media app or online platform?
the importance of social media policies
safer recruitment and restricted access to platforms

Featuring:
Helen Westerman – Host, NSPCC * Liza Ware – NSPCC CPSU Senior Consultant * Laura Randall – NSPCC Online Safety Strategy Team*

Transcript
You can read the full transcript here
More information:
Online safety and social media- NSPCC CPSU resource page * Using digital platforms safely - NSPCC CPSU guidance on how to use digital platforms safely * Sample social media policy - A sample of a social media policy which clubs, organisations and activity providers can adapt * Go to guide - WhatsApp* - The NSPCC CPSU go-to guide on how to use WhatsApp

Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

Catch up with Connor, a member of the NSPCC Young People's Board for Change (YPBC) as he talks with Michelle North, Head of the CPSU during Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week.

They discuss what parents should look for when finding the right sports club or activity programme for their child, as well as inclusion, resilience and finding the right balance in a young person's life.

In this very special podcast episode, Connor, a member of the NSPCC Young People's Board for Change (YPBC) hosts and interviews Rachel Tarr, Child Protection Manager from The Football Association (The FA), Michelle North, Head of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and Maisie, another member of the NSPCC YPBC.
This podcast is to support the Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, which is taking place 07-11 October 2024.
In this episode, Connor asks his guests some tough and interesting questions. 1. What does sport mean to them, who has influenced their sporting journeys and who made them feel safe? 2. What does a safe sporting environment look like? 3. How do you balance competition and young people's wellbeing? 4. Who has inspired you to take care of yourself on and off the court? 5. What are the key challenges in safeguarding and how can we address them? 6. What improvements would you like to see in the world of youth sport?

They discuss all manner of things, from the importance of a supportive coaches and having fun to involving young people in shaping their clubs, parents and carers and safeguarding volunteers. They also touch on mental health, The FAs Play Safe campaign, the CPSU case data research and the importance of strengthening unregulated and unaffiliated sport and physical activity.

Featuring:

Connor – Host, NSPCC YPBC
Rachel Tarr - Child Protection Manager from The Football Association (The FA)
Michelle North - Head of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
Maisie - NSPCC YPBC

Further information

Getting started with safeguarding in sport and physical activity
Parent Hub
Involving children and young people

Related resources
* CPSU Case data research project * Play Their Way * NSPCC Young People's Board for Change

As part of #SaferInternetDay and the ever growing notoriety of having an online presence from such a young age, we look at the impact social media has on body image for young athletes.

We're joined by British Swimming's National Talent and Events Welfare Officer Rebecca Wood to cover how social media can be a double edged sword for growing athletes, as well as how body image has brought about changes within the British Swimming safeguarding policies.

During this episode we cover: * the positives of social media in building an athletes brand * the affects of sharing images and obligation to sport * the pressure of the 'ideaolised' body and the demand to look a certain way * experiences of online trolling * policy changes thanks to social media * how communication and treating an athlete as an individual is paramount

Don't miss out on the conversation that goes beyond the game, revealing how social media can shape an athlete both on and off the field and what clubs, organisations and teams can do to help navigate the digital sport universe.

Featuring
Mel Nienartowicz – Host, CPSU
Carole Billington-Wood – Senior Consultant, CPSURebecca Wood– National Talent and Events Welfare Officer, British Swimming

Resources Online Safety Training Scenarios - A collection of videos showcasing different scenarios safeguarders may encounter and how to handle them * CPSU Podcast - Weight-making sports and activities - part of our podcast series on body image, weight management and disordered eating in sport * Online safety and social media in sport - CPSU guidance for online safety and social media in sport * Responding to Online Abuse - NSPCC guidance * Safeguarding Online Sporting Spaces - Loughborough University*

Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport.

In this podcast episode, we talk with our colleagues in the NSPCC about the new legislation passed in England and Wales on 28th June 2022, and soon Northern Ireland, which makes it illegal for someone in a position of trust in sports and faith organisations to have a sexual relationship with someone aged 16-17 in their care.

The extension to the positions of trust legislation comes after the NSPCC’s ‘Close the Loophole’ campaign. In this podcast we analyse who is included in the extension to the law and what this means for your organisation.

Featuring

Becky Groarke – Information Officer, CPSU
Jude Toasland – Senior Consultant, CPSU
Cate Meredith – Senior Consultant, NSPCC consultancy team
Shirley McGinley – Senior Consultant, NSPCC consultancy team
Fiona Becker – Senior Consultant, NSPCC consultancy team

Looking after yourselfDuring this podcast we talk about abuse in positions of trust. This may be difficult to hear and, for some people, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings.

Whilst it may not be easy to listen to, this episode includes important information to help all of us keep children safe in sport.

To look after yourself while you listen consider taking breaks, listening during a walk or before an activity you enjoy such as exercise or meeting a friend.

You will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse
NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood
One in Four – support in Ireland for adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse
Rape Crisis – support in England and Wales
Rape Crisis Help – support in Ireland
Stop It Now! Helpline tel: 0808 1000 900 – UK and Ireland
Survivors UK – support for men
The Samaritans tel: 116 123 - a safe place to talk any time you like

Related resources

Abuse in positions of trust – CPSU guidance
Positions of trust - FAQs about the changes – CPSU guidance
Deal with a concern – CPSU guidance
Protecting children in sport from grooming and sexual abuse – CPSU resource
Safeguarding reporting procedures - CPSU flowcharts
Sample codes of conduct – CPSU sample
Sample safeguarding policy statement – CPSU sample
Understanding sexual offending and the grooming process – CPSU webinar
Report into child sexual abuse in sport – Truth Project Thematic Report

For more resources about keeping children safer in sport please visit thecpsu.org.uk

In this podcast episode, we talk with former professional footballer Paul Stewart. Paul talks about the impact that childhood abuse has had on him and how we can all help to create a safer culture in sport for young people.

We discuss the importance of creating a culture of safety where children's voices are heard. Paul also emphasises to need for robust safeguarding policies and procedures in sport and activity to ensure all children and young people have a safe and fun experience.

Featuring

Paul Stephenson – CPSU Senior Consultant
Paul Stewart – former professional footballer

Looking after yourselfDuring this podcast we talk about childhood sexual abuse. This may be difficult to hear and, for some people, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings.

Whilst it may not be easy to listen to, this episode includes important information to help all of us keep children safe in sport.

To look after yourself while you listen consider taking breaks, listening during a walk or before an activity you enjoy such as exercise or meeting a friend.

You will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse
NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood
One in Four – support in Ireland for adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse
Rape Crisis – support in England and Wales
Rape Crisis Help – support in Ireland
Stop It Now! Helpline tel: 0808 1000 900 – UK and Ireland
Survivors UK – support for men
The Samaritans tel: 116 123 - a safe place to talk any time you like

Related resources

5 questions to ask your child's club - CPSU poster
Deal with a concern – CPSU guidance
Engaging people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse in sport – CPSU resource
Protecting children in sport from grooming and sexual abuse – CPSU resource
Safeguarding reporting procedures - CPSU flowcharts
Sample codes of conduct – CPSU sample
Sample safeguarding policy statement – CPSU sample
Understanding sexual offending and the grooming process – CPSU webinar
Report into child sexual abuse in sport – Truth Project Thematic Report

For more resources about keeping children safer in sport please visit thecpsu.org.uk

This is part one of a five part mini series on body image, weight management and disordered eating in sport we talk with Dr Carolyn Plateau, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University and former 800 metre international athlete.

We will be releasing one part of the mini series throughout week from the 6 - 10 September 2021.

Looking after yourself

This content may be sensitive to some individuals, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings. If you need further support or know someone who might need support you will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

In this podcast, we look at how sport and activity providers can create a culture of healthy eating practices and ensure young people feel supported and comfortable speaking to someone if they are concerned about anything.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Dr Carolyn Plateau - Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
Beat Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Beat Studentline: 0808 801 0811 Beat Youthline: 0808 801 0711

This is part one of a five part mini series on body image, weight management and disordered eating in sport we talk with Dr Carolyn Plateau, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University and former 800 metre international athlete.

We will be releasing one part of the mini series throughout week from the 6 - 10 September 2021.

Looking after yourself

This content may be sensitive to some individuals, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings. If you need further support or know someone who might need support you will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

In this podcast, we discuss some of the challenges high-performance athletes face in weight-making sports. We discuss who is responsible for supporting athletes and ensuring that athlete wellbeing is prioritised.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Dr Carolyn Plateau - Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
Beat Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Beat Studentline: 0808 801 0811 Beat Youthline: 0808 801 0711

This is part one of a five part mini series on body image, weight management and disordered eating in sport we talk with Dr Carolyn Plateau, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University and former 800 metre international athlete.

We will be releasing one part of the mini series throughout week from the 6 - 10 September 2021.

Looking after yourself

This content may be sensitive to some individuals, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings. If you need further support or know someone who might need support you will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

In this podcast, we look at the impact and relative importance of weight monitoring in sport, why people might monitor weight, and when it may and may not be appropriate.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Dr Carolyn Plateau - Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
Beat Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Beat Studentline: 0808 801 0811 Beat Youthline: 0808 801 0711

This is part one of a five part mini series on body image, weight management and disordered eating in sport we talk with Dr Carolyn Plateau, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University and former 800 metre international athlete.

We will be releasing one part of the mini series throughout week from the 6 - 10 September 2021.

Looking after yourself

This content may be sensitive to some individuals, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings. If you need further support or know someone who might need support you will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

In this podcast, we explore when eating disorders and disorders eating can occur, risky periods and possible triggers for athletes, and how sports can support athletes during these transitions.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Dr Carolyn Plateau - Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
Beat Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Beat Studentline: 0808 801 0811 Beat Youthline: 0808 801 0711

This is part one of a five part mini series on body image, weight management and disordered eating in sport we talk with Dr Carolyn Plateau, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University and former 800 metre international athlete.

We will be releasing one part of the mini series throughout week from the 6 - 10 September 2021.

Looking after yourself

This content may be sensitive to some individuals, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings. If you need further support or know someone who might need support you will find links to organisations that can provide emotional support below.

In part one's podcast, we discuss terminology and consider relative energy deficiency in sport, sometimes referred to as RED-S. We explore how not having enough energy will have negative consequences for athletes and how this can be linked to disordered eating and eating disorders.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Dr Carolyn Plateau - Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Loughborough University

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
Beat Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Beat Studentline: 0808 801 0811 Beat Youthline: 0808 801 0711

CPSU’s Jude Toasland hears how the three national governing bodies approach their case management process and how they tackle common challenges such as communication, investigation and making defensible decisions.

The group also shares their advice and tips to help other sports and organisations to improve their own case management processes.

Featuring

Jude Toasland – Senior Consultant CPSU
Nancy Squires – Head of Governance at British Canoeing
Keith Eldridge – Lead Safeguarding Officer at British Judo
Gordon Valentine - National Compliance Manager at England Boxing

In this podcast, we discuss the benefits of listening to children and young people with Rugby Football League (RFL) and find out more about their listening club initiative.

Liza Ware, CPSU Senior Consultant, talks to RFL former Safeguarding Lead Officer, Colette Eden and some RFL Club Welfare Officers about the initiative.

They discuss how clubs implemented and facilitate listening clubs, how they involved children in club decision making and how children’s views, wishes and ideas were put into practice.

This podcast was recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and the audio clips with club welfare officers were recorded pre pandemic in a live club setting so some of the audio quality does reflect this.

Featuring

Liza Ware – CPSU Senior Consultant
Colette Eden - Former Lead Safeguarding officer for RFL
Rachel Fox-Kent - RFL Club Welfare Officer
Beth Hughes - RFL Club Welfare Officer
Billy Vaugh - RFL Club Welfare Officer

Related resources

Listening to the voices of young people in sports organisations
Responding safely to a concern
I'm involved - e-learning course
Young Spice (PDF) - a Children's Rights Wales resource for participation with children and young people
Hart's ladder of children's participation - A Me first educational and training resource
Sport and Recreation Alliance young board members - online resource

In this podcast, we talk to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) about how they’ve developed and delivered on their last safeguarding strategy and what improvements it’s made to the experiences of young athletes in their sport.

Carole Billington-Wood, CPSU Senior Consultant, leads this panel , joined by the Head of Safeguarding at the LTA, an LTA County Safeguarding Officer and an Under 14’s national age group coach, to look at the challenges of embedding cultural and procedural change on such large scale at a national, regional and club level.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Melanie Addams – CPSU Safeguarding Information Officer
David Humphrey – LTA Head of Safeguarding
Ian Alexander – LTA County Safeguarding Officer
Holly Bambridge – LTA Under 14’s Coach

Related resources * CPSU's guidance on putting safeguards in place * Standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport * Listening to the voices of young people in sports organisations - CPSU webinar

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information.

In this episode, we talk with former swimmer Karen Leach about her experience of childhood sexual abuse and what we can learn from it to keep children safer in sport.

We discuss the importance of creating a culture of safety where children are heard and robust policies and clear codes of conduct mean rule breaks can be challenged.

Featuring

Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Karen Leach – Voices Ambassador, member of the Sport England Advisory Panel

Looking after yourself

During this podcast we talk about childhood sexual abuse. This may be difficult to hear and, for some people, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings.

Whilst it may not be easy to listen to, this episode includes important information to help all of us keep children safe in sport.

To look after yourself while you listen consider taking breaks, listening during a walk or before an activity you enjoy such as exercise or meeting a friend.

Helplines and support

NSPCC Helpline tel: 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
Childline tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse
NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood
One in Four – support in Ireland for adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse
Rape Crisis – support in England and Wales
Rape Crisis Help – support in Ireland
Stop It Now! Helpline tel: 0808 1000 900 – UK and Ireland
Survivors UK – support for men
The Samaritans tel: 116 123 - a safe place to talk any time you like

Related resources

5 questions to ask your child's club - CPSU poster
Deal with a concern – CPSU guidance
Engaging people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse in sport – CPSU resource
Protecting children in sport from grooming and sexual abuse – CPSU resource
Safeguarding reporting procedures - CPSU flowcharts
Sample codes of conduct – CPSU sample
Sample safeguarding policy statement – CPSU sample
Understanding sexual offending and the grooming process – CPSU webinar
Report into child sexual abuse in sport – Truth Project Thematic Report

For more resources about keeping children safer in sport please visit thecpsu.org.uk

In this podcast, we explore how sports organisations can keep children and young people safe whilst participating in virtual sport and physical activity.

Liza Ware, CPSU Senior Consultant, is joined by NSPCC colleagues Laura Randall and Helen Westerman, to discuss the new challenges brought to life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the risks children may be exposed to in a virtual sporting setting.

Featuring:

Liza Ware – CPSU Senior Consultant

Laura Randall – NSPCC Head of Strategy (online safety lead)

Helen Westerman – NSPCC Service Head for Local Campaigns (NSPCC/O2 online safety lead)

For further information, visit: * CPSU's online safety pages – guidance and resources for sports organisations * NSPCC's online safety pages – encourages parents to understand online safety and talk to their children about keeping safe * Online safety training – online course from NSPCC Learning * Net Aware – information and advice for parents from the NSPCC and O2 * Thinkuknow's home activity packs – to help parents learn about online safety at home with their children

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.

In this podcast, we discuss how your organisation can ensure your event stays safe for all children and young people.

Michelle North, CPSU Senior Consultant, discusses the safeguarding needs for different sized events, as well as what needs to be looked at pre, during and post event to help guarantee everyone involved has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Featuring:

Michelle North – CPSU Senior Consultant

Kayla Xuereb-Shafi – CPSU Information Officer

For further information on the safeguarding resources mentioned, visit: * Safe Sports Events Management Tool * Reporting of safeguarding concerns at sports events * Events held in public parks and spaces – additional safeguarding considerations * Heatwave advice to event organisers * Photography by parents and spectators at events

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.

We speak to Helen and Linda from the Disclosure and Barring Service about the different levels of check available, who's eligible and how checks are carried out.

Featuring:

Mel Addams and Lian Gaten – CPSU Information Officers

Linda and Helen – Disclosure and Barring Service

Listen to part two for Helen and Linda's answers to your questions about DBS checks.

For more information on the DBS and checks, visit the DBS website. For more information about safeguarding in sport, visit thecpsu.org.uk.

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.

In part two of our DBS checks in sport podcast series (you can listen to part one here), we ask Linda and Helen from the Disclosure and Barring Service the questions we received from our sport audience.

We ask questions like: * what is a referral? * how and when should sports refer?

We also cover some specific sport eligibility scenarios.

Featuring:

Mel Addams and Lian Gaten – CPSU Information Officers

Linda and Helen – Disclosure and Barring Service

For more information on the DBS and checks, visit the DBS website. For more information about safeguarding in sport, visit thecpsu.org.uk.

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.

In this podcast, we discuss the basics of safeguarding for sports organisations and provide useful guidance to help sports clubs and organisations put these safeguards in place.

Whether you’re just getting started on your safeguarding journey or listening to this podcast as a refresher, hopefully you’ll pick up some useful information about what's required of your organisation so that all children taking part in your activities are safe and have an enjoyable experience.

Featuring: Mel Addams, Lian Gaten and Laura Young – CPSU Information Officers

Jude Toasland – CPSU Senior Consultant

Visit the CPSU website for more safeguarding help and advice.

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.

In this second part to our parental involvement series (you can listen to part 1 here), we talk about the different situations and challenges parents of children in competitive sport face.

We also look into the relationships that develop between parents and clubs, and how sideline behaviour often is and can be managed in more competitive sports.

Featuring:

Mel Addams – CPSU Safeguarding Information Officer

Jen and Lisa – sports mums of 5 young people (ages 7 to 11) involved in competitive sports

For more information on parents in sport and CPSU's Parents in Sport Week, visit our Parents page.

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.

In this podcast, we hear from two dedicated sports parents who discuss the very different roles they play in their preschool and disabled children's sports.

We also look at the range of benefits parents involvement has to the sport, children's experiences and parents themselves, with insight from our parents in sport expert Dr Camilla Knight.

Featuring:

Dr Camilla Knight – Sports Scientist at Swansea University

Mel Addams – CPSU Safeguarding Information Officer

Helen & Ali – mums of smaller children (ages 2 to 7) in sport

For more information on parents in sport and CPSU's Parents in Sport Week, visit our Parents page.

Transcript

Visit the CPSU website for a transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.