Discounted safeguarding courses to help promote safer sport

The Guernsey Sports Commission is reducing the cost of its UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children training courses as part of its drive to make local sport as safe as possible.

‘In support of the introduction of our SportsMark accreditation scheme we are heavily discounting our safeguarding courses to ensure as many sporting organisations and clubs as possible are able to access this vital training,’ said Jenny Murphy, the Commission’s Safeguarding Lead.

‘Our courses are specific to the local sporting context and accessible to all. The Commission is committed to the welfare of all children, young people and adults who participate in or volunteer within sport.

‘Courses will now be just £10 per head, less than a third of the previous cost which we hope will encourage all our member sports to increase the number of their coaches, helpers and volunteers undertaking the training,’ said Jenny.

The Commission launched its new SportsMark accreditation scheme last week. The quality assurance mark will be awarded to any sporting organisation which meets a set of strict criteria around governance, safeguarding and coaching.

There has already been a flurry of interest from local sports clubs and organisations.

‘It’s been fantastic to be contacted by so many different sports over the last couple of days who are keen to find out more about SportsMark and how they can work towards it,’ said Steve Sharman, Relationship Director.

‘Having robust safeguarding policies is a major part of the SportsMark scheme and so being able to offer these training courses at such a reduced cost is a big plus. Funding released through the Active8 Plan for Sport is allowing us to do this and also means we can increase the number of courses we run,’ said Steve.

Sports Commission Safeguarding Courses will be run monthly. See the Commission’s website or email info@guernseysports.com for further details and booking forms. The Commission is also able to offer bespoke safeguarding training to sporting organisations on request.