Sport Welfare Officer joins the Active Norfolk Team
Active Norfolk has welcomed Anita Stewart as its Sport Welfare Officer. This post is part of a nationwide team which includes 63 officers, who have been selected across 43 Active Partnerships.
The officers will work with Sport England and the Active Partnerships National Organisation (APNO) to assist National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and clubs in advocating for a safer sports culture.
What can NGBs expect with this new support?
Anita has a strong background in safeguarding gained from her experience in education, as well as her long career in the sport and leisure industry.
Anita’s role will enhance the safeguarding expertise of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and sports clubs. She will be working with local safeguarding partners both within and beyond the sports sector, gathering valuable local insights and knowledge.
Collaborative discussions with clubs, alongside proactive training will form part of the support on offer. Additionally, Anita will be sharing best practices across various sports disciplines.
I am passionate about physical activity and its benefits. The advantages of a safe club culture cannot be underestimated. I am keen to support Club Welfare Officers.
Together we can enhance awareness and promote a safe sports culture among clubs, coaches, and sports the wider safeguarding partnerships
Anita Stewart, Sport Welfare Officer.
The Sport Welfare Officer network has been co-designed by a national steering group. This includes representatives from Sport England, Active Partnerships, and the Active Partnerships, NGBs, NSPCC’s Child Protection Sport Unit and the Ann Craft Trust.
“The role that these new Sport Welfare Officers play is an important addition to the landscape, that comes at a crucial time,” said Sport England Chief Executive, Tim Hollingsworth.
“The project will directly support our ambition to champion the life-changing impact of being active. It will also tackle deep-rooted inequalities and unlock the advantages of sport and physical activity for everyone.
“By introducing this new partnership, we aim to increase welfare capacity and expertise at local and national level. We also aim to improve best practice to help prevent concerns and make sport safe for everyone.”
Get support with your club or organisation
To stay up to date with safeguarding information in Norfolk, please click here. This will sign you up to our Safeguarding in Sport newsletter which is sent out by Anita.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with Anita directly using the link below.
Anita Stewart
Sports Welfare Officer
Anita is our Sport Welfare Officer. She is here to support clubs in creating a safe, fun and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.