Welfare Officers
Verity Garside
Martin Reynolds
Welfare at Sowerby Bridge Snails Running Club
Sowerby Bridge Snails Running Club is an all-inclusive running club for all ages and abilities. We are committed to making sure every member can take part in club activities in a safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility – whether you are a coach, volunteer, athlete, parent, or supporter. The welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is always at the heart of what we do.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
Sowerby Bridge Snails Running Club will:
- Appoint suitable Welfare Officers, with their details made available to all members.
- Ensure Welfare Officers have the necessary training, qualifications, and interpersonal skills as recommended by England Athletics (EA).
- Take prompt and appropriate action in the event of any concerns, allegations, or disclosures of abuse.
- Provide support to anyone raising or disclosing a safeguarding concern, working in partnership with safeguarding experts at EA/UK Athletics (UKA).
- Keep confidential, accurate, and secure records of all safeguarding concerns.- Ensure that all those working with children and/or vulnerable adults (including coaches, leaders, assistants, and volunteers) have:
- A valid EA DBS check
- Up-to-date safeguarding training and, where relevant, appropriate coaching qualifications.
- Operate fully in line with England Athletics’ codes of conduct, policies, and procedures.
Welfare Officers
Your Welfare Officers for Sowerby Bridge Snails Running Club are:
- Verity Garside – Lead Welfare Officer 📧 [email address] | 📞 [phone number]
- Martin Reynolds – Welfare Officer 📧 [email address] | 📞 [phone number]
Please feel free to contact either of us confidentially if you have any safeguarding concern, no matter how small.
Reporting Concerns
If you are worried about a child, young person, or vulnerable adult, you can:
- Speak directly to one of our Welfare Officers (details above).
- Contact the England Athletics Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@englandathletics.org
- If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
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