Safeguarding

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of everyone and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. We recognise that children and some adults are at increased risk and that their protection is of paramount importance. 

Further information on protecting children in sport with the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)

Further information on protecting adults in sport with the Ann Craft Trust (ACT) 

We are committed to working in partnership with organisations delivering sport within Hertfordshire, to promote and deliver best practice when working with children, young people and adults alike. All children and adults are entitled to protection from harm and have the right to take part in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. HSP and its partners have a duty of care to safeguard all children and adults involved in sport from harm. 

HSP recognises that there is difficulty in combining policies regarding the safeguarding of children and of adults, due to the vast differences in legal and statutory requirements. As such, we have separate policies for both groups to ensure that safeguards are put in place to keep children and adults safe and to prevent harm from occurring when participating in sport and physical activity. These policies and procedures are widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership.

Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy 

Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Safeguarding Adults Policy 

 

Desiginated Safeguarding Officers

HSP maintain both a Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to oversee the organisation’s safeguarding responsibilities. The DSOs lead the development and implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, provide a point of contact for concerns, and offer advice and support to staff, volunteers, and partners. They ensure training is in place, oversee reporting and record-keeping, and promote safeguarding across all commissioning and partnership activity. Acting as a central resource, they are available to support partner organisations and signpost individuals to appropriate support when needed.

The DSOs at HSP are:

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Louise Gallagher-Smith - l.gallagher-smith@herts.ac.uk

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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

John O’Callaghan - j.d.ocallaghan@herts.ac.uk

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Dealing with a concern

If you have a safeguarding cause for concern, please follow the steps below:

• React calmly and avoid emotional attachment
• Take the person who contacted you seriously and keep an open mind
• Listen to all information carefully
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Make a written record: date, time, place, etc.
• Report or seek advice on a sports related concern:
  If the sport or activity has a National Governing Body, refer to their safeguarding procedures about who to report the concern to (see NGB contacts here).
• If there is no NGB or you cannot contact them, you can seek support from a number of sources below:

Contacts for child cases
Hertfordshire Children’s Services: 0300 123 4043 (including out of hours)
Police 101 (or in an emergency call 999)
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Contacts for adult cases
Hertfordshire Adult Social Care: 0300 123 4042 (24 hours a day)
Police: 999
Ann Craft Trust: 0808 800 5000
Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 8088141 (UK Helpline)

Immediately report the matter to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or the deputy in your club or organisation.

Reporting template

Below you will find a document that demonstrate how you should act when reporting a concern and a template document to record and report any incidents that may occur:

• CPSU Reporting a Concern
• Incident Reporting Template
   

For further information, please visit the Child Protection in Sport Unit website for reporting child cases and the Ann Craft Trust website for reporting adult cases.

 

Board Safeguarding Champion

Safeguarding within HSP is also overseen by a Board Safeguarding Champion. The Board Safeguarding Champion provides strategic leadership of safeguarding across the organisation. Acting as a key advisor and critical friend to the Chair, Director, and DSO, the Champion ensures safeguarding legislation and best practices are embedded throughout the organisation. Core duties include monitoring the Safeguarding Action Plan, reviewing risk registers and policies, promoting a safer culture, and fostering open dialogue on safeguarding matters at board level. The role requires a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and advocacy, with the ability to lead discussions, challenge poor practice, and support ongoing development of safeguarding knowledge across the board.

Board Safeguarding Champion

Mervyn Morgan - mervyn.morgan@itpsupport.org.uk

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Training

It is important to undertake appropriate safeguarding training to understand the needs of those you are working with, help spot the signs of abuse and know how to report any concerns correctly. There is a range of training available both directly through the Herts Sports Partnership and external agencies. The most appropriate training will depend on the audience you work with. You can explore available training options below:

• HSP Training Page
• The Child Protection in Sport Safeguarding Training Page
• UK Coaching Safeguarding Training Page
• The Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults in Sport Training Page
• HSCP and HSAB Training and Resources Page

If you are unable to find safeguarding training to meet your needs, please contact l.gallagher-smith@herts.ac.uk who would be happy to assist you in finding the correct training.