This three hour workshop is mandatory for anyone taking on the role of Welfare Officer for their grassroots club or league. This workshop builds on the Safeguarding Children Workshop providing Welfare Officers with the specifics of their role; what will be required of them, where to go for professional support and guidance and how to access more information. It provides the key tools to carry out the Welfare Officer role. This workshop is interactive and learners should anticipate being involved in a number of group activities.

Course duration

Three hours

Course pre-requisities

Learners are required to have completed The FA’s Safeguarding Children Workshop before completing this workshop. It’s also mandatory for anyone taking on the role of Welfare Officer to have an accepted FA CRC – so learners are advised to have as a minimum submitted their CRC application prior to attending this training.

Course content

Introduction and outcomes

• Workshop outcomes
• Learning agreement

Qualities of a Welfare Officer

• Identifying the qualities of a Welfare Officer
• Recognising personal skill sets
• Exploring and identifying the key Welfare Officer responsibilities 

Safeguarding building blocks

• Identifying and exploring what needs to be in place for clubs and leagues to demonstrate best practice in relation to safeguarding children
• Identifying resources to assist clubs and leagues to develop a safe and aware environment including social media guidance
• Listening to children

Key legislation

• Recognising that key safeguarding legislation impacts on football
• Understanding the background to the development of The FA’s Policy and Procedures

The statutory agencies and designated person infrastructure

• Exploring the key roles and responsibilities of the statutory agencies
• Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Welfare Officer and other designated persons within football

Responsible recruitment

• Discussing the need for safeguarding recruitment procedures
• Explaining when appropriate safeguarding checks [CRC] are required
• Describing The FA’s Online Safeguarding Service

Concerns and cases

• Dealing with a disclosure
• Dealing with a concern about the welfare of a young person
• Exploring poor practice issues that clubs need to manage internally
• Identifying the organisations that can support Welfare Officers

Action planning

• Making an individual action plan

Course aims and objectives

At the end of the workshop learners will be able to:

• Identify what needs to be in place for clubs/ leagues to effectively safeguard and protect children
• Describe their roles and responsibilities and those of other designated persons in grassroots football
• Act on reported concerns about poor practice and abuse within or outside football
• Begin an action plan for their club/league

London FA Welfare Officer Workshop

Date/time: Tuesday 23rd January 2018 (7pm to 10pm)

Venue: London Marathon Playing Fields, 304 Shooters Hill Road, London, SE18 4LT

Cost: £30 per person