Giving young people a voice in safeguarding

Why are young voices important?

Cerri Dando-Thompson, Senior Safeguarding Consultant for Wales said: “Young people are experiencing sport and physical activity environments first-hand, so they can give the greatest and most beneficial insight. It was therefore so valuable to hear from Elisa, Guto and Rachel, as their feedback highlighted the real impact of our efforts and the areas needing improvement.”

You can use this advice in other areas of your club, too. Involving young people in decision making can improve coaching, events and even how teams communicate. Giving them a voice creates a more welcoming and supportive environment.

How to involve young people in safeguarding decisions

Elisa, Guto and Rachel had some great advice on how clubs and organisations can give young people a say in safeguarding. We’re listening to their feedback and passing it on so you can make a difference.

Follow these simple steps to get more young people involved in safeguarding decisions

1. Let young people help create safeguarding policies

Policies should be made with young people. Guto Thomas-Young spoke about how to include children and young people in the creation of codes of conduct and policies.

Top tips from young people:

• Ask young athletes what they think
• Listen to and use their ideas
• Invite them to meetings and planning groups.

And these tips can go beyond policy creation. Whether it’s a training session, board meetings or club culture, give young people a say. 

2. Use clear language which young people can understand

Safeguarding policies should be easy for young people to read and understand. Elisa, Guto and Rachel stressed the importance of using simple language and clear design.

Top tips from young people:

• Don’t use jargon and hard words.
• Use simple language and keep sentences short.
• Make easy-to-read versions.
• Think about young people when designing materials and websites

Think of it like coaching – you explain things in a simple way. Do the same for safeguarding policies!

3. Trust and empower young people

Elisa, Guto and Rachel are fine examples of what can happen when you empower young people. Young people should help make decisions about safeguarding policies. 

Top tips from young people:

• Give young people jobs and leadership roles at your club
• Empower them to make decisions
• Start a youth board

What next? 

To put it simply, Rachel Hollet said: “We, us, children and young people – we’re the future of your sport.”

When clubs listen to young people, they make safeguarding policies stronger and create future leaders. 

What you can do now:

• Ask the young people at your club or organisation what they think about your safeguarding policies.
• Start a youth leadership group to talk about safeguarding policies
• Make sure your safeguarding policies are easy to understand.

Need help? Find out more about involving children and young people at your sports club.

Want to become a young leader? Here’s more information on how to become a Young Ambassador with the Youth Sport Trust.