All clubs should have a qualified Club Welfare Officer as an essential part of their safeguarding structure.

The welfare of young people involved in cricket in the county is of paramount importance and we are committed to ensuring that cricket provides a safe, friendly and enjoyable experience for all children.

As a result we want to ensure that every club playing cricket in the county at any level has a Club Welfare Officer. Welfare Officers are vital members of the club and key to making an environment safe, welcoming, and friendly for all to enjoy the game of cricket.

Why do clubs need a Club Welfare Officer?

Whilst everyone is responsible for safeguarding, the Club Welfare Officer will make sure the policies and procedures are in place, and that everyone who should be vetted to work with children, is vetted by the ECB.

They are the person that others come to if they have concerns, and having attended specific training, will know what to do in order to assist, or who to ask for further help.

If your club does not have an appointed Club Welfare Officer it should appoint one as soon as possible.

Training for Club Welfare officers

New Club Welfare Officers need to attend two sets of initial training and have an ECB DBS vetting check:

  1. The Safeguarding and Protecting Children course run by Sportscoach UK. In Somerset these courses are run by SASP (South) and Wesport (North).
  2. The ‘Safe Hands Workshop’ is an ECB course in partnership with the NSPCC. Information on the next courses in Somerset is on our Welfare Officer webpage.
  3. ECB DBS (Disclosure & Baring Service) has now moved online. To start the process for getting an ECB DBS check please email Brian Hoyle with the following information:
    • Full name (including title)
    • Date of Birth
    • Preferred email address

Every three years, the three requirements above must be updated.

Any existing Club Welfare Officer renewing qualifications can complete an Online E learning Safeguarding & Protecting Children course and the ECB Safe Hands Refresher course rather than the full courses.

County Welfare Officers

We have an appointed County Welfare Officer – Ray Hancock – in order to provide advice and assistance on Safeguarding Children for clubs, leagues and other affiliated organisations within our county.

We also have a Deputy County Welfare Officer in Amanda Counsell.

Should you have an issue that you would like advice on or if you require to report a safeguarding issue, please contact Ray or Amanda using the details below:

If you have any safeguarding queries or require further information, you can contact the ECB Safeguarding team on:

Tel: 0207 432 1200
Email: safeguarding@ecb.co.uk