Governance & Safeguarding
Herefordshire Netball is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and positive environment where everyone can enjoy netball, feel supported and thrive. As a committee-led organisation, we take our responsibility for good governance and safeguarding seriously, with clear policies and practices in place to support everyone involved in our sport.
Safeguarding children and young people is a key priority, but our responsibility extends to everyone within our netball community. Through strong governance, clear safeguarding procedures and a culture of respect and inclusion, we aim to make Herefordshire Netball a place where everyone can feel safe, valued and confident to be involved.
What is Governance?
Good governance ensures an organisation is well run, with clear responsibilities, effective decision-making and appropriate policies in place. Within netball, it helps clubs and organisations manage risks, meet their responsibilities and make decisions that support a safe, fair and positive environment for everyone taking part.
England Netball is the national governing body and provides the framework, guidance, policies and standards that support the sport at all levels. As a county association, we work within the England Netball framework and use their guidance to help ensure our clubs, competitions and wider activities are well managed, safe and inclusive.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is about keeping people safe, protecting their wellbeing and respecting their rights, while creating an environment where everyone can take part in netball free from harm, abuse, bullying and neglect. Safeguarding is particularly important when working with children and vulnerable people, but it applies to everyone involved in netball.
England Netball provides the safeguarding framework, policies and guidance that support the sport at all levels. As a county association, we work within the England Netball safeguarding framework and support our clubs in meeting their responsibilities. This helps ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of everything we do and that everyone involved in netball knows where to turn if they have a concern.
Best Practice for Clubs
It is a membership requirement for all clubs to have a Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO).
The CSO plays an important role in the welfare of the members of a club. They help to develop a safe and inclusive environment for all people at the club, give advice and listen to concerns about safeguarding and well-being issues and are a link in the reporting process which helps protect the welfare of the netball community.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
Everyone has a role to play in keeping people safe within netball. If something has happened, or you have seen or heard something that makes you concerned about someone’s safety or wellbeing, it is important to speak up.
Concerns should be reported to the Event Organiser, Club Safeguarding Officer or England Netball Lead Safeguarding Officer. This may include concerns relating to abuse, bullying, neglect, poor practice or the wellbeing of a child or adult. You can find out more about reporting a safeguarding concern here.
England Netball Safeguarding Team can be contacted on 01509 277850 or at besafe@englandnetball.co.uk
