Welfare – it’s everyone’s responsibility
North Somerset Athletic Club aims to create an environment where everyone involved in athletics feels safe and secure to enable them to achieve their potential – to run, jump and throw, to coach, officiate or to support those who do.
We work hard to achieve this through policies covering safeguarding and codes of conduct for athletes, parents, coaches and volunteers.
North Somerset Athletic Club (NSAC) fully supports that everyone involved in athletics should be able to enjoy the participation in safety and without concerns relating to abuse, discrimination, or misconduct.
Every person involved with the Club, no matter in what capacity they are involved, is responsible for upholding this right.
NSAC have three Welfare Officers, one male, Chris Millard and two female, Carolyn Devereux & Jenny Coughlan, who can be reached by email.
They are your point of contact for any issues you would like to raise relating to Welfare and Safeguarding. Welfare policy and procedures are reviewed annually.
All coaches and assistant coaches hold current DBS certification, these are renewed on a two-year basis through England Athletics, along with their licences and required Safeguarding training.
All NSAC committee members and volunteers are asked to complete an annual self-declaration.
Volunteers/Parent Helpers are not required to hold a DBS; however, they are not left unsupervised with athletes at any time. We do prefer that all our helpers apply for a DBS certificate and will encourage and support them do this.
We have first aiders at every session and basic first aid will be provided. In the event of a serious accident an ambulance will be called.
Coaches will not be left with an athlete on a one-to-one basis, this includes travelling in a car. If anyone has any concerns regarding a child, adult or member of the coaching/helpers’ team please raise this to the Welfare Officers as a matter of urgency.
Please help us by keeping your contact details up to date on our club registration system. If we need to contact you urgently, this is where our coaches turn to you for your details at training.
It should be noted that this policy relates to children and young people under the age of 18, we are aware that we have members who exceed this age and would ask that both the young people and the parents think about any requests and how that could put the coach in a difficult position, especially for example lift sharing.
For further guidance relating to Safeguarding and Welfare, which includes Codes of Conduct, provided by England Athletics please visit their website at:
Child Safeguarding Policy & Procedures | UK Athletics
Adult Safeguarding Policy & Procedures | UK Athletics
Reporting concerns
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 999.
NSAC Welfare Officers by email
England Athletics via online Reporting form
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 (helpline) or email
NSPCC Whistleblowing (concerns for professionals): 0800 028 0285
North Somerset Front Door (get help or report abuse): Care Connect Tel: 01275 888 801 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (out of hours contact will be redirected to the out of hours team)
North Somerset’s Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO; reporting concerns relating to coaches or volunteers): Tel: 07795 092 692 or email.
Any queries or issues any member should be addressed to any of our welfare officers at any time, or contact by email.
The club recommends that parents view this video presentation on behaviour expectations from parents.