207 candidates have attended Play It Safe in Oxfordshire since August 2016.
Oxfordshire RFU Executive Chairman Chris Skaife stated on his appointment in November 2016 that there would be a key focus on Effective and Efficient Management & Governance in the county as a foundation for building success.
County Safeguarding Manager Jenny Bosley, assisted by RFU Rugby Development Officer Dave Larham, were tasked to provide an increased level of Safeguarding support for Oxfordshire clubs; both from an administrative and education perspective that included robust volunteer induction and Enhanced DBS processing.
Following on from the County Safeguarding Training Day at Oxford RFC in August 2016, when 23 candidates attended "Play It Safe" and 20 attended "In Touch", there has been a determined focus on providing the child workforce of Oxfordshire clubs with Safeguarding education and on-going support.
Since January 2017, 11 clubs have hosted the 3-hour "Play It Safe" course with 184 candidates in attendance. Fundamentally this has increased our volunteer child workforce to be able to support the safeguarding and child protection in our clubs by having an understanding of:
•Identifying best practice and apply within rugby
•Knowing where to find support and guidance within the RFU
•Identifying signs and indicators of possible abuse and poor practice
•Stating action to take if there is a concern or disclosure
•Recognising their role in safeguarding and protecting children
RFU Rugby Development Officer Dave Larham was pleased with the increased awareness of safeguarding in Oxfordshire, "What has impressed me the most is the county-wide appetite and acknowledgement that our clubs are environments for children to have fun through a player-first experience. In the last 9 months we have seen 207 (Play It Safe) volunteers gain safeguarding education; with a further 20 (In Touch) gaining further development on safeguarding implementation. We can't get too carried away as this number is a small percentage of the actual volunteer child workforce in Oxfordshire; but it does represent the growing momentum in Oxfordshire of ensuring a safe child-first environment; where young people can enjoy the benefits of playing rugby; and adults have the confidence to volunteer their time."
We would like to thank the following clubs and their volunteers for hosting and attending our Play It Safe events: Abingdon RUFC | Banbury RUFC | Bicester RUFC | Chinnor RFC | Didcot RUFC | Faringdon RUFC | Gosford All Blacks RFC | Grove RFC | Henley Hawks | Oxford RFC | Oxford Harlequins RFC | Witney RFC
CLUB MANAGEMENT SUPPORT:
Click HERE for information and support or contact:
Oxfordshire RFU CB Safeguarding Manager:
Jenny Bosley
55 West Lockinge
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 8QE
Home: 01235 833688 (preferred)
Mobile: 07742 732014
E-mail: dougbosley@btinternet.com
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