Safeguarding & Welfare Support

Active Oxfordshire is committed to making sport and physical activity the safest place possible for all participants.

In this section you can find out about our Safeguarding and Welfare Officer and the ways which we can support you, as well as safeguarding guidance, advice, procedures, and other further information.

Over the next few months, alongside some of our fellow Active Partnerships Get Berkshire Active, Leap, and Energise Me, we will be hosting a series of different free online forums to better support you to safeguard and protect your communities. The forums are aimed at club coaches, safeguarding officers, any organisations working directly with young people, and may also be useful to parents and guardians too.

Creating Safer Spaces for Movement: How to Be an Active Bystander

Tuesday 10th March at 11am

This Lunch and Learn session is a practical and empowering session designed to build confidence, awareness, and shared responsibility across the movement and physical activity sector. This session is about recognising those moments and understanding that even small actions can contribute to safer, more respectful environments for everyone.

The session is for everyone, and we strongly encourage men and male allies to join. Men play a crucial role as allies in shaping positive cultures, challenging harmful behaviour, and modelling safety and respect within movement and physical activity spaces. Your presence and engagement genuinely make a difference.

Follow here to register.

Creating Safe Sport - Bystander Awareness

Monday 16th March, 6:00 - 7:30pm

We'll explore practical, safe, and effective ways to step in — whether that means speaking up, offering support, or acting in a way that feels right for you. You don't need all the answers. You just need the confidence to do something.

The session will cover:
✅ What 'Active Bystandership' really means
✅ Why being an active bystander matters
✅ How to stay curious, not judgmental.
✅ Practical tools you can use, including the 5 D's

Register for the online forum here.

Recognising and Dealing with Red Flags & Lower-Level Concerns

Wednesday 15th April, 6:00 - 7:30pm

This session will be supported and hosted by Mhairi Maclennon founder of Kyniska Advocacy | Promote Safe Sport Today, an organisation set up to champion safe, respectful and inclusive sport for all in the UK.

Further details and registration information will be shared closer to the event.

Mental Health Awareness

Monday 11th May, 6:00 - 7:30pm

May 11th - 17th is Mental Health Awareness Week. Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading the campaign, bringing the UK together every May to focus on mental health. The session will look at best practice for supporting and signposting people who may be struggling with their mental health.

More information and details on how to register are to follow.

If you have any questions on the forums or would like more information, please contact Heidi: HeidiYates@activeoxfordshire.org.

Our safeguarding pocket guide provides you with useful information and signposts you to the people and organisations that can provide training and further support for you and your club.

Download the pocket guide to access all the information.

The Sport Welfare Officer (SWO) network evaluation report provides analysis of the impact and progress of the network, from data collected between September 2024 to March 2025.

On 11th October 2025, along with Active Partnerships in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire, we hosted the first in-person event for coaches, safeguarding and welfare officers, and other sports clubs leaders.

The day included interactive workshops with opportunities to connect with other coaches and club leaders and presentations from keynote speakers sharing their experiences and stories.