British Orienteering would like to remind coaches that the date to have taken a safeguarding course is fast approaching. 

From 1 June 2021, all coaches, depending on who they coach, children or adults, will need to have a safeguarding qualification on their record to ensure their license to coach with British Orienteering remains valid. 

Throughout February and March over 200 coaches who coach children undertook funded tutor led safeguarding courses, with others who only coach adults, taking an online self-led course. 

Peter Brooke, Lead Safeguarding Officer, says:   
“It’s been excellent to see the engagement of our coaches with these courses. Everyone involved within the sport has a responsibility for safeguarding and creating safe and enjoyable environments. Coaches will often be working very closely with others and this training will help support best practice and provide coaches with the knowledge to spot potential concerns.” 

From 1 June 2021 coaches who do not have a safeguarding qualification on their records will not have a valid license to coach. 

The funded courses may have now concluded, however there are still opportunities to take the relevant course before the deadline. If a coach works with children and young people, they will need to take a tutor led safeguarding course. A recommended course is the UK Coaching course, details here. If you are in Scotland more information can be found here. 

If a coach only works with adults, then they need to take an online safeguarding workshop. British Orienteering’s new Introduction to Safeguarding eLearning course would count for adult only coaches. 

British Orienteering can accept training with other providers on proof of completion, as long as it has been completed within the last three years and meets the criteria of a tutor led course for coaching children or online self-led course if only coaching adults. Evidence and queries can be sent to Peter Brooke at:  pbrooke@britishorienteering.org.uk