An incredible group of Safeguarding Managers
The RFU recently held its first physical conference for CB Safeguarding Managers since 2019.
The RFU recently held its first physical conference for CB Safeguarding Managers since 2019, the pandemic having forced the last conference to be held online.
Over a weekend at The Lensbury, Twickenham, Safeguarding Managers from across the country shared experiences and heard from speakers, after being welcomed and thanked by RFU Chair, Tom Ilube.
Bystander Intervention
Kevin Murphy, Safeguarding in Sport Lead for NWG, whose partnership with Sport England sees them working with grassroots sports clubs to help prevent child exploitation, racism and violence against women and girls, outlined his organisation’s Bystander Intervention programme.
He said: “I was impressed by such an incredible group of volunteers and a fabulous event. The commitment towards safeguarding and developing bystander intervention was incredible.”
That Bystander Intervention Programme is encouraging adults to call out bad behaviour and is delivering training for community sports clubs.
Empowering young people
Also at the conference were members of the RFU’s National Youth Council talking about empowering young people to take on volunteer roles in rugby clubs and adopt positions of trust.
The overall theme of the conference was Bringing the Core Values to Life and there was focus on teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout.
Said Vivien Rimmer, RFU Head of Safeguarding: “It was a wonderful conference and I was in awe of our volunteer CB Safeguarding Managers. Their engagement, professional curiosity and willingness to respectfully challenge was impressive. As an organisation we and young and vulnerable people involved in rugby are very lucky to have such committed volunteers.”
All Constituent Bodies within the RFU have a Safeguarding Manager and all clubs providing age grade rugby, or who have 17-year-old involved in the adult game, are required to have a Safeguarding Officer.
For the RFU safeguarding is always paramount and welfare, wellbeing and enjoyment are fundamental.
For more information visit: www.englandrugby.com/run/safeguarding
