The Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework is an online assessment tool designed to help sport and physical activity organisations funded by Sport England and UK Sport embed and evidence best practice in safeguarding adults.
Completing the Framework demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to strong, effective adult safeguarding.
It provides a structured way to understand your current position on safeguarding adults. You can identify strengths, highlight gaps, and prioritise areas for development.
The process supports continuous improvement and results in a clear Safeguarding Action Plan that your Board can monitor and review. Throughout the process, Board discussion and oversight are essential to ensure there’s a shared understanding across your organisation.
Who Needs To Complete The Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework?
Since April 2022, all National Governing Bodies, National System Partners, and Active Partnerships funded by Sport England and UK Sport in England are required to complete the Framework as part of their funding agreements.
What’s The Deadline For Completing The Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework?
If the Framework is a condition of your organisation’s funding, you must complete your submission no later than 31 January 2027.
This recommended deadline allows time for assessment and feedback before the funding period ends in March 2027, helping avoid any last‑minute pressure.
How Are NGBs Engaging With The Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework?
At the time of writing:
- Since April 2022 approximately 35 National Governing Bodies funded by Sport England, UK Sport and Sport Wales have completed the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework.
- The majority of NGBs have achieved “Conditionally Met” status.
A “Conditionally Met” outcome reflects that:
- The organisation has a sound safeguarding foundation
- Some essential criteria may require further development or clearer evidence
- There is a clear action plan to address any gaps
Importantly, this demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement and embedding safeguarding adult practice.
Further Support
If you have any queries relating to the Framework, or would value strategic input as a Board Champion, please do get in touch. Email us at ann-craft-trust@nottingham.ac.uk.
For more information, you can access our Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework resources hub.
Framework Support Sessions
These free online sessions will delve deeper into the insights and learning from submissions. They will offer the opportunity to share and learn from examples of good practice. We can also explore any areas that may be challenging.
This session will explore:
- Insights and learning from recent Framework submissions
- Areas of good practice in safeguarding adults and examples of ‘what good looks like’
- Any areas/themes or criteria that may present challenges and how to work through them
Members of The Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults in Sport team will be on hand to answer any questions.
Sign Up To Our Board Champions Newsletter!
We offer lots of support to Active Partnerships. We are here to help you build your confidence in safeguarding adults, so you can guide at strategic level to keep people safe from harm within your organisation and the community.
To support you in this role, we offer a dedicated Board Safeguarding Champion Newsletter. This is specifically designed to support those leading safeguarding at board level.
Sign up and you will be the first to receive:
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- Practical insights to strengthen governance
- New resources and guidance
- Sector updates and emerging risks
- Tools to help you champion safer culture across your organisation