We have passed a significant milestone with Active Partnerships through the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework!
Figures from the end of March 2025 confirm that more than 50% of Active Partnerships (APs) have now worked through the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework process since April 2022.
The data on the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework portal highlights the prominent and vital role of the Sport Welfare Officer within the AP network. These networking roles are allowing the APs to connect with clubs on a local level to a greater degree than ever before.
Such local networking allows APs to further understand the culture of sport and activity in their area. It also enables them to make important safeguarding links with key partners, which can increase the confidence of those who deliver sport and activity.
Safeguarding partners are also telling us that they can see the important role that sport can play in preventing abuse and exploitation. This is a win-win with the potential to ultimately benefit everyone who participates in sport and activity.
Safeguarding All Adults
Within the APs we have also seen that there is a much greater understanding of the need to consider the welfare needs of all adults and not just those covered under legislation. We are definitely seeing a positive and welcome shift away from the narrow focus on safeguarding ‘adults at risk’ in policies and procedures.
Have You Started Your Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework Journey Yet?
If your club or organisation is yet to start the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework process, we can support you in advance by:
- Attending a Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework Support Session. We’re hosting free online support sessions on 8 April and 9 July. These sessions offer a good opportunity to share examples of good practice, network, ask questions, and get support from others.
- Familiarising yourself with the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework Criteria. When working through the Framework, you’ll have to submit evidence indicating where and how you meet the criteria for each theme. Familiarising yourself with the criteria in advance will help you form a plan of action for completing your Framework submission. Get in touch and we can send you a copy of our handy planning spreadsheet.
- Access our online support hub. We have a Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework user guide, an FAQ, and a new Top Tips section.
What Happens After You Go Through Your Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework Process?
Following your submission to the portal, you will receive a report from the Framework reviewer. This report is colour coded against all the criteria: red, amber, or green.
Your report will help you form an action plan for your future work in safeguarding adults work. A sport team manager will also talk you through your feedback and ensure you are confident in your direction of travel.
Throughout these conversations, we’d also like to hear if you have any suggestions for how we might improve the Framework process.
Are You Ready To Start Your Safeguarding Adults Framework Journey?
Still not sure whether you are ready?
You could also speak to other APs who have been through the process.
Tees Valley Sport recently went through the Framework process. This is what Safeguarding Lead Officer Catherine Woods had to say:
This was our first time through the Framework and we made sure that we referenced our documents as clearly as we could, as some of them were applicable to different criteria.
We found the whole Framework process helpful. We felt the report and feedback were both honest and fair.
If you’re worried about starting your Framework journey, don’t be. The Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults in Sport team will give you all the support you need – before, during, and after.
As a reminder you have until the end of the Uniting the Movement funding period to complete your Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework.
The funding period ends 31 March 2027. This means that all Framework submissions must be submitted by the end of January 2027.
To start your Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework Journey, contact Sarah Nolan, who will book in your submission date: sarah.nolan@nottingham.ac.uk.