As I prepare to move on from my role as Safeguarding Adults in Sport Manager in Wales, I have found myself reflecting on what has been a truly rewarding three and a half years.
When I first joined, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Starting a new role always comes with a degree of uncertainty. But any apprehension I had quickly disappeared. I received a very warm welcome and a lot of generous support. From the very beginning, the rest of the Ann Craft Trust team made me feel part of something important.
Looking back, what stands out most is not any single project, meeting, or piece of work. Instead, it is the people. I have had the privilege of working alongside passionate and committed individuals across NSPCC, National Governing Bodies, partner organisations and the wider safeguarding sector, all of whom share a common goal of ensuring that sport is a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for everyone.
Safeguarding Adults in Sport – An Essential Part of Good Governance
Over the last few years, I have seen the conversation around safeguarding adults grow significantly.
Safeguarding adults in sport is increasingly becoming an essential part of good governance, participant welfare, and organisational culture. It has been encouraging to witness organisations embrace this agenda. They are strengthening their practices and placing greater focus on the safety and wellbeing of their participants and volunteers.
A Shared Commitment
One of the joys of this role has been seeing safeguarding adults become a topic that people actively want to engage with.
Organisations seem increasingly willing to challenge themselves, and to push for continuous improvement. And the inspiring thing is that all of this progress was due to a culture of collaboration and openness, and a shared commitment to doing the right thing.
Passion, Expertise, and Dedication
I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Ann Craft Trust: Small in size, but immense in impact.
As a charity, the team consistently demonstrates the difference that passion, expertise, and dedication can make.
I have been fortunate to work with many colleagues who are knowledgeable, supportive, and deeply committed to improving safeguarding practice.
Along the way, we have shared challenges and frustrations, as every team does. But what has always stood out is the way we have worked through them together. There has been a genuine culture of support, encouragement and, often, laughter, even during the busiest and most demanding times.
The team’s resilience and unwavering commitment to its goals have been a constant source of inspiration. I am grateful to have been part of such a positive and determined group. The influence of the organisation stretches far beyond its size, and I am proud to have been part of that journey.
Building Stronger Foundations
As I leave my role with The Ann Craft Trust, I am encouraged by how far the safeguarding adult’s agenda has come. I’m also optimistic about where it is heading: The foundations are stronger, the conversations are more confident, and the commitment across Welsh sport is clear to see.
As I move on to the next chapter, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities I have been given, the lessons I have learned, the friendships I have made, and the many people who have helped shape my experience and supported me along the way.
Thank you to everyone I have worked alongside during this journey. It has been a privilege to support and champion safeguarding adults in sport across Wales. I leave with many happy memories and complete confidence that the work will continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
Diolch yn fawr.
Celebrating Jodi’s Work With The Ann Craft Trust
Take a look at some of the work of our outgoing Safeguarding Adults in Sport Manager (Wales), Jodi Evans:
- Jodi Evans: My First Year With The Ann Craft Trust
- 2025: The Year in Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity
- Mental Health and Wellbeing in Sport With Sport Wales – Safeguarding Adults Week 2025 Online Seminar
- Libanus Lifestyle: Making a Big Impact in Safeguarding Adults in Welsh Sport
Jodi also hosted a number of episodes of our Safeguarding Matters podcast: