Duty to Care campaign launches to protect participants and coaches
UK Coaching has launched a new hub of resources to provide extensive learning and support for the nation’s 3 million coaches, who have found themselves under increasing pressure following a number of high-profile athlete abuse investigations across major sports.
The Duty to Care Hub and Digital Badge is intended to galvanise the coaching workforce to fulfil its obligations around the education and provision of duty to care. It also aims to increase coaches’ confidence and put their own welfare, as well as the safety of their participants, at the centre of their coaching.
The Duty to Care Hub will include guidance and resources on the topics of Diversity, Inclusion, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Physical Wellbeing, Safeguarding and Safe to Practice. The topics will help coaches grow their skills, knowledge and behaviours to tackle pressing welfare issues in physical activity and sport with confidence. Additional elements include concussion, mental health support, online safety for children, the stigma surrounding menstruation and LGBT+ inclusion.
Activity Alliance worked closely with UK Coaching to provide support and expert advice for the inclusion pillar of the new hub. Our CEO, Adam Blaze features on the guide encouraging participants to think about why inclusive delivery is so important. As he highlights, inclusive delivery “supports participants to be themselves and reach their potential”.
According to a recent YouGov report, commissioned by UK Coaching, 90% of participants say they have confidence and trust in their coach. This insight shows coaches are uniquely placed to provide essential ‘wraparound care’ for their participants. The support offered by UK Coaching will promote and ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience of all individuals involved in sport and physical activity.
The announcement comes at the start of UK Coaching Week – the annual national awareness campaign which empowers athletes, coaches, and the public to celebrate great coaching.
The Duty to Care movement will see the organisation lead on making a positive difference to the health and happiness of the nation by helping coaches understand, practice, and have the highest commitment to safe sport as the foundation of great coaching practice.
Mark Gannon, UK Coaching CEO said:
"We are proud to be launching Duty to Care as part of UK Coaching Week. Following a number of high-profile investigations into safety and culture in sport, it has never been more important for us to support coaches and advocate Duty to Care for all.
"Neglect of coaches will set sport in the UK back years, and to respond to the urgent issues of welfare and safety in sport, we have to support coaches with education and resources to be the best they can be and feel confident in their practice. Coaching is now rightfully included as a ‘Position of Trust’ in recent safeguarding legislation, and bodies need to work with and support coaches to ensure all participants have a positive experience in physical activity and sport.
"As the leading voice of coaches across the UK, it is our responsibility to advocate for a care system in sport that protects everyone, and commit to creating equitable and inclusive environments within coaching and all forms of sport and physical activity delivery. Our Hub of learning is helping to ensure this is put into practice, by helping coaches build the right knowledge and behaviours to make a lasting difference to the lives of those they coach. What we’re asking is for coaches to lead by example and embody the values of Duty to Care in everything they do."
To find out more about Duty to Care and to access the Hub, visit Visit UK Coaching's website.
