Safeguarding Update - February 2021 Part 2

We‘re all looking forward to the return of cricket this summer. Below are a number of key updates from the ECB Safeguarding Team to help make sure that you are ready and prepared for the safe return of cricket once the season kicks off.

DBS Checks

Due to ever changing COVID-19 Government restrictions and advice from the Disclosure and Barring Service, the ECB are returning to Online ID verifications including the initiation and verification of DBS applications as of 01 November 2020. DBS system access will also be limited to a small number of County and ECB users. 

More details about eligibility for DBS checks and getting a check done is available

Safe Hands Training – Extension of validity period.

We have taken the decision to extend the validity period of the Safe Hands webinar certificate for Club Safeguarding (Welfare) Officers. Originally the validity period for the Safe Hands webinar was 12 months, however due to the ongoing uncertainty around national restrictions due to COVID, we have now taken the decision to extend the period to 24 months. For example, if completing the Safe Hands webinar in June 2020, you do not need to undertake the Safe Hands course again until June 2022. This also applies to Club Safeguarding (Welfare) Officers undertaking the webinar going forward.  

You can find out more about this course here

Welfare Officer name change.

To provide consistency across the network and to bring the title in line with terminology used in all areas of cricket, other sports and external agencies, we are recommending a change from Club or League Welfare Officer to Club or League Safeguarding Officer.

We know that this will take some time to achieve, and amendments will be required to various policy and guidance documents. For example, Safe Hands documentation currently refers to the role of a Welfare Officer. There may be a period of transition where both terms welfare and safeguarding, crossover, we hope this will not hinder the work you are doing in any way.

Safeguarding in National and Local COVID -19 restrictions

The ECB Safeguarding Team have posted some information on their website around increased risks for children and young people, what cricket activity providers can do and some links to articles and further support that you may find useful.  

Safe Hands Management System (SHMS)

For the 37 Clubmark clubs in Devon who are continuing to work through the new ECB Safe Hands Management System please contact Alex Jopling (alex.jopling@devoncricket.co.uk) for any support you need with this.