Wednesday 1 February 2023

UK Athletics and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) can confirm that new mandatory Safeguarding and First Aid training requirements will be introduced for all Athletics Coach, Coach in Running Fitness and higher, Coaching Assistants and Leaders whose licences are due for renewal from April 2023.

In 2019 UK Athletics introduced mandatory Safeguarding training for all Coaches and Leaders. This training has helped licenced Coaches and leaders identify those who might be vulnerable, recognise signs of abuse and neglect, and determine the most appropriate course of action. For licenced leaders and those operating as Coaching Assistants, this training will continue.

In the latest stage of enhancing safeguarding procedures across the sport, UKA and the HCAFs have developed quality training and resources in conjunction with industry experts and the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU). From April 1^st 2023, UK Athletics will be introducing face-to-face Safeguarding training as a requirement for all licenced Coaches at the point of renewal.

This mandatory training course (Tier 2) builds on the content from the Tier 1 online course that coaches have already completed and provides opportunity to discuss safeguarding scenarios within the sport, making this learning current and relevant to coaching environments. The Safeguarding training is bespoke and UKA will only accept this course for licence renewal.

UKA has also revised its policy on First Aid provision for Leaders and Coaches so that it is aligned with the Health & Safety Executive requirements. As a result, there will be a requirement from 1st April 2023 for all UKA Licensed Leaders and Coaches to have an appropriate level of First Aid training, based on the activity and environment in which they operate. First Aid training should remain current and is therefore renewable every three years in line with the re-licensing process.

Further information and more detail relating to the Mandatory Training processes and requirements can be found here.

Chris Moss, Development Director at UK Athletics, said, “UKA and the four Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) are committed to ensuring that everyone involved in the delivery of the sport have the knowledge, skills and understanding required. For the athletics safeguarding system to work effectively, it is essential that everyone understands the contribution they can make and how, by working cohesively, we can better protect those in our sport and promote safer environments. The well-being and safety of participants is a collective responsibility and the delivery of this mandatory training for coaches is a positive development for the sport.”

To assist with the roll out of the mandatory training for coaches, four online webinars will be hosted by UK Athletics on 13 and 14 February and 14 and 20 March between 1830-1930. Sign up here: https://www.athleticshub.co.uk/public/course-list/uka?what=Mandatory%20Training%20FAQs%20and%20Q%26A%20Webinar

If you have any questions, please get in touch via coachdevelopment@uka.org.uk