Safeguarding
Safe first, then fast.
Every young athlete has the right to train safely. Here is who is responsible, the rules every session follows, and exactly what to do if you are worried about anyone.
Ffion Rees, welfare officer
Any concern about any young person, from a parent, an athlete, a coach or a visitor, goes to Ffion. She keeps the records, makes referrals where the law requires, and makes sure our policy is followed. Owen deputises when she is away.
Phone 07700 900 110 · Email welfare@next-level-athletes.co.uk
The rules
Six things true at every session.
A named welfare officer
Ffion Rees is our welfare officer. Any concern about any young person, from anyone, goes to her, and she keeps the record. If she is unavailable, Owen deputises.
Checked coaches
Every coach holds an enhanced DBS check with the barred list, renewed every three years, and safeguarding training renewed every two years (references on this demonstration site are placeholders).
Never one to one alone
At least two adults are on site at every session. No coach is alone with one athlete in a closed room, and doors stay open.
Parents welcome
Parents and carers can watch any session from the viewing area. Under-13s have a parent on site for their first session.
Photos and messages
No photos or video are shared without written consent from a parent. Coaches message parents, or group chats that include parents, never a young person alone.
Signing in and out
Under-16s are signed out to a named adult. Athletes over 16 may leave alone with a parent's written consent.
Checks
Who is checked, and when.
The certificate references below are placeholders on this demonstration site. On a live site the welfare officer holds the records and shows them to any parent who asks.
| Coach | DBS check | Reference | Safeguarding training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ffion Rees | Enhanced with barred list, renewed 2025 | DBS-PLACEHOLDER-0001 | Safeguarding lead, renewed 2026 |
| Owen Jenkins | Enhanced with barred list, renewed 2024 | DBS-PLACEHOLDER-0002 | Safeguarding in sport, renewed 2025 |
| Holiday and camp coaches | Enhanced with barred list before their first session | Held by the welfare officer | Before their first session |
If you are worried
What to do, in order.
A child is in danger now
Ring 999. Do not wait to speak to us first.
You have a concern
Tell Ffion, our welfare officer, in person, by phone or by email, the same day. She will listen, write it down and tell you what happens next.
It is about a coach
Tell Ffion, or Owen if it is about Ffion. If you would rather speak outside Next Level, contact the local authority safeguarding team or the NSPCC helpline.
After you tell us
We follow our policy and, where required, refer to the local authority. We do not investigate allegations ourselves.
Questions about safeguarding
Can I stay and watch?
Yes, any session, from the viewing area. Under-13s have a parent on site for their first session.
Will you message my child?
No. Coaches message parents, or group chats that include parents, never a young person alone.
Do you take photos?
Only with a parent's written consent, and never with names attached online.
Who checks the welfare officer?
Owen is the deputy, and concerns about Ffion go to him or outside Next Level to the local authority or the NSPCC.
Book a free taster session.
A parent or carer books, tells us the athlete's age, sport and any health needs, and Owen or Ffion replies within a working day with a taster in the right group. Under-13s have a parent on site for the first session.