Cheadle and District ASC - Welfare Officer

Welcome

Welcome to the Welfare Page of Cheadle and District Amateur Swimming Club. At Cheadle and District ASC, the welfare of our swimmers, volunteers, and members is a top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.

Club Welfare Officer

Name: Claire Wilkin

Email: [email protected]

Our Welfare Officer is your point of contact if you have any concerns about a swimmer's wellbeing or safety, or need advice on safeguarding issues. Welfare and safeguarding within our club is considered everyone’s responsibility. 

We aim to create the safest environment within which every swimmer has the chance to achieve their goals. We will ensure all club members are listened to, and that appropriate action is taken. We’ve formed working relationships between parents/carers, swimmers, and volunteers. 

We aim to continue this, resolve any issues, and maintain our family-friendly club atmosphere. Swimmers, coaches, parents/carers, and volunteers are aware of the expected behaviour as set out in our Code of Conduct.

Wavepower – Swim England’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Wavepower is Swim England’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, designed to protect children in our sport. Please refer to Wavepower for guidance on: 

  • Reporting concerns
  • Codes of conduct
  • Anti-bullying policies
  • Photography and social media guidance

Useful Links: 

 Wavepower 2024–2027: 

https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-child-safeguarding-for-clubs/ 

Swim England Safeguarding Hub:

https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/safeguarding/

Swim England Report a Concern: 

https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/report-concern/

Need to Talk?

If you're a swimmer, parent, or coach with any welfare concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. All discussions are confidential and handled with sensitivity.

Contacts

Cheadle and District ASC Welfare Officer – Claire Wilkin

Email: [email protected]

West Midlands Regional Safeguarding Lead – Elaine Gale

Email: [email protected]

Swim England Child Safeguarding Team

Email: [email protected] 

Tel: 01509 640 700 (Option 1 > Option 3)

Please note: Our Welfare Officer does not become involved in concerns about any child’s training or progression. If you are unhappy with training, squad selection, or development matters, please arrange to meet with your child’s coach. If issues remain unresolved, the club will advise you on the next steps, which may involve referral to the club committee.

In an Emergency

If you believe a child or adult has been harmed or may be at immediate risk of harm, and you are unable to contact your welfare officer or the Swim England safeguarding team, please contact an appropriate agency such as:

  • The Police
  • Children’s Services
  • Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team
  • Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

Be sure to take the name and contact details of the person you spoke with and any incident/referral reference number. Then report this to the club welfare officer and Swim England safeguarding team the next working day.

Other Support Resources

  • NSPCC Childline – T: 0800 1111 – W: www.childline.org.uk
  • ASA Swimline – T: 0808 100 4001
  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline – T: 0808 800 5000 (24 hrs)
  • Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support (SCAS) – T: 0300 111 8007
  • Young Minds – T: 0808 802 5544 – W: www.youngminds.org.uk
  • Selfharm UK – W: www.selfharm.co.uk
  • Samaritans – T: 116 123 – W: www.samaritans.org