Safeguarding Children within Cricket
Kent Cricket Board is committed to ensuring that all young people (aged under 18) who play cricket in Kent within affiliated clubs, district or county squads have a safe, welcoming and positive experience. We comply fully with the Safe Hands Policy – this is the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) policy to safeguard children within cricket. It promotes good practice, helps raise awareness and ensures people know what to do if they have any concerns about children or about the behaviour of adults in cricket.
The County has a County Welfare Officer and Deputy County Welfare Officer, either of whom can be contacted for information or advice.
Duty of Care
Everyone involved in cricket, whether it is at Club, District or County level, has a duty to ensure the safety and welfare of any young person involved in the sport. From prevention to protection, safeguarding in sport is everyone’s responsibility and involves keeping young people out of harm’s way both on and off the cricket pitch. It is not the responsibility of any individuals within the Club, District or County to determine if abuse has taken place, but it is their responsibility, and the responsibility of everyone within cricket, to confidentially report concerns to the relevant Club Welfare Officer, the County or Deputy County Welfare Officer or Child Protection experts.
Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children
The Safe Hands Policy contains an abundance of useful information, resources and templates. Our commitment is set out in our Kent Cricket Board's Policy Statement for Safeguarding Children in Cricket
Information for Club Welfare Officers
We require all Clubs with Junior Sections or with Under 18s regularly playing in Open Age Cricket to have a Club Welfare Officer (CWO). We value our CWOs and want you to feel appreciated and supported in your role. Do not hesitate to contact the County Welfare Officer or Deputy for information and advice.
Clubmark and Child Welfare
Clubs have a vital role to play in the development of young players. The Clubmark Accreditation Scheme is fully integrated with Safe Hands and shows the Club is taking its responsibilities regarding safeguarding seriously. It shows that a club provides the right environment which ensures the welfare of members and encourages everyone to enjoy cricket and stay involved throughout their lives. Approximately 75 of our Clubs in Kent now have Clubmark Accreditation.
DBS checks (previously called CRB disclosures)
Who needs to have one?
How do I get one?
What is the Update Service?
More information on the DBS page
District Welfare Officers
The role of the District Welfare Officer is primarily to support the District competition within the County. Clubs may also wish to ask for their advice on good practice issues but any safeguarding or welfare issues MUST be referred to the County or Deputy County Welfare Officer, not the District Welfare Officer.
Useful Links
County Welfare Officer - Bridget Owen, –
Deputy County WO – Alan McCawley, –
ECB Safeguarding Manager – Richard Desjardins,
ECB Safeguarding Advisor – Lance Spring, –
TMGCRB (for DBS checks) – –
External Sources of Assistance
NSPCC - 24 hour helpline if you are worried about a child –
Childline UK – private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen -
Child Protection in Sport Unit – Information and support to help keep children safe in sport – see the website.
Kent Specialist Children’s Services – Central Duty Team, –
If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police straightaway on 999 – then let the County Welfare officer, know at the earliest opportunity.
