What we are doing Supporting coaches prevents harmful acts The critical role of safeguarding has been brought into laser focus by athlete abuse controversies involving several sports , emphasising the need for coaching reform .
This was further underscored by the publication of the Whyte Review , an independent report commissioned by Sport England and UK Sport to investigate allegations of mistreatment in the sport of gymnastics .
The report delivered 17 recommendations to enhance participant protection , forming part of a broader commitment to reform safeguarding in sport . This seminal report sparked a mix of fear and confusion among some coaches , who were unsure about how the recommendations impacted their roles and responsibilities .
The challenge lies in implementing regulatory measures that will professionalise coaching and prevent future safeguarding lapses , whilst also attracting and retaining coaches without imposing additional barriers on them . This conundrum needs resolution .
A key point to emphasise here is that balancing the two aspects – care for the coach and care for the participant – is not contradictory but complementary . Caring for the coach will lead to better care for the participant .
UK Sport and Sport England – Whyte Review Policy Response Commitments relating to Coaching / Workforce Support
1 . UK Sport and Sport England ( joint ): Ensure that an independent representative body is created for coaches which provides them with leadership , representation , and support .
2 . Joint : Working with CIMSPA and its Professional Standards for Coaches to better structure the career path of modern coaches , underpinned by a broader curriculum incorporating non-technical skills such as self-awareness , empathy , and listening , which complement NGB processes .
3 . Joint : In partnership with CIMSPA and NGBs , we will develop a national registration scheme for sports coaches which will include what qualifications they have completed and their suitability for work in specific roles .
4 . Sport England : Continue to support and promote the Children ’ s Coaching Collaborative ( CCC ), a group of people and organisations who are working together already , focusing on providing positive experiences as well as listening to the voices of children and young people . This includes the ‘ Play Their Way ’ movement , which focuses on supporting coaches to sustain the participation of children through a more inclusive approach .
The ‘ Swiss Cheese Model ’ was developed by James Reason and is widely used in sectors like the care sector and aviation that take accident and harm prevention particularly seriously . The layers of cheese represent individual interventions that on their own do not make enough impact to prevent harmful acts occurring , but when all are put in place it can reduce the holes in the system and act as a strong harm prevention measure .
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