Spond is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults across grassroots sport in the UK and Ireland. We work with partners like Active Partnerships and Middlesex in the Community to promote best practice and safer environments.
This is backed by dedicated safeguarding features in the Spond app and Spond Club, giving organisers and guardians the tools to manage communication and permissions securely.
Children (everyone under 18) have the right to be safe and have fun. This is articulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). SG helps protect these rights. You must:
Get an Up-to-Date criminal record check – ideally renew each year!
Be cautious with videos and photographs
Never work alone – always have two adults present!
Keep all communication open – both online and offline
Complete safeguarding training
Maintain safe and appropriate online behaviour
When it comes to safeguarding, you are never on your own. If you are concerned about a child, there are always people who can provide advice and support. To find out who they are in your environment, go to the resources page and click on the links.
If something looks, sounds or feels wrong – report it.
How To Report Concerns
If you have concerns about the wellbeing of a child, or children, it’s right that you share these with the right people. You should always bear in mind, however, that it is not your responsibility to judge whether or not a child is being abused, but to report your concerns appropriately.
For non-urgent concerns, there are several options available, including seeking support from your national governing body (if applicable), local authority social care services, the NSPCC, or the Child Protection in Sport Unit.
Call 999 for emergency services right away.
Contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Ann Craft Trust offer expert advice on any safeguarding issues.
You can find the main contact number for all of the national governing bodies and sporting activities recognised by Sport England here.