SOA Welfare Policies highlighted this autumn

This autumn has seen the SOA Lead Welfare Officer, Nikki Howard, talking to Club Welfare Officers, juniors, parents and the Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad about the importance of safeguarding and wellbeing in orienteering. We are committed to ensuring that good and appropriate practices are in place and this applies not just to children but also to adults.

The SOA has a Child Safeguarding and Welfare Policy but also an Adult at Risk Safeguarding and Welfare Policy. These policies apply to everyone involved in the sport in Scotland from Board members, staff through to members and volunteers. As you will be aware the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was incorporated into Scots Law in July this year and as such SOA policies promote not only safeguarding but also promotes the health and wellbeing of children by providing opportunities for them to participate in a safe and enjoyable environment.

The policies can be found in the Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection and Welfare page of the website (here) or the Resources section.

Further Club Welfare Officer meetings will be held shortly but please ensure you are aware of who your club welfare officer is and ensure that should you have any concerns, no matter how minor, these are raised with the Club Welfare Officer or the SOA Lead Welfare Officer so we can ensure that our sport is a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone!