Blog: Six Months as a Sport Welfare Officer

Six months into my role as a Sport Welfare Officer at Active Kent & Medway, I’ve had the opportunity to meet clubs, coaches, volunteers and Club Welfare Officers across Kent and Medway, helping them create safer, more welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone involved in sport and physical activity.

My background is in nursing, so supporting people’s wellbeing has always been at the heart of what I do. Those experiences have shaped my understanding of the importance of listening, building trust and creating environments where people feel safe, valued and supported.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Sport Welfare role has been visiting clubs and speaking directly to the people who make community sport happen. Whether I’m discussing safeguarding policies, supporting Club Welfare Officers, sharing resources or helping clubs think about inclusion, every conversation is an opportunity to strengthen welfare practices and improve experiences for participants.

I’ve also spent time delivering presentations and workshops, including our Board Welfare Responsibilities workshop, helping clubs and organisations better understand their welfare responsibilities and the role they play in creating positive club cultures. For boards and committees, this means setting the tone from the top, making welfare a regular part of decision-making and creating a culture where safe sport is prioritised, understood and embedded across the whole club or organisation.

A key lesson I’ve learnt is that welfare isn’t the responsibility of one person alone – it’s everyone’s responsibility. From board members and committee members to coaches, volunteers, parents and participants, we all have a role to play in making sport safe, welcoming and inclusive.

Over the last six months, I’ve been inspired by the commitment of clubs across Kent and Medway. Many are already doing fantastic work to create environments where people feel they belong, and it’s been a privilege to support them.

What I’ve learnt above all is that good welfare practice isn’t just about responding to concerns. It’s about putting people first, building positive cultures and ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity with confidence. When people feel safe and supported, they are more likely to participate, stay involved and thrive.

As I look ahead to the next six months, I’m excited to continue working with clubs and partners across the county. I’m also looking forward to our Sport Welfare on Tour (28 September – 4 October), which will be a great opportunity to meet more clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents and participants, answer questions, share practical support and continue building on a shared commitment to safe, welcoming and inclusive sport across Kent and Medway.

Published: July 2026.