Durham City Harriers is committed to safeguarding at all levels. We aim to create and maintain a safe, positive environment with an open culture where people are able to share their concerns. All members should feel confident that they will be listened to when reporting a concern.
Irrespective of the club having designated Welfare Officers, SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY. All members must acknowledge this.
We are committed to preventing abuse and neglect by safeguarding the welfare of ALL children and adults (particularly vulnerable adults) involved in our sport. We will do our utmost to ensure that activities (training sessions, group runs, club races and club events) are conducted in such a way that keeps all of our members safe.
DCH Welfare Officers
Our designated Welfare Officers are Niall Salmon, one of our senior Transition Group coaches, and Chloe Foster. Either can be contacted by any member or parent who has a safeguarding or welfare concern, in person, by email or via Spond.
“I have been with Durham City Harriers since my daughter Emily started juniors when she was 11years old and now she’s doing her MSc degree in radiography aged 22. Hopefully none of you will need her skills anytime soon.
My day job as an advocate and litigation friend is about working with vulnerable adults, championing their rights and ensuring they have a voice when times get hard. I have worked in health and social care all my adult life and have a comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding and welfare which helps greatly with this role as welfare officer.”
Niall
“My son, Jacob, trains in the multi-events group. I have been blown away with the knowledge, friendliness and support given by Durham City Harriers and the confidence it has given my son. I wanted to give something back as your welfare officer.
I am an Assistant Headteacher at a local secondary school for autistic pupils aged 11-19. I have been a teacher for 12 years and have lived and breathed safeguarding for my entire career. Safety and inclusion are the fundamental foundations for all members, I believe my knowledge, – particularly working with young people – helps me fulfill this role within DCH.”
Chloe
How to use your Welfare Officer
The welfare officer is the person you come to see if you are worried about an individual or have seen something going on that you are not happy about. We are there to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded if any form of abuse is happening, and to provide oversight of policy and scrutinise the delivery of all club activities. We will listen to club members, observe sessions, attend the committee meetings, and where possible be involved in developing relevant policy and guidelines etc.
The real challenge with welfare is that many people who may have seen something wrong happening at the club do not know if they should say anything. They may feel it may be too insignificant or would bother people, or that it might upset someone. I would say to those people, please talk with the welfare officers, no concern or issue is too small. We are skilled in handling delicate situations. Privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and you will be treated with full respect and believed 100%.
Contact us through our club email, find us track side (providing that we’re there on the night) or ask a coach or club official to contact us for you. You can remain anonymous if you wish as we will not share your personal information if you do not want us to. For matters that are serious and involve abuse or illegal activity we will not hesitate to inform the correct authorities to have the matter addressed immediately.
We cannot do our jobs without your help; you are the eyes and ears of our club and we rely heavily upon you to be our early warning system.
Safeguarding & Welfare Documentation
All documents regarding Safeguarding & Welfare can be found on our Policies and Procedures page.