UKA APPOINT SPORT CARES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO COACHES IN SAFEGUARDING & DISCIPLINARY CASES

UK Athletics has announced a partnership agreement with Sport Cares on a pilot programme to provide support to coaches in safeguarding and disciplinary cases.

The agreement will see UKA benefit from the skills and expertise of the independent charity, a subsidiary company of Rugby League Cares, who will provide confidential emotional and therapeutic support to individuals subject to safeguarding and disciplinary investigations and suspensions. The pilot will initially commence for two years, is funded by a grant from European Athletics and will be supported by regular reviews between the two parties.

The news follows the recent announcement that the governing body will work with Kyniska Advocacy on an equivalent pilot support service for athletes.

UK Athletics Chief Operating Officer Tom Solesbury said: “Confirmation of this partnership agreement with Sport Cares is welcome news and reinforces our commitment to the highest standards of safeguarding within the sport.

“UKA has invested heavily in safeguarding and disciplinary processes in recent years. Our agreement with Kyniska Advocacy – who will provide individuals with emotional and practical support through the reporting process and beyond through their ‘Athlete Support Service’ – is recognition of the value we place on our athletes. Our partnership with Sport Cares demonstrates our duty of care to coaches and provides an essential balance and provision of support to all of those impacted by potentially challenging processes.”

Steve McCormack, Director of Welfare and Wellbeing at Sport Cares, said: “We are looking forward to working with UK Athletics on this exciting and important new programme, which will ensure coaches involved in safeguarding and disciplinary events receive the support they need.

“Sport Cares has been delivering whole-person wellbeing programmes to professional athletes and coaching staff for many years, and this partnership will enable UK Athletics to harness our considerable experience and expertise to provide care and support to people in what are often the toughest and most challenging times in their lives.”