Introducing our Welfare and Safeguarding Support Team

England Athletics' Welfare and Compliance Manager, Sarah Harrison, introduces Club Welfare Officers to her Welfare and Safeguarding Support Team.

As we continue to strengthen our safeguarding culture across the athletics community, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and the team working behind the scenes to support you in your vital roles as Welfare Officers. I’m Sarah Harrison, Welfare and Compliance Manager, and I’m fortunate to be supported by a small but dedicated team of part-time colleagues — Steve Pont, Andy Ellis, and Bruce Knight. Together, we’re here to offer guidance, respond to concerns, and help ensure that our clubs and events remain safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces for everyone involved.

We can be contacted through our shared inbox welfare@englandathletics.org or by phoning 07464522426. Please leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible. Please note: This number does not receive WhatsApp or text messages. For the quickest response, email or leave a voicemail.

In partnership with UK Athletics

We also work closely with our colleagues at UK Athletics (UKA), whose safeguarding team plays a key role in shaping national safeguarding policy and providing expert support in Safeguarding Children and Adults At Risk. Danny Williams is the Head of Safeguarding, bringing fresh leadership and strategic oversight to safeguarding across the organisation, while Kim Pearce is the new Safeguarding Manager, who, together with her team of Case Officers, provide invaluable investigation expertise and case management support for serious cases.

Their work complements ours, and together we aim to provide a joined-up, responsive safeguarding framework that empowers welfare officers and protects participants at every level of the sport.

Whether you're new to the role or have years of experience, please know that you’re not alone — we’re here to support you in your role.