LimeCulture is proud to announce the creation of the Safeguarding Leaders in Sport Network, a new initiative designed to respond to a clear and growing need within the sporting sector: a dedicated, peer-led space for safeguarding professionals to connect, collaborate, and lead change.
About this Network
Over the past decade, the role of safeguarding professionals in sport has become increasingly complex. Those tasked with leadership roles involving safeguarding often operate in isolation, managing high-stakes responsibilities with limited peer support and few opportunities to reflect with others facing similar challenges.
Despite the growing recognition about the importance of safeguarding in sport, there has been a noticeable gap in structured, strategic networks that support those in leadership positions. Until now, there has not been a UK-wide community focused specifically on supporting safeguarding leaders—those responsible for shaping and delivering safeguarding strategy at an organisational or system level.
LimeCulture has worked closely with safeguarding professionals across the country and has been the exclusive training provider of the accredited Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme, delivering the innovative course to more than 130 safeguarding leaders since 2021and has consistently heard the same message – the need for a space where they can share experiences, seek advice, and strengthen their practice through collaboration.
The Safeguarding Leaders in Sport Network is our response to that need.
What Makes This Network Different?
This initiative is more than just a professional forum. It’s a strategic and supportive community built by and for safeguarding leaders. The aim is to:
- Create protected time and space for safeguarding professionals to connect with peers, away from the pressures of day-to-day work.
- Encourage the exchange of ideas, lessons learned, and emerging best practices across different parts of the sporting sector.
- Support innovation by enabling collaborative problem-solving around new and persistent safeguarding challenges.
- Promote wellbeing for safeguarding leaders, who often carry significant emotional and organisational responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
By bringing together professionals working at national or professional level with shared responsibilities and values, the Safeguarding Leaders in Sport Network is set to become a powerful driver of change and improvement across the safeguarding landscape.
We believe this network fills a long-standing gap in the sector. It recognises that safeguarding leaders are critical to creating safe, inclusive, and resilient sporting environments—and that they deserve the same level of support, connection, and development as the people they protect.
If you’d like to learn more about the Safeguarding Leaders in Sport Network or discuss how it might align with your organisation’s work, please get in touch at sport@limeculture.co.uk.