LimeCulture’s dedicated Sport Unit has a fantastic reputation in supporting sport practitioners, Clubs and National and International Governing Bodies to transform their safeguarding provision through our innovative training and development opportunities, case management services, expert consultancy services and independent reviews.
LimeCulture has a strong team of safeguarding professionals with experience in a wide range of strategic and operational roles in sport and are able to provide practical solutions to the challenges of safeguarding in sport.
Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme
LimeCulture’s Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme, designed to professionalise the approach to safeguarding in sport, is a comprehensive and innovative training initiative.
The programme will help Safeguarding Leaders cultivate a strategic and comprehensive approach to safeguarding, while integrating its values and principles of safeguarding into the culture, environment and operations of their respective sports.
It is acknowledged that we all have a role to play in making our sport safer for both children and adults, ensuring ongoing participation and success. The programme will equip Safeguarding Leaders with the necessary skills and expertise to deliver a consistent, robust and proactive response to safeguarding in sport focusing on both prevention and response.
While we recognise the significant benefits of sport for physical and mental well-being, we’ve also witnessed the profound harm caused to individuals, families, and sporting organisations when abuse occurs.
The programme will consider inclusivity and the human rights agenda, drawing on lessons learned to drive positive change across organisations.
It’s time to advance your organisational approach toward safer outcomes in sport.
Aim of the programme
The goal of the Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme is to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Safeguarding Leader’s role. The course will empower professionals with the essential skills and expertise needed to deliver a consistent, strong, and proactive approach to safeguarding in sport. The programme will cover safeguarding in both preventive and responsive contexts, examining sporting culture, organisation, and environment.
Dates for the programme:
The next programme is now open for booking please click here to book your place.
- Module 1 – Wednesday & Thursday 17 & 18 September 2025
- Module 2 – Wednesday & Thursday 15 & 16 October 2025
- Module 3 – Wednesday & Thursday 12 & 13 November 2025
- Module 4 – Wednesday & Thursday 10 & 11 December 2025
- Module 5 – Wednesday & Thursday 7 & 8 January 2026
- Module 6 – Wednesday & Thursday 4 & 5 February 2026
Key areas of learning
The Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme will cover the following key areas:
- Principles of safeguarding, the context of the Safeguarding Leader’s role, external and internal structures in sport and how these impact safeguarding within organisations.
- Developing a strategic response framework, identifying organisational values and how these align with safeguarding priorities, creating a safer culture in sport, understanding how safeguarding fits within a governance structure and recognising workforce training requirements.
- Considering a risk framework, understanding risk assessment and how to manage risk. Understanding how risk impacts on the individual, the organisation and wider stakeholders.
- The impact of abuse on individuals, developing strategies to enable a listening culture within sport, breaking down the barriers to disclosure, learning lessons from survivors and victims and considering cultural competency and inclusion.
- End to end case management including the referral process, interim protective action, risk assessment and risk management, knowledge of perpetrator abuse and supporting those who have made disclosures.
- Understanding the investigation process, overseeing and directing an investigation, considering evidential thresholds and role of the Safeguarding Leader in multi-agency working.
LimeCulture recognises that everyone learns in different ways, and we work hard to ensure our training is as inclusive and accessible as possible through using a variety of approaches within each course. We encourage you to get in touch with us directly if there are further adjustments you may need to support your learning and/or participation in our programmes.
Eligibility
Applicants must: –
- be a Safeguarding Leader or hold a senior role in safeguarding within their sporting organisation.
- have previously completed introductory safeguarding training delivered by CPSU/ACT or equivalent.
Cost
Places cost £2,500 plus VAT. This includes all 12 teaching days, and 6 assessments. Learners will receive an accredited qualification.
Accreditation
This qualification has been developed to meet the specific needs of our learners and have been accredited by NCFE demonstrating quality and rigour.
NCFE is an awarding organisation recognised by the Qualification Regulators for England (Ofqual), Wales (Qualifications Wales) and Northern Ireland (CCEA Regulation). These are unregulated qualifications and are not nationally recognised qualifications.
To receive the certificate of accreditation, delegates must attend for the full learning hours and complete the relevant assessment to the required pass mark. This will take place within the training module/course. Our trainers will be on hand for support throughout; reasonable adjustments can be granted for anyone with additional learning needs.
On completion of the Customised Qualification for the Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme, learners will receive a certificate of achievement. The certificate is evidence of the knowledge and skills gained by completing the qualification. These qualifications have been accredited by NCFE under the Customised Qualification and certificates of achievement will be issued directly by NCFE.
Embedding Safeguarding into Strategy – a Workshop for Senior Leaders in Sport
Embedding Safeguarding into Strategy
Recent conferences on changing culture within sport, the ‘National Plan for Sport, Health and Wellbeing’ published by the House of Lords (Dec 2021) and feedback from Safeguarding Officers, have all identified the critical role that senior leaders play in influencing the development of a safeguarding culture within sport.
We have seen that despite having policies and processes in place, time and time again perpetrators of abuse can find opportunities to prevail. Key to putting up barriers to abuse, is the culture of an organisation, and this is led from the top. If safeguarding is a priority throughout every level and function of your sport, children and adults will be more likely to be able to enjoy and achieve.
Working in collaboration with Sport England, LimeCulture has developed a 3 hour workshop for CEO’s, Senior Leaders and Board Members to support their knowledge and understanding of integrating safeguarding at a strategic level across sport. Designed to complement the Lead Safeguarding Officer Development Programme this workshop will equip Leaders with the knowledge and skills to ensure safeguarding underpins the services and programs delivered across their sport by:
- Consider the prevalence of abuse in sport from recent research.
- Highlighting the key overarching legislative duties for safeguarding in sport and why they are important.
- Understand why safeguarding needs to be considered at strategic level to help create safer cultures in sport.
- Explore how to use your leadership role to support a safe culture in your organisation.
- Consider the purpose of a strategic plan and the requirement for safeguarding to be embedded within the strategy.
- Recognising the importance of budgeting for a safeguarding provision
Delegates will be supported by the workshop facilitator to develop an action plan during the workshop. The workshops can be delivered virtually or in person. There is a delegate limit of fifteen per workshop.
We recognise that not all sports organisations are the same size and therefore in recognition of this, the workshops can be delivered to either individual NGBs or 2/3 small NGBs can come together for the delivery. It’s up to the NGB to decide which would suit them best. However, at LimeCulture we think there are benefits to both options. Where one NGB attends alone, leaders can work together to develop a shared understanding of what needs to happen in their sport and plan for how that might happen. Alternatively, attending with other NGBs enables shared learning across these different sports.
If you are from a National Governing Body in sport in England, receiving funding from Sport England and you are interested in a workshop, please contact joanne.garey@limeculture.co.uk
Training
LimeCulture provides a range of training services designed especially for those working within sport, including:
Comprehensive Training Needs Analysis
- Includes the analysis of staff and volunteer performance reviews, focus groups with key stakeholders and the identification of required behaviours, skills and knowledge for each job role within the specific sport.
Workforce Development Plans
- Development of in-depth workforce training plans identifying key roles across the organisation and the level of training required for each role including training solutions and interventions. Plans are tailored specifically to the sport and the types of role required within sport including coaches, medical staff, stewards etc.
Design of specific training content and modules
- Development of training specific learning objectives in line with adult learning theories, course design including the use of recognised experiential learning cycles and learning styles. Training is designed using current legislation, best practice and guidance as well as input from our experienced sport safeguarding professionals.
Delivery of sport safeguarding training
- LimeCulture provides expert trainers to deliver safeguarding training specific to sport. Courses can be bespoke or standard packages. We deliver training to Boards/Trustees/Councils, Coaches, Support Staff, Administrators, Parents/Carers and Athletes.
- Example courses – Lead Safeguarding Training, Case Management, Investigations into Allegations in Sport, Supporting Survivors, Sexual Health for athletes, Sexual Consent for Athletes and many more…
For more information contact sport@limeculture.co.uk
Consultancy
Through a range of tailor-made consultancy services, we can work with you to deliver the required service or project that you want and need.
Reviews
- LimeCulture can support sporting organisations by undertaking comprehensive reviews of their existing safeguarding provision. We analyse the organisational safeguarding culture, policies and procedures and safeguarding practices. Our reviews are bespoke to each sporting organisation and provide detailed recommendations to support the development of your safeguarding provision.
Case Management
- LimeCulture can help sporting organisations with the management of abuse cases in sport, including allegations against staff. We work with expert investigators and case managers who can support you with current live case management or undertake a retrospective review of how a case was managed.
Policy and Procedure Development
- LimeCulture are able to support sporting organisations to review their current safeguarding policies and procedures. Our Team will help you ensure that your safeguarding policies and procedures are up to date with current with legislation, guidance and best practice.
Event Support
- LimeCulture are able to support sporting organisations at events, whether these are small or large scale events. We can provide advice and guidance around how to execute a safe sport event. LimeCulture can help you to ensure your safeguarding lead is sufficiently skilled and the organisation has adequate safeguarding provisions in place, including safe searching procedures, how to manage lost children procedures, how to ensure safe athlete village usage and so forth.
For more information contact sport@limeculture.co.uk
Reviews
LimeCulture is well placed to support sporting organisations by undertaking comprehensive reviews of organisational safeguarding provision. We analyse the organisational safeguarding culture, policies and procedures and safeguarding practices throughout an organisation (from Board level to volunteer input). Our reviews are bespoke to each sporting organisation and provide detailed recommendations to support the development of the organisation’s safeguarding provision.
Sport Case Studies
Premier League Football Club
LimeCulture was invited to undertake a strategic and operational safeguarding review for a Premier League Football Club. LimeCulture undertook a global review of this football Club’s operations, with the aim of supporting them to identify key strengths, gaps and recommendations to enhance their safeguarding provision. The LimeCulture team are experts in safeguarding, governance and sport management and were able to quickly identify key risk areas for the Premier League Club.
Staff at all levels within the organisation were consulted in interviews and focus groups to elicit the cultural approach to safeguarding, and to determine how policy and procedural practices are embedded within the club. Using our unique approach, we were able to identify key information to compile a comprehensive report with practical recommendations for improving and embedding safeguarding practice. The Premier League Club are now enacting the recommendations and making changes to practice to help grow their business operations and create an environment which helps keeps all children and young people safe.
International Olympic Event
LimeCulture supported a major sporting event with its safeguarding provision by identifying areas of risk and providing solutions to gaps in provision. LimeCulture supported the Organising Committee develop a Safeguarding/Child Protection Policy for a major sporting event and provided provision and support for:
- Searching children entering stadia
- Lost children in stadia
- Child protection/safeguarding policies and procedures and young fan wristbands
- Safe use of changing rooms Athletes village arrangements to reduce the risk of abuse
- Extra safeguards required for disabled athletes
- Vetting and checking – including security for stewards and event staff
The Organising Committee ran a successful major event with the correct safeguarding provision in place.
International Safeguarding Training
LimeCulture was commissioned to undertake a training needs analysis and design, deliver and evaluate a safeguarding workforce development programme for a major sport in China. The expert team worked closely with the organisation and devised a workforce development plan which has seen significant improvements in staff, volunteer and contractor knowledge, skills and behaviours in safeguarding. Thereafter the organisation reported an increase in referrals which enabled them to better manage safeguarding risk within the organisation and to feel confident in their skills and abilities.
LimeCulture is pleased to be hosting two workshops to support the launch of the ‘International Training and Development Framework for Safeguarding Leads in Sport’.
The Framework is hosted on the Safe in Sport website
The Framework is aimed at those who have a lead role in safeguarding in sport, those who deliver safeguarding in sport training and for those within organisation who need to consider the safeguarding provision. The purpose of the Framework is to support those in safeguarding in sport to understand the different roles and responsibilities and to identify areas of training and development for individuals and organisations.
The Framework is made up of different competency levels and subject areas, which are encompassed by three safeguarding strands – Safer Culture, Safer Environments, Risk Management and Leadership & Governance.
The purpose of these workshops is to support the best use of the Framework by providing scenarios, and ways of using the Framework.
Should you have any queries please email: sport@limeculture.co.uk
Safer Cultures Training for Athletes
To support your sport to create and embed safer cultures for your athletes, LimeCulture has developed an athlete training programme that is suitable for sports organisations or teams of any size.
Integrity Training for Athletes/Participants: Preventing & Responding to inappropriate behaviours in Sport
A strong sporting culture is built on trust, respect, and accountability. Beyond physical performance, the values and behaviours fostered within sport define its long-term success. To reinforce these principles, the Safer Cultures Workshop for Athletes provides an engaging and interactive space to explore the foundations of healthy relationships, mutual respect, and personal responsibility.
Delivered face-to-face in small groups, this workshop encourages open discussion on key topics, including:
- The importance of mutual respect and trust in all relationships.
- Consent, boundaries, and acceptable behaviours.
- The influence of power and popularity on individual relationships and team culture.
- The impact of unacceptable attitudes and behaviours on athletes, teams, and the wider community.
Through scenario-based activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to recognise unacceptable behaviours, know how to report concerns effectively, and support a culture of respect and accountability.
This culture change and prevention training initiative promotes a shared understanding of acceptable behaviours, equips athlete with the tools to safely challenge inappropriate attitudes (become active bystanders), and empowers everyone to contribute to a harassment-free sporting environment.
To encourage meaningful participation, sessions are limited to 15 athletes per group and last between 2 – 2.5 hours.
There is also the option to deliver these workshops in single-gender groups, allowing for honest reflection and open dialogue in a safe environment.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, athletes will be able to:
- Recognise the key elements of healthy relationships within a sporting environment.
- Understand how power dynamics influence team culture.
- Identify and challenge inappropriate behaviours that could harm individuals and teams.
- Contribute to a safer, more inclusive sporting environment.
The Benefits to the wider Sport/Team
Investing in this training is an investment in the well-being, cohesion, and integrity of the sport/team. By equipping athletes with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and challenge harmful behaviours, this will:
- Strengthen Team Culture – Establish clear expectations for respectful and professional behaviour.
- Strengthen Trust and Well-Being – Create a safe space where athletes feel valued, supported, and empowered.
- Reinforce Ethical Standards – Align with best practices in safeguarding and athlete welfare.
- Foster Long-Term Cultural Change – Ensure that respect and accountability become core values within the team and beyond.
Delivery of Training
This course is exclusively offered as in-house delivery, providing your organisation or team with a tailored learning experience
For bespoke costs and available dates please contact us at info@limeculture.co.uk
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