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The rowing club welfare officer role: what it involves

Every club with juniors or adults at risk needs a welfare officer. Here is what the role covers.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

What the role covers

  • Being the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Making sure the club's safeguarding policy is in place, known and followed.
  • Arranging DBS checks for the roles that need them.
  • Advising on trips away, coaching ratios and online communication.
  • Knowing when and how to refer a concern to British Rowing or other agencies.

The guidance to know

British Rowing publishes safeguarding handbooks, including one specifically for the club welfare officer, covering handling concerns, club and competition guidance, and safety online. Your region's safeguarding contacts and British Rowing's safeguarding team are there to help.

Your first month

  1. Read the welfare officer handbook and your club's policy.
  2. Make sure members, juniors and parents know who you are and how to contact you.
  3. Check who needs a DBS check and who has a current one.
  4. Review how the club communicates with juniors, including social media.

How BoatLog helps

BoatLog gives the welfare officer a DBS register with expiry reminders and private evidence, links each junior to their parent or guardian, and keeps the club's social feed visible only to members, with moderation tools.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: DBS checks and their expiry dates for every coach and volunteer.
DBS checks and their expiry dates for every coach and volunteer. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

What does a rowing club welfare officer do?

Acts as the first contact for safeguarding concerns, keeps the club's safeguarding policy in place, arranges DBS checks and advises on safe practice.

Does every rowing club need a welfare officer?

Clubs with juniors or adults at risk should have one, and British Rowing's safeguarding guidance expects clubs to appoint one.

Where is the British Rowing safeguarding handbook?

On British Rowing's safeguarding pages, including a handbook written for club welfare officers.

Related

Guide: DBS checks for rowing clubs: who needs one Which rowing club volunteers and coaches need a DBS check, how checks are arranged through the club welfare officer, and keeping track of renewals. Guide: Junior rowing: a guide for parents A short guide for parents of junior rowers: starting age, safety, swim tests, age categories, costs to expect, and what the club needs from you. Guide: Taking a junior squad to a regatta: a club checklist A checklist for taking a junior rowing squad to a regatta such as the National Schools' Regatta: safeguarding, consent, supervision, kit and travel.

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