Club Welfare Officers

Club Welfare Officers

While safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone within the club (led by the whole committee), the club Welfare Officer ensures the club has a dedicated person with the primary responsibility for managing and reporting concerns about children or adults at risk.

We are fortunate in having two members who have volunteered to act as Club Welfare Officers – Collette O’Keefe and Debbie Campbell are the Welfare Officers for Northbrook AC.

Collette and Debbie will play a key role in ensuring that that club members have a safe and positive experience at our club. They are key to all members knowing what to do and who to speak to if they have a safeguarding or discipline or conduct concern. They are also key to managing lower-level club issues and disputes, and/or flagging concerns for early intervention to prevent escalation and behaviours which prevent enjoyment of the sport. They are members of the club committee and work to ensure implementation of good safeguarding governance at the club.

Collette And Debbie have completed training provided by England Athletics and understand the policies and procedures set out by UK Athletics, so we can be confident that they have the right level of knowledge for the role. This includes how to raise a concern and who to speak to within the sport.

So let them introduce themselves:

My name is Collette O’Keefe. I have been a runner since my early childhood and it’s part of my DNA. I am a fitness fanatic who enjoys running, rock climbing, gym and walking. I fit this in around a busy job as a police officer. I am a peer supporter at work and my passion is helping people. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in safeguarding.

I am usually at Monday and Wednesday training sessions so feel free to directly approach me or contact me via email at collette@northbrookac.org.uk.

Awaiting Debbie’s contribution.