Our club aims to empower you to run better and to feel better physically, mentally and socially by upholding ethical high standards of care and protection. 

#GoingFurtherTogetherSafely

Our Commitment 

At Newburn Running Club, we aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all to help members be the best they can be  and all club members have a part to play in making this happen. The  welfare and wellbeing of all our members is our top priority and we have a dedicated Welfare Team  helping to promote and maintain a  safe, inclusive, supportive and respectful, fair environment for everyone, regardless of age, ability or background. 

England Athletics requires all clubs meet a minimum standard for safeguarding and welfare.

As a club we are committed to promoting positive behaviour, preventing bullying or harassment, safeguarding our members, ensuring good coaching practices and ensuring all club activities are conducted with integrity, honesty, accountability and respect. This includes all club members, volunteers and supporters following our policies, procedures and codes of conduct. 

Our Welfare Commitment includes: 

• Safeguarding all members 
• Upholding fair play, respect, accountability and good conduct on and off club premises or during club-related events. 
• Preventing discrimination, bullying, harassment or any form of misconduct. 
• Providing a safe space for members to raise concerns or complaints — whether about behaviour, wellbeing, safety, or conduct. 
• Ensuring coaches, run-leaders, volunteers and committee members meet required checks, training and qualifications (e.g. DBS where relevant, safeguarding training, UKA compliance for clubs affiliated to governing bodies).  

Club Welfare Officer(s) & Safeguarding Responsibility 

As an England Athletics affiliated club, we have a dedicated Welfare Team consisting of a Lead Welfare Officer and a Club Welfare Officer (CWO), who have undergone England Athletics welfare officer training and who serve as the first point of contact for any welfare, safeguarding or wellbeing concerns.  

The Welfare Officers: 

• Are the first point of contact for welfare, safeguarding, behaviour or conduct concerns. They will listen to and handle concerns raised by club members with discretion, empathy and confidentiality.  
• Helps enforce and uphold our Code of Conduct and club policies.  
• Supports the committee manage  day-to-day club issues and in  ensuring all necessary checks and training are in place for coaches, volunteers and those working with children or vulnerable adults.  
• Help members understand what to do and who to speak to by providing or signposting additional support if members need help — whether for mental health, safeguarding, or wellbeing issues. 
• Provide early intervention to prevent escalation and maintain the enjoyment of sport.

Meet the Welfare Team

Our Lead Welfare Officer (Wendy Carr) and Welfare Officer (Chris Ashburn) can be contacted via: welfare@newburnrunningclub.co.uk.  

We take all concerns seriously. Reports will be handled confidentially, sensitively and proportionately and in line with best-practice safeguarding guidelines. 

Code of Conduct & Member Responsibilities 

By joining the club, every member agrees to abide by our Member's Code of Conduct which are in line with England Athletics Codes of Conduct, which includes: 

• Treating all members, volunteers, coaches, and the public with respect and consideration — whether in training, events or social settings.  
• Maintaining high standards of personal behaviour; avoiding bullying, harassment, discriminatory or irresponsible conduct.  
• Following any facility or venue rules during club activities; respecting shared spaces and other users.  

Raising a Concern — Confidentiality & Support 

If you ever have a concern about the welfare, safety or wellbeing of any club member you can raise it directly with our Welfare Officers in person or via; welfare@newburnrunningclub.co.uk

All reports will be dealt with in confidence. We encourage early reporting to ensure prompt support and, where needed, early intervention. 

If you feel the matter is serious or urgent (e.g. risk of harm, safeguarding concern), you can also contact the national governing body or relevant safeguarding authority — particularly if Welfare Officer is unavailable. 

Remember too if you think a child  or other athlete is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, you should: 

Contact the emergency services (police or ambulance) on 999.

And you can also report immediate concerns about children to the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

Additional Support & Wellbeing Resources 

We understand that training, events, family and personal pressures can sometimes affect mental or emotional wellbeing. As part of our welfare commitment, we encourage members to reach out — whether to our Welfare Officer or via trusted external resources.

If needed, we can signpost to support services such as mental-health organisations, helplines, or local support networks. 

The England Athletics Website contains multiple resources about Welfare and Safeguarding.