OWHC committed to directly challenging conduct within our club that is, or may be, harmful to young people. Complaints should be made to our Club Welfare Officers in the first instance.

Whistleblowing

An OWHC member, spectator, visitor, parent or volunteer is often the first to realise that a young person’s safety and welfare are under threat. However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be too difficult to handle. It may also be that they fear harassment or victimisation. In these circumstances it may be easier for them to ignore the concern rather than report what may just be a suspicion of poor practice.

OWHC and England Hockey are committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty and accountability. In line with that commitment, individuals are encouraged, if they have serious concerns about any aspect of a young person’s safety and welfare, to come forward and voice those concerns.

Please contact either our Club Welfare Officers, the Chair or Vice Chair.

Alternatively, concerns may be raised directly to England Hockey or to the NSPCC.

The NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line is 0800 028 0285. They offer free advice and support to professionals with concerns about how child protection issues are being handled in their own or another organisation.

Choose whatever avenue you are comfortable with, just don’t stay silent!

Further details on our approach to whistleblowing can be found on page 38 of the England Hockey Safeguarding Master Document. (found on EH website, here and on our Documents page, here)