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Hoci Cymru continue to achieve high standards for safeguarding in sport



Hoci Cymru is delighted to announce the maintenance of its CPSU Safeguarding Standards Level 3 status following an assessment carried out by the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), part of the NSPCC, on behalf of Sport Wales. 

 

The completed assessment ensures the organisation’s compliance and performance align with the highest standards in sport.  


Six key areas were covered, with policy, procedures, practices, education and training, implementation and monitoring, and influencing all assessed with multiple criteria points.  

To have once again obtain the Safeguarding Standards Level 3 qualification is vital for Hoci Cymru and the sport generally in Wales.   


Hoci Cymru, considering its relative size to some of Wales’ bigger NGBs, is delighted with the outcome of this assessment and will continue to focus on enhancing processes and evolving safeguarding practices to maintain the highest standards in our sport.  


This would also not be possible without the tireless support and work of our clubs throughout communities in Wales, who play a vital role in ensuring that our sport remains safe and inclusive for all.  


Hoci Cymru CEO, Paul Whapham, stated:  


“For all the success and excitement that comes on the hockey field, there are countless aspects of the sport that take place behind the scenes to make those thrills possible – and safeguarding, for any sport, is one of the most important.  


“We are delighted to have once again obtained Level Three Safeguarding status following our assessment and are proud to have done so as a relatively small National Governing Body of sport, with the support and work of our members and clubs across Wales.  


“While it represents the brilliant work our team and our members do to keep hockey in Wales safe, we will continue to strive to further our safeguarding practices and ensure that everyone feels safe playing our sport.”  


Joe Gage, Hoci Cymru’s Director of Development and Participation, added:  


“Achieving and maintaining Level 3 Safeguarding certification reflects the collective effort, focus, and passion of our team, clubs, and stakeholders.  

 

“Safeguarding is not just a requirement - it’s a core value that shapes how we support participants at every level of the game. This recognition by CPSU panel reinforces our drive to be a leader in welfare and inclusion, ensuring hockey remains a safe and enjoyable sport for all. It allows us to proactively apply new steps in our safeguarding journey, ensuring that everyone feels safe, supported, and valued both on and off the pitch within hockey in Wales.”  


Clare Skidmore, Governance Development Officer at Sport Wales, commented:  


“Hoci Cymru have recently maintained their Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) Level 3 child safeguarding standards through panel reassessment and submission.  


“Sport Wales utilise the child safeguarding standards not only to receive assurances that our partners are operating safe sport, but to also provide a framework for partners to work toward so they know they are developing, achieving and maintaining appropriate levels of safeguarding practice.  


“The panel who assesses each partner also provide recommendations for development, so Hoci Cymru and other partners can continue improving, embedding and developing safeguarding for its workforce, volunteers, clubs, members and athletes.   


“Hoci Cymru have worked hard to ensure they are meeting the Level 3 standard, which is the highest standard the CPSU award to sporting organisations. Hoci Cymru are also doing some fantastic work around their Young Ambassador project which Sport Wales will be looking to share across the sector in future news stories.”  


Meanwhile, Graham Smith, Training and Development Consultant at the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), said:   


“The CPSU’s Safeguarding Standards provide a framework for those involved in sport to help them create a safe sporting environment for children and young people and protect them from harm.   


“These standards also provide a benchmark to help those involved in sport to make informed decisions, promote good practice and challenge poor practice.  


“Hoci Cymru has demonstrated how they meet our Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in the areas of policy and procedure, practices, education and training, implementing and monitoring and influencing.   


“This is at every level of the sport, from grassroots to performance pathway and national-level age-groups.  


“The team at Hoci Cymru has worked hard to achieve this qualification and should be proud of their achievement.   


“By completing the Level 3 Standard, they have shown their commitment to creating a safe environment for children to participate in sport, helping to ensure every child can take part protected from harm.” 

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