We’re kicking things off with an insightful conversation featuring Tracey Sweetland, Sport Welfare Officer at Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and a member of the Sport Welfare Officer Network.
In this episode, Tracey shares vital insights into the importance of safeguarding children in sport and physical activity, and how organisations can be supported to create safer, more inclusive environments for young people.
Tune in to hear how safeguarding is evolving, why it matters more than ever, and what practical steps can make a real difference.
Find out more about Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP)
To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.
Reflective Questions for Practitioners:
1. How can we move beyond compliance to create a genuine safeguarding culture in our organisations, where everyone feels responsible and confident to act on concerns?
Consider how safeguarding is communicated, modelled, and embedded in everyday practice, regardless of your setting.
2. What practical steps can we take to engage and support volunteers, parents, carers, and other community members in understanding and fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities?
Reflect on common barriers (such as time, training, or misconceptions) and discuss ways to make safeguarding accessible and collaborative for all.
3. How do we ensure our safeguarding approaches are inclusive and responsive to the needs of children and young people with additional vulnerabilities or special needs?
Discuss what adaptations, resources, or training might be needed to safeguard all children effectively, in any context.
Tune in and subscribe to The P-Pod hear how safeguarding is evolving, why it matters more than ever, and what practical steps can make a real difference.

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk
Please note – due to the nature of this podcast, themes relating to the abuse and neglect of children are discussed with the content being des
