After a recent meeting with the British Judo Association Board of Directors, it has been approved to make the post of Club Welfare Officer a compulsory position for all clubs with any Junior members. This will take effect from club renewals in 2023.

In recent years the British Judo Association have successfully sought to increase the number of Club Welfare Officers within the organisation. As well as reducing the number of clubs with Junior Members but without Club Welfare Officers. Additionally, the organisation has also introduced a new role of Event Welfare Officer for all tournaments. The role of Area Welfare Officers has been introduced in many areas. Keith Eldridge, British Judo Association Safeguarding Manager, has been writing to clubs for many years to try and encourage clubs to recruit Welfare Officers. The British Judo Association Board of Directors now feel that it is the right time that the post of Welfare Officer becomes a compulsory and necessary part of the club validation process.

More information on the role of the Welfare Officer can be found on the British Judo Association website. Keith and Deputy Safeguarding Manager, Marina Dain, are available to provide support and discuss any concerns that may arise regarding this change. Additionally, area chairs may also provide support, particularly in areas that have appointed Area Welfare Officers. A buddy up system may be beneficial for clubs to share a Welfare Officer for the first year.

More details regarding upcoming courses will be published in due course.

For further questions please contact Keith Eldridge, BJA Safeguarding Manager.