Changes to our Safeguarding Children Recertification period
We can confirm changes that come into effect from July 2022.
England Football Learning can confirm changes outlined below to the recertification period for our Safeguarding Children Course.
Since the Safeguarding Children Course was first introduced in the 2000/01 season, the recertification period for learners has been every three years.
In March 2021, the Sheldon Report into the non-recent abuse in football was published. Whilst changes had already been made to our safeguarding requirements prior to its publication, the report recommended that safeguarding education needs to be more regularly refreshed and updated so that as legislation and practice changes, up-to-date information is at the forefront of the minds of those working directly with U18s.
As a result, and with immediate effect, from July 2022, the recertification period for the Safeguarding Children Course will now change to being required every TWO years from the date of completion. For learners who have already undertaken a safeguarding course, recertification is free.
For learners who completed a safeguarding recertification before the end of June 2022 under the old recertification cycle, their current qualification will remain valid for three years from the date of completion. However, from July 2022, when learners complete the Safeguarding Children Course or new recertification, their qualification will be valid for two years.
You can find out more about the Safeguarding Children Recertification here.
We are committed to keeping young people safe in football and will continue to develop resources to support clubs, leagues, and coaches within their role in safeguarding.
If you have any questions regarding the Safeguarding Children Course, please visit our Help Centre for a full list of FAQs.
Safeguarding Awareness for Parents & Carers
As safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, we have also recently launched an online, bespoke Safeguarding Awareness for Parents & Carers course and are actively asking grassroots coaches to share this free learning module with parents at clubs, so they can develop their knowledge in the behaviours that are expected in children’s football environments.
