Universities have historically relied on institution-wide safeguarding policies that are not designed for the unique realities of sport. Student sport environments often involve complex dynamics: student-led clubs, peer coaches, social secretaries, and cultures that include alcohol and social events. Without sport-specific guidance, the boundaries around positions of influence and responsibility can become blurred, leaving students and staff without clear frameworks to create safe and healthy sporting environments.

Our Approach
We partnered with Scottish Student Sport, the coordinating body for student sport across Scotland, to strengthen safeguarding across the university sport sector. Together, we developed a national approach that combined consistent guidance with bespoke support for individual institutions.

• Our work began with a gap analysis and needs assessment for each university, identifying where existing safeguarding approaches did not adequately reflect the realities of student sport. These insights informed the development of tailored resources and training designed specifically for university sporting contexts.

• We delivered education sessions for university staff, including our Creating Healthy Environments in Student Sport training, to build confidence in recognising risk, understanding power dynamics, and responding appropriately to welfare concerns.

• Alongside this, we developed a bespoke ‘Welfare and Wellbeing Guide’ for each university, ensuring resources were tailored to local contexts while maintaining consistent standards across Scottish institutions. The guides provide clear, accessible guidance for student athletes, club leaders, and staff on welfare, wellbeing, and responsible leadership in sport.

Impact
Through this partnership, Scottish universities now have sport-specific safeguarding resources and education that reflect the realities of student sport. The work supports a network of institutions collectively reaching over 40,000 active student participants in sport across Scotland, helping ensure that student athletes, coaches, and volunteers are better equipped to create safe, inclusive, and healthy sporting environments. 

Why It Matters

Student sport plays a vital role in university life, but without clear sport-specific guidance, students can be left navigating complex power dynamics and welfare issues alone. By equipping universities with the right tools, training, and frameworks, this project helps shift the culture toward safe, accountable, and athlete-centred sporting environments across Scotland.

If your team or organisation is interested in accessing similar support, we’d love to hear from you.