National Safeguarding Investigations (UK)

Safeguarding Investigations

Sport Resolutions provides independent investigations into safeguarding complaints, concerns, and allegations, supporting sport organisations in maintaining safe and transparent environments for all participants.

All investigations are conducted by expert members of Sport Resolutions’ Panel, many of whom have significant experience in safeguarding matters across international sport. At the conclusion of an investigation, the Commissioning Body receives a detailed report, including recommendations and a comprehensive dossier of evidence, to support informed decision-making.

What a Typical Investigation Involves

A safeguarding investigation with Sport Resolutions typically includes:

• appointment of an independent investigator
• undertaking of relevant conflict checks
• review of relevant documents
• support and guidance in defining the terms of reference of the investigation
• review of all evidence and information already gathered by the federation
• interviews with any complainants and witnesses
• interviews with the respondents
• drafting of signed witness statements
• drafting of a report setting out the investigator’s key findings and recommendations    

How to commission Sport Resolutions to undertake an independent investigation? 

Any national governing body can commission Sport Resolutions to undertake an independent investigation. By commissioning Sport Resolutions to undertake an investigation, sport organisations can be assured of receiving an independent, professional and expert service. 

The Commissioning Body is expected to provide:

• Background information outlining the nature of the complaints or concerns;
• Copies of relevant policies and procedures;
• Contact details for the complainant, the individual complained against, and any potential witnesses.

The Commissioning Body is also responsible for acting on the findings and recommendations of the investigation. 

If you would like to speak with us about a potential investigation please contact Sport Resolutions using the contact details on this page. 

Investigation Guide & Templates

With the support of Sport England, Sport Resolutions NSP members Carol Chamberlain, Christopher Quinlan KC and Sally Wernick have created a practical guide to undertaking safeguarding investigations with supporting templates. This guide has been developed to assist NGB Lead Safeguarding Officers and their Case Management Teams and members of the National Safeguarding Panel in the conduct of safeguarding investigations that they undertake as part of their role. 

This resource has been produced as part of the Sport England Safeguarding Case Management Project, which is supported by National Lottery funding, and provides participating NGBs with end-to-end case management support from Sport Resolutions staff and access to expert safeguarding support services from its NSP members.

The purpose of the Investigation Guide is to provide a comprehensive guide to undertaking safeguarding investigations and to provide consistency of practice amongst investigators. The Guide covers how to approach an investigation and sets out matters that will need to be considered, or completed, at each investigation stage. The aim of the Guide is also to assist to provide a fair and transparent process that will benefit victims and survivors and those who may be the subject of safeguarding concerns or allegations.

The templates comprise a collection of pro forma documents for use in any safeguarding investigation and are available for download in Microsoft Word format in the Related Documents section.

Profiles for Carol Chamberlain, Christopher Quinlan KC and Sally Wernick are available here.

Update: Thursday 22 July 2021

A minor addition was made to the safeguarding investigation guide on 22nd July 2021 at paragraph 67 on page 89. Updated version can be found in the Related Documents section.