Ackworth Road Runners is committed to ensuring that all members — regardless of age, background, or ability — feel safe, supported, and valued within our club community. Our Welfare Officers play a vital role in upholding this commitment.
Meet Our Welfare Officers
Dave Wallace
Male Welfare Officer
Alison John-Baptiste
Female Welfare Officer
Dave and Alison are your first point of contact for any welfare concerns within the club. They are here to listen, offer guidance, and ensure that all members are treated with dignity and respect. Their email address is welfare@ackworthroadrunners.club.
What Do Welfare Officers Do?
Our Welfare Officers are responsible for promoting the wellbeing of all club members and for creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and included. Their key responsibilities include:
Safeguarding — ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all members, including any juniors or vulnerable adults who participate in club activities.
A confidential point of contact — providing a safe, impartial ear for any member who has a concern, complaint, or personal difficulty relating to their involvement with the club.
Promoting inclusion — championing a culture of respect, fairness, and equal opportunity within the club, and challenging any behaviour that falls short of those standards.
Handling concerns and complaints — receiving and, where appropriate, acting on reports of bullying, harassment, discrimination, or other conduct issues in a sensitive and confidential manner.
Signposting support — helping members access appropriate external support or guidance where needed, whether that relates to mental health, physical wellbeing, or personal circumstances affecting their participation.
Liaising with governing bodies — working in line with guidance from England Athletics and UK Athletics on safeguarding and welfare best practice.
Having Two Welfare Officers
The club is pleased to have both a male and a female Welfare Officer. This ensures that every member has the option to speak with someone they feel most comfortable approaching. You should never feel that a concern is too small to raise — if something is affecting your enjoyment or safety within the club, Dave and Alison are here to help.
Contact
All conversations with our Welfare Officers are treated in strict confidence. If you would like to speak with Dave or Alison, you can approach them at any club event or contact them through the club’s official communication channels.
