No two days are the same in my role, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.
As a Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) Project Worker, my work spans across everything from offering on-the-spot advice to leading long-term development projects. Some mornings, I’ll start the day responding to urgent enquiries - these could come from a sports governing body seeking guidance on a sensitive case, or from a parent looking for support in a worrying situation involving their child. These moments matter. They remind me why this work is so vital - we’re often the voice at the end of the line when someone feels they have nowhere else to turn.
Other days, I’m out meeting with governing body lead officers to assess how their sport is meeting the national standards for child wellbeing and protection. It’s about working collaboratively to strengthen safeguarding practices across Scottish sport. We’re not just ticking boxes - we’re shaping safe, positive experiences for every child involved, at every level.
Then there’s the project work, and there’s plenty of it! Whether I’m designing bespoke training sessions to support sports organisations or diving into data to better understand trends in participation and safeguarding, every task helps us move the needle forward for safer sport environments.
But the day doesn’t end when I log off. I also wear the hat of Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer and Girls’ Convenor at my local rugby club (I even used to play until my knees told me it was time up!). Evenings might mean chatting through a risk assessment with the club president or checking the latest updates on the SRU’s fixture list. The passion for safe sport doesn’t stop when I leave the office -it’s part of who I am.
Why safe sport matters to me:
As both a professional and a parent, Safe Sport isn’t just part of my job, it’s personal.
I have two children who’ve been involved in sport for many years, and like any parent, I want to know that when I drop them off at training or a match, or the rink, they’re stepping into an environment that’s safe, supportive, and built with their wellbeing in mind. I don't just think about this as part of my role - I live it every day.
Every child has the right to feel safe, to be listened to, and to enjoy sport free from harm, and that’s at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m supporting national governing bodies or chatting with coaches at my local club, I’m always thinking about how we can uphold these rights in real, practical ways.
Safe Sport Day is a powerful reminder that the work we do behind the scenes really matters, not just for the children we support professionally, but for our own families and communities too.