Safeguarding Recertification Update
The recertification period for the Safeguarding Children course has been changed from three years to two
Since the Safeguarding Children course was first introduced twenty years ago, the recertification period has been every three years.
In March 2021, the Sheldon Report into the non-recent abuse in football was published and one of its recommendations was that safeguarding education needs to be more regularly refreshed and updated, so that as legislation and practice changes our knowledge stays up to date.
The FA have confirmed recertification has now changed to being required every TWO years, with immediate effect. There will be no additional cost to volunteers as recertification is FREE to those who have already undertaken a safeguarding course.
The FA will honour the existing expiry dates of those who currently hold an in-date three-year certification and they will move over to the two-year renewal cycle upon the expiry of their existing qualification.
Increasing Awareness of Safeguarding
As safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, The FA have also recently launched a bespoke Safeguarding Awareness for Parents and Carers Course and are actively asking grassroots coaches, managers and clubs to promote this new course to the parents and carers at their clubs.
We are committed to keeping young people safe in football and will continue to support clubs, leagues, and individuals with their role in safeguarding.
Thank you for your support and contribution to football and to keeping the game safe.