Find information about our Volunteers and what you need to do to become a volunteer.
1. Free training and CPD opportunities Wesport is offering training and continuing professional development around key welfare topics including:
These topics can help clubs strengthen safeguarding, improve culture, and support volunteers in welfare roles.
2. Active Bystander training for club volunteers GRFU identified active bystander training as a priority, and Wesport was looking to schedule multiple courses and identify host venues, potentially within rugby clubs. This gives volunteers practical skills to challenge poor behaviour and create safer environments.
3. One-to-one club support Wesport can provide bespoke support to individual rugby clubs, including:
This can be particularly valuable for smaller clubs that do not have specialist expertise in-house.
4. Support with inclusion and welfare Through initiatives such as "No Hate, Just Sport", Wesport is helping clubs identify and address discrimination, improve reporting processes, and create more welcoming and inclusive environments for players, volunteers and spectators.
1. Enhanced knowledge and confidence Sport Welfare Officers, safeguarding leads, coaches, and committee members can access training and resources that help them deal with challenging situations confidently and appropriately.
2. Personal development opportunities The CPD programme provides ongoing learning opportunities for volunteers, helping them develop skills that benefit both their club role and wider professional life.
3. Access to specialist support Volunteers dealing with welfare, safeguarding or mental health concerns have access to an experienced Sport Welfare Officer and wider Wesport expertise rather than having to manage issues alone.
4. Opportunities to lead positive change Wesport's Club Champion and inclusion initiatives provide opportunities for volunteers to become advocates for safer, more inclusive and welcoming club environments.
"Through our partnership with Wesport, GRFU clubs and volunteers can access free training, safeguarding and welfare support, inclusion initiatives, Active Bystander courses, policy guidance and ongoing CPD opportunities. Together, we can help create safer, more inclusive and better-supported rugby environments across Gloucestershire."