Northumberland backs the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities

10 September 2025 — Northumberland

We are delighted to share the good news that Northumberland County Council has passed a motion in support of the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities.

Proposed by Cllr Caroline Ball and seconded by Cllr Dickinson, the motion passed by the councillors; however, two abstained. We’re grateful to councillors across the chamber who chose to put children, young people and vulnerable adults first.

What the motion means for Northumberland

The Council has committed to:

• Support the creation of a national safeguarding standard so families can trust that extracurricular providers meet clear, consistent expectations.

• Provide greater support for community groups, helping clubs and organisations raise and maintain safeguarding standards.

• Deliver a range of positive measures for local people, creating safer, more confident participation in sport, arts, faith and community activities.

This is a practical step that complements existing statutory duties in schools and services, closing the long-standing gap in extracurricular settings where many providers operate without consistent standards.

“Safeguarding must never depend on where a child lives or which activity they take part in. By supporting this motion, Northumberland is making clear that every child and vulnerable adult deserves the same protection, whether in school, on the sports field, or in a local youth group. This is about closing a dangerous gap and ensuring no one falls through the cracks.” — Cllr Ball

Cross-party commitment

One of the clearest messages from the debate was that safeguarding transcends politics. Councillors from across the chamber agreed that protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults is a shared moral duty that cannot be left to chance.

“This is a cross-party commitment that rises above politics. We all share a moral duty to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, and a national safeguarding framework will bring much-needed consistency and clarity. Locally, we will lead by example, ensuring strong standards and support are in place for organisations across Northumberland.” — Cllr Dickinson

Why this matters

Every week, millions participate in extracurricular activities—sports clubs, dance schools, arts groups, uniformed organisations, community and faith-based settings. Most providers strive to create safe environments for children and vulnerable adults, but safeguarding standards still vary significantly between providers. The National Activities Safeguarding Framework offers a clear, accessible path for providers of all sizes to implement:

• Safer recruitment and vetting

• Codes of conduct

• Proportionate training

• Clear incident reporting and escalation routes

• Governance and oversight that actually works in small voluntary settings

By endorsing the framework, Northumberland is helping to make good practice normal practice.

Momentum is growing

Northumberland joins a growing number of councils engaging with and adopting the framework, reflecting cross-party recognition that safeguarding in extracurricular activities needs a coherent, national approach. This progress is powered by local champions, community groups and councillors willing to take action.

Thank you

Our sincere thanks to Cllr Caroline Ball for proposing the motion, Cllr Dickinson for seconding, and to all councillors who supported this motion.

What’s next

• We’ll support Northumberland officers and community partners to implement the framework locally.

• We invite other councils to bring similar motions and work with us on practical roll-out.

• Providers across Northumberland can register their interest in adopting the framework and access starter resources.

If you’re a councillor, provider, parent, or community leader who wants to help bring the framework to your area, please get in touch.

Notes

• Motion proposed by Cllr Caroline Ball (Labour), seconded by Cllr Dickinson (Labour).

• Outcome: The motion was passed with no objections and two abstentions.

• Date: 10 September 2025.

• Learn more about the National Activities Safeguarding Framework and how to adopt it: www.bdsassociation.com/nsf