ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses Leadership, which is the fourth pillar of the CHILDREN model of factors which influence progress towards the International Safeguards. It suggests that strong support from those working in key leadership roles at the top and throughout an organisation is a key influencing factor. Top-down, bottom-up and sideways approaches to leadership are all discussed. Key issues are considered in terms of the broad scope of issues which require leadership and the need to gain genuine buy-in from senior figures in the organisation. Promising practices are outlined in terms of the use of delegation, building a safeguarding workforce and of identifying safeguarding champions. The case study in this chapter focuses on an elite football club in Europe. It highlights the need to gain genuine and demonstrated support from senior leaders in the organisation for the Safeguards. Leadership should be visible throughout having leaders responsible for safeguarding in all areas of the organisation. The leadership should also be empowering through emphasising that safeguarding is not just one person’s job, but it is rather part of everyone’s job.