1. Champion

Appoint a named person to champion, support and lead any action.

Appoint a “Champion” for safety within your organisation.
Ensure all team members are aware of who the Champion is so they can seek advice and access resources from them.
Support your Champion by acknowledging this additional responsibility, and prioritise their welfare.
Collaborate with other local organisations to network and share best practices.

/ What is a Champion?

A Safety Champion is someone who makes a difference because they:

Are enthusiastic about helping people understand that safety is a shared responsibility
Dedicate time and resources to meaningful activities and advocate for practical and cultural changes
Engage colleagues constructively and positively when addressing safety, while also encourage others to do the same
Empower colleagues to challenge unsafe language, behaviours, and practices, and support the training agenda
Communicate compassionately and demonstrate genuine concern for mental health and wellbeing

/ Who should be the Champion?

The Champion can be anyone within your organisation, such as a Licensee, HR Manager, or a supervisor. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, based on who you believe is the best fit for the role and can drive systematic change.

This role is more about passion and being an active ally, rather than previous experience or qualifications. The Champion should be a staff member with the time, energy, and ability to inspire others to have honest conversations about this issue.

/ What will the Champion do?

The Champion will be the main point of contact for addressing safety issues related to harassment and discrimination. They will play a vital role in promoting a culture of trust and sharing best practices with other organisations.

It’s crucial to provide the Champion with the necessary support to perform their role effectively.

For example, ensuring that their manager understands the additional responsibilities and time commitment involved. This could include incorporating these responsibilities into their job description, prioritising safety across the organisation, supporting their decision-making, and providing further training opportunities.

You might also consider appointing multiple Champions to support each other and ensure continuous action even in case of absence.