Register now: New Train-the-Trainers programme for Safeguarding Focal Points
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a new Train-the-Trainers programme as part of its holistic approach to safeguarding athletes. This initiative will equip 40 trainers with the necessary skills to subsequently train 1,600 safeguarding focal points by the end of 2026.
The trainers and focal points will join a growing community of practice that already includes 436 safeguarding officers from 112 countries trained or currently undergoing the International Safeguarding Officer in Sport Certificate programme. By empowering trainers to build national-level capacity, the programme strengthens the global safe sport expert community and reinforces the IOC’s commitment to athlete well-being during the Olympic Games and beyond.
The Train-the-Trainers Safeguarding Essentials for Safeguarding Focal Point Programme (the TtT Programme) has been developed by the IOC Safe Sport Unit in alignment with international safe sport practices.
The content has been developed with a person-centred, evidence-based and public health approach and is designed to build national-level capacity in safeguarding through the training of local Safeguarding Focal Points (“Safeguarding Essentials Course”).
The Safeguarding Essentials Course aims to:
- Equip participants with essential foundational knowledge and practical guidance to support the implementation of prevention measures
- Respond appropriately to first disclosures
- Understand referral pathways to internationally trained safeguarding officers and other appropriate personnel (e.g. law enforcement)
The TtT Programme is aimed at IOC-recognised sports organisations, including but not limited to National Olympic Committees or International Federations, collectively and individually. Trainers registering to participate and associated with the organisation must hold an international safeguarding certification and be authorised by their organisation to apply for the Programme.
Please note that while the TtT Programme is intended to provide tools and strategies to enhance safeguarding practices, it does not guarantee the prevention of all safeguarding incidents.
Safeguarding Officers registering to participate in the TtT Programme are required to:
- Have a high level of English
- Hold an international certification in safeguarding in sport (the IOC certificate or similar)
- Have the support of the organisation they are associated with, as the programme requires agreeing to different commitments from both the trainer and the organisation (please see the Terms and Conditions)
- Have at least two years of hands-on safeguarding experience, ideally including experience delivering safeguarding education
The trainer cohorts will be comprised of a maximum of 10 trainers per session. Trainer sessions facilitated by the IOC are delivered in-person, over 1.5 days at the IOC HQ in Lausanne. The IOC reserves the right to decide the final composition of each trainer cohort.
Those candidates who meet the requirements for participation and are accepted for the TtT Programme but who are not selected for the upcoming cohort may be placed in a waiting list for future sessions. Those selected for the upcoming cohort will be contacted with more information regarding dates and logistics.
Train-the-Trainers Safeguarding Essentials for Safeguarding Focal Points Programme Registration Form
For more information, please contact Gloria Viseras, IOC Senior Manager Safeguarding at gloria.viseras@olympic.org.