Durham Cricket are delighted to announce that Fiona Holden has joined the organisation in the role of County Safeguarding Officer.
Fiona will direct all aspects of safeguarding across cricket in our county and will work across the entire organisation.
Fiona joins the team with 13 years’ experience in sports development. Having worked for England Netball, Fiona brings first-hand experience and knowledge of working with clubs and volunteers in sport.
In the role, Fiona will provide an important link between the ECB Safeguarding Team and cricket provision in the county, acting as a source of advice and support on Child Safeguarding matters and supporting the education and training in this area.
Fiona takes over from John Crockatt, who has decided to step down after 19 years of service as the County Safeguarding Officer.
John has supported safeguarding in cricket across Durham since the introduction of Safe Hands, ECB’s Cricket Safeguarding Policy for Safeguarding Children – in 2003 and has since played an important role as clubs’ main contact for safeguarding concerns.
Fiona said: “I am thrilled to be joining a team who are clearly committed to providing high quality opportunities for children and young people. I’m lucky enough to have seen this first hand through involvement in the All Stars programme in my local club, Lanchester CC, and I look forward to working with other clubs through this role.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work across the entire organisation – from grassroots through to the first class set-up and events, and to play my part in delivering a positive and safe environment for everyone to enjoy the game.
“I look forward to meeting with clubs and continuing the good work of John Crockatt, as I will look to support Club Safeguarding Officers and the wider volunteer network to embed proactive plans and good practice within local clubs, to safeguard the wellbeing of our young players.”
Graeme Weeks said: “I’m really excited to see what Fiona can bring to the role. The professionalism and expertise she brings from her previous role, plus the knowledge she has gained having being a volunteer in her local cricket club over the last two years, as an All Starts Activator, will be an enormous asset to us.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and effort to embed safeguarding within the county but with the introduction of Fiona as a full time dedicated safeguarding officer, we plan to take our support and commitment to clubs to the next level.
“I’m excited to see how far she can take us in our commitment to safeguarding as a core priority. I wish Fiona all the best in her role and we are really excited to have her as part of our team.”
“I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to John, who has been with me since the start of safeguarding in cricket.
“His support and dedication in what was a volunteer role has been immense and we couldn’t have possibly got to where we are now without him.
“I’d like to wish John all the best from myself and on behalf of all the cricket family that he has worked with and supported over the years.”
Clubs and volunteers can get in touch with Fiona on Fiona.holden@durhamcricket.co.uk.