The SAFE HARBOUR project aims to empower the European sports community to effectively address safeguarding concerns, promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment across sports organisations in Europe. By assessing current gaps and improving response mechanisms, the project will support NOCs and Federations in implementing robust policies that prevent and respond to harm, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as bullying and neglect.

Key Objectives of SAFE HARBOUR:

1. Promoting Integrity, Inclusion, and Good Governance. In line with Olympic values, the project emphasises good governance by integrating safeguarding as a core responsibility, reinforcing integrity, respect, and inclusion within sports communities.
2. Establishing Safeguarding Standards. SAFE HARBOUR will develop a European Response framework to guide NOCs and Federations in responding to safeguarding concerns. This framework will be complemented by national strategies to ensure locally tailored responses across Europe.
3. Empowering Stakeholders through Training and Awareness. Each NOC and Federation will conduct mandatory training sessions for sports leaders on safeguarding, while National Multiplier Events will raise awareness and encourage wider adoption of safeguarding values.
4. Building a European Network for Safe Sports (ENSS). An online platform will connect sports organisations, enabling the sharing of best practices, resources, and coordinated safeguarding efforts continent-wide.
5. Sustainable Impact and Knowledge Sharing. SAFE HARBOUR is designed to create lasting change by fostering a culture of safeguarding in sports, enhancing governance, and supporting a diverse, inclusive community of practice among stakeholders.

Through these coordinated efforts, SAFE HARBOUR will strengthen the European sports community’s ability to provide safe environments, ensure fair responses to safeguarding concerns, and promote positive values that enhance the integrity of sports across Europe.