Leveraging Strengths: A Transformative Approach to Safeguarding in Sport and Dance

Creating Safer and Inclusive Spaces Through Strengths-Based Practices

More than just policies

Safeguarding in sport and dance is more than just a matter of policies, procedures, and mandatory reporting; it is about fostering environments where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or role, can thrive without fear of maltreatment or abuse. The traditional deficit-based approach to safeguarding has predominantly focuses on identifying weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and risks. It is a method that may reinforces blame and stigma and limit the active engagement of organisations in nurturing safer environments.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in adopting strengths-based approaches to safeguarding that not only align with trauma-informed principles but also empower organisations to leverage their existing assets in building protective environments while also promoting health, wellbeing and human rights. This blog post explores the concept of strengths-based safeguarding in sport and dance, contrasts it with deficit-based approaches, addresses common concerns, and highlights tools and benefits that can pave the way for transformative change.

The Challenges of Deficit-Based Approaches

Deficit-based approaches to safeguarding, while useful in surfacing problems, often come with unintended consequences. These approaches focus heavily on identifying gaps, risks, and failures in safeguarding practices, which can create a prevailing culture of fear or aversion to risk or criticism within organisations. By centring the conversation on weaknesses, leaders and organisations may feel judged or shamed for shortcomings, leading to defensiveness rather than proactive engagement. Instead of fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment, deficit-based safeguarding may unintentionally reinforce negative narratives.

Why Strengths-Based Approaches Matter

A strengths-based approach to safeguarding shifts the focus from “what is wrong” to “what is strong.” It encourages organisations to assess and utilise their existing skills, knowledge, and resources as protective factors against an abusive environment. This perspective is inherently trauma-informed, recognising that individuals who harm such as coaches, dance teachers, or peers, may themselves be survivors or victims of abuse.

By understanding the complexities of abuse and maltreatment, strengths-based safeguarding creates room for compassion while addressing harmful behaviours. It reframes safeguarding as a shared responsibility, rather than isolating individuals or groups as “problematic.”

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It acknowledges the signs and symptoms of trauma in athletes/dancers, their families, coaches/dance teachers, and others involved with the sport/dance ecosystem. This approach integrates knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatisation. By adopting a trauma-informed approach, organisations can create a supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals who have experienced trauma.

A balanced focus

Contrary to the misconception that strengths-based approaches downplay problems, they do not ignore weaknesses or risks. Instead, they integrate them into a broader framework that prioritises building on positive attributes, fostering resilience, and preventing maltreatment through protective factors.

Addressing Concerns About Strengths-Based Approaches

Some sport/dance leaders may fear that adopting a strengths-based approach could lead to maltreatment or harm being missed. However, these concerns stem from misunderstanding about it. Strengths-based safeguarding does not dismiss or overlook risks; rather, it positions them within a context that prioritises holistic, proactive measures.

Organisations can achieve a balanced approach by conducting assessments that include both protective and risk factors. Available tools include:

• The SPRINT Project’s strengths profiling tool to provide a comprehensive overview of individual and/or organisational strengths.

• SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges) approaches to identify areas for enhancement.

  
  

How to Implement Strengths-Based Safeguarding

Adopting a strengths-based approach begins with an organisational commitment to shift perspectives and practices.

Key steps include:

1. Assess Existing Strengths and Resources

Sport and dance organisations should review their current safeguarding practices to identify and use assets such as:

• Knowledgeable and engaged staff.

• Comprehensive safeguarding policies already in place.

• Strong networks of support among participants, parents, and community members.

These strengths form the foundation for further enhancement and innovation.

2. Promote Engagement and Ownership

By emphasising strengths and providing opportunities for voices and choices, organisations can inspire greater enthusiasm for safeguarding training and initiatives. Staff, athletes/dancers, parents, and other stakeholders are more likely to take ownership of safeguarding when open communication is encouraged, and they can see how their contributions make an impact.

3. Encourage Collaboration

Building opportunities for connection through collaboration on safeguarding initiatives between athletes and dancers and their coaches/teachers can strengthen relationships and provide a sense of belonging.

4. Modelling Positive Interactions

Focusing on strengths in interactions and resolving conflicts in constructive and supportive ways will encourage others to adopt similar behaviours to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.

5. Providing Safeguarding Training to All Staff

For a strengths-based approach to safeguarding to be truly embedded with a sport or dance organisation, all staff including those in administrative and support roles, should be included in safeguarding training and involved in developing and reviewing safeguarding policies and procedures.

The Benefits of Strengths-Based Safeguarding

The potential benefits of adopting a strengths-based approach to safeguarding in sport and dance are profound:

Enhanced engagement

A positive focus motivates individuals and organisations to actively participate in safeguarding efforts rather than feel burdened by criticism or fear.

Improved implementation

Safeguarding policies and practices are more likely to be implemented effectively when stakeholders feel empowered and invested in the process.

Resilience and inclusivity

Organisations can create environments that are safer, more inclusive, and equitable by cultivating protective factors and fostering collaboration.

Conclusion

Strengths-based approaches to safeguarding in sport and dance represent a paradigm shift that prioritises empowerment, resilience, and proactive measures. By leveraging existing assets and resources, organisations can create safer and more inclusive environments while addressing risks and challenges with compassion and accountability.

As safeguarding leads, sport club and dance school leaders, researchers, and policymakers, you hold the power to transform the way safeguarding is practiced in sport and dance. By embracing a strengths-based approach to making sport and dance spaces safe, equitable, and free of abuse, we can also ensure that every participant can thrive in an environment that celebrates their strengths and promotes their health, well-being, and human rights.

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Written by Prof Jennifer Cumming, Co-Director of The SPRINT Project and Chartered Psychologist.