The British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA) has been appointed by Team England to lead safeguarding operations for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A member of the BEAA’s Athlete Support Team will be seconded to Team England for the duration of the Games to serve as Lead Safeguarding Officer.
Taking place between 23 July and 2 August, Glasgow 2026 will see athletes from 74 nations and territories compete across a 10-sport programme, including six fully integrated para sports.
The BEAA will oversee the delivery of welfare and safeguarding support to Team England athletes throughout the Games, providing strategic leadership, coordinating reporting pathways and response processes, supporting sport-specific safeguarding personnel, and helping to ensure athletes have access to safe, responsive and independent support.
The role will also have oversight of safeguarding policy and procedures, risk management, support for Team England staff, and the coordination of responses if safeguarding concerns arise during the Games.
This appointment builds on the BEAA’s extensive experience in athlete welfare and safeguarding across high-performance sport, including campaigning for safe sport and establishing comprehensive support services for athletes who raise safeguarding concerns.
Its Athlete Support Team comprises of highly trained safeguarding specialists who work closely with partner organisations to ensure safeguarding knowledge, training and practice remain aligned with the highest standards.
While one member of the team will be seconded to Team England during the Games, the BEAA’s remaining staff will continue to operate as usual, supporting athletes from across the home nations and other eligible athletes not competing at Glasgow 2026.
Jonathon Riall, Chef de Mission for Team England, said: “Creating an environment where athletes can be ready perform at their best is at the heart of Team England.
“Bringing the BEAA into our set‑up strengthens that commitment even further. Their expertise in safeguarding and athlete welfare adds real depth to our support system, ensuring every athlete feels safe, protected and able to focus fully on performance. We’re proud to welcome them into the team.”
BEAA CEO, Kelly Sotherton MBE, added: “We are proud to be leading Team England’s safeguarding service at Glasgow 2026 and to play a central role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all athletes and staff.
“Safeguarding and welfare are fundamental to athlete wellbeing, and our team has significant experience working directly with athletes across high-performance sport. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to trusted, independent support and clear guidance throughout the Games.”
