Latest ECB & GCF Safeguarding Updates
Recreational Cricket Safety Update - December 2025
The game was deeply saddened to learn about the death of a young cricketer in Australia in October 2025, who it is understood, was struck in the neck by a ball delivered by a ball thrower (sometimes known as a ‘dog stick’). In light of this tragic event, the ECB has reviewed its relevant safety regulations and policies and is making the following updates:
- All cricketers are strongly advised to wear neck protectors at all times that they are required or recommended to wear helmets.
- It is recommended that ball throwers and bowling machines be operated only by adults who are suitably experienced, competent, and familiar with their safe operation. Bowling machines and ball throwers should not be operated by U18s.
- New Safety Guidelines for Training Environments have been created. These cover:
- Safe set-up and operation of net facilities
- Operation of bowling machines
- Use of ball throwers
Changes to DBS and ECB/Atlantic Data Arrangements - December 2025
Terms of use of the Disclosures Manager System
Over the last few months the ECB has worked with our supplier, Atlantic Data (ADL), to update our working protocols, contractual arrangements and privacy notice to ensure compliance with changes imposed by the Disclosure and Barring Service and also with UK GDPR. This process is now complete.
As part of the new way of working, on first login, each Authorised User (such as a verifier) will be presented with the ‘Terms of Use for Authorised Users and Cricket Organisations’ (the Terms of Use). These Terms of Use:
- explain what Authorised Users are required to do when using the ADL Disclosures Manager System (set out in Part A of the Terms of Use)
- provide details of how the Authorised User’s personal data will be used; and
- set out the data processing terms that apply between ADL and the Cricket Organisation (set out in Part B of the Terms of Use).
It is important that each Cricket Organisation reads the Terms of Use carefully (a copy is attached to this message) and only allows a person to be an Authorised User if they are authorised by the Cricket Organisation to accept the provisions in Part B of the Terms of Use on behalf of that Cricket Organisation.
The Authorised User will be asked to read the Terms of Use and will be required to ‘click’ to confirm agreement to them.
We hope this message and the summary make it easy for all Authorised Users to understand what is expected of them.
If you have any specific queries, please email DBS@ecb.co.uk.
DBS Update - December 2025
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)team has revised its identity-check terms to add “personal friend” as a category of candidate whose DBS cannot be verified by someone who is a personal friend. We recognise that asking a volunteer to verify the ID of a personal friend can present a potential risk. That risk is mitigated by the training and support provided through the Safe Hands Course and by County Safeguarding Officers.
In many recreational cricket clubs volunteers know one another personally. To avoid creating barriers to completing DBS checks, attendance at the Safe Hands Course is required so volunteers can carry out checks correctly and safely. When a verifier knows the candidate, the established procedures and training should ensure checks are completed appropriately and risks are managed. If a verifier feels uncomfortable checking an individual’s documents, they should decline and refer the check to another verifier or to their County Safeguarding Officer
Digital Verification for DBS - December 2025
To make verification easier and more accessible, we will be introducing Digital Verification into the DBS process next year as part of our ongoing commitment to improvement.
A Digital Verification is an electronic record that meets DBS identity requirements. This new option will result in the following:
- Faster results and remote convenience: Results are delivered online, enabling quicker completion of DBS checks without the need to present physical documents or meet a verifier in person
- Greater data accuracy: Digital verification helps ensure information is correct from the start
- Equivalent to paper-based checks: Digital Verification provides a fully valid alternative, meeting DBS requirements just as traditional paper checks do
- Time saver for Club & County verifiers: Applicants can complete the entire application independently, without requiring action from a club verifier
Please note there will be a small fee for applicants who choose the Digital Verification option. Those who prefer an in-person check (for example, at their local cricket club) may continue to do so.
New County Safeguarding Officer - October 2025
GCF is pleased to confirm that Nicky Clarke, our Workforce Manager, is the new County Safeguarding Officer. John Peplow will remain as the Deputy County Safeguarding Officer.
Keep a lookout for a full refresh of the Safeguarding website pages over the next few months as we update the content and ensure they are user-friendly and relevant.
Club Safeguarding Officers
Everything you need to know about being a Club Safeguarding Officer.
Safeguarding and Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation
Everything you need to know about the GCF commitment to Safeguarding.
Nicky Clarke / Workforce Manager
Nicky joined GCF from Somerset Cricket Foundation, where she spent 4.5 years gaining valuable experience supporting clubs and leagues, in cricket operations, and with volunteer workforce development. At GCF, Nicky is responsible for supporting the development of the people who make recreational cricket happen, covering everything from grass to game!
Nicky has spent many years supporting the WEPL Board, providing expertise in using Play-Cricket, player registration, and managed migration to clubs across the West of England. She is also a qualified coach, umpire, and scorer who has been lucky enough to score at the county ground in Taunton on a few occasions, including England Lions v South Africa in 2022.
Nicky’s home club is Weston-super-Mare, where she is a long-standing volunteer and has been integral in rebuilding the women’s and girls’ section following Covid. On the rare occasions she’s not doing something cricket related, she has two boys who prefer the social side of cricket to the playing side, she likes to read, run (slowly), and is a half-marathon survivor.
