Dr Sam Warner (B.A. hons; M. Clin. Psychol.; PhD; AFBPs) is a chartered and consultant clinical psychologist and honorary senior lecturer in the school of health and society at Salford University, UK. Sam works as a consultant, expert witness, psychotherapist, public speaker, strategic adviser, trainer, writer and academic. Sam has about thirty-five years’ experience of working with children, young people and adults who have complex mental health and safeguarding needs. Sam has specialised throughout her career in working with the impact of abuse-trauma on the mental health of clients, focusing on sexual violence, child abuse and neglect, and domestic abuse. Sam has led a variety of specialist sexual violence therapy services in the third sector, mental health, child protection, and in respect of residential services for girls at risk of sexual exploitation. Sam also works as an expert witness in childcare proceedings, and designs and delivers bespoke therapeutic services for children who area looked after, and their parents and carers. Sam works with both victims and perpetrators. She has written books, papers and reports on these issues. In her capacity as an expert in sexual violence, Sam has advised at national (e.g. Department of Health) and international levels (e.g. British Government, Stabilisation Unit). Sam has a particular interest in the interface between Sport, safeguarding and therapy, for example, acting as the mental health consultant for the Frank Bruno Foundation: a physical and mental wellbeing charity. Sam is committed to multi-agency working and is the chair of the Association of Child Protection Professionals charity.

Dr Suzanne Everley is Head of Sport Social Science and a Reader in the Sociology of Physical Education, Activity and Health at the University of Chichester. Her research of over 20 years focuses on understanding the experiences of children and young people. Suzanne has published in academic papers and texts and has written a book on the use of creative arts-based research methodologies. She has conducted investigations for the Youth Sport Trust, the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit and the FA. Following recommendations of Clive Sheldon’s Independent Review into Child Sexual Abuse in Football 1970-2005,  she is currently lead researcher on a project seeking to understand how children’s voices are heard in the sport and where this might be improved to create more child centred cultures, preventing abuse.

Child Protection in Sport Officer at the Child Protection in Sport Unit. More details to come.