Val takes over from Keith Macleod who returns to his full time role with Scottish Hockey.

With a background in organisational and workforce development, governance, and safeguarding across sports organisations, charities, and community groups, Val also spent 10 years as a frontline police officer, prior to the introduction of specialist child protection units. She has since worked for several governing bodies of sport, developing robust policies, procedures, and guidance that promote best practice and help create safe environments for young people’s participation in sport. She has experience in senior safeguarding roles dealing with cases and concerns reported within sports clubs and membership organisations.

Now Head of Safe Sport for Paddle Scotland, Val will lead on all of our safeguarding work, developing and reviewing safeguarding policies and procedures, supporting club safeguarding officers to implement these and to respond to and deal with reported concerns.

Val joined in the Recognition Awards celebrations and will be present at various upcoming Paddle Scotland events, including CVC, so our community will have a chance to put a face to the name.

Currently, Val is working two days per week and can be reached for any Safeguarding enquiries or concerns with the following details:

Email: safeguarding@paddlescotland.org.uk

Phone: 07523 987755