Safe Hands FAQ's

What is Safe Hands Management System (SHMS)?

SHMS is an online tool required by the ECB for County Boards and Clubs to record key personnel involved in managing County and Club activities.

• Clubs with junior sections or under-18 players must meet safeguarding standards.
• Clubs must follow the ECB Safe Hands Policy and Procedures.
• Each club needs a trained, vetted Club Safeguarding Officer.
• All adults supervising children must have a current ECB DBS check.
• Adults working with children must complete the appropriate ECB training.

How does Safe Hands connect to Clubmark?

These national standards are part of the Safe Hands policy and form the foundation for safely run clubs. They are also included in Clubmark criteria to prove a club’s safe operation.

Benefits of registering with SHMS:

• Secure platform to store and manage all club info easily.
• Integrated with ECB databases to update official compliance status promptly.
• Access to free Club Insurance via ECB partner Howdens after registration and insurance risk assessment.
• Direct contact with ECB Customer Support for help with registration, compliance, DBS renewals, and course bookings.

Why is SHMS required by ECB?

Safeguarding children is a legal requirement under the Children Act 1989 and a priority for ECB. SHMS ensures consistent safeguarding standards across cricket and helps demonstrate cricket is safe for all.

How to register your Club:

Contact your local County Board to be onboarded. Initial phases targeted Club Mark clubs, then clubs with junior sections or juniors in open age cricket.

Role of Club Administrator:

The Club Administrator must:

• Watch training videos before registration.
• Complete their profile and accept the role via ECB email invite.
• Provide and maintain club info, invite officials to register, manage teams, venues, and complete insurance risk assessments.
• Communicate SHMS use to officials and monitor compliance with DBS and qualifications.
• Collaborate with County Boards and Safeguarding Officers to ensure policy compliance.
• Follow up on outstanding invitations, DBS applications, and course bookings.
• Regularly update club and official details in SHMS.

How SHMS supports cricket growth and membership:

• Shows commitment to youth safety, attracting more members.
• Supports clubs needing help meeting standards.
• Protects cricket’s reputation by ensuring safeguarding.
• Reassures parents choosing a safe club for their children.
• Builds club confidence in their safeguarding approach.

Why can't I see more club info in SHMS?

SHMS prioritizes security and data protection, collecting only necessary info to report compliance and match officials with their DBS and qualifications.

Why aren't my club officials showing as competent?

See the Officials Compliance Guide for details.

How to ensure Club Compliance:

Refer to the Club Compliance Guide.

Lost or forgotten SHMS access link?

Access the SHMS Portal here and bookmark the page.