Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The club is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, ensuring that everyone can enjoy basketball without fear of harm, abuse, or neglect.

For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. Safeguarding responsibilities for vulnerable adults follow similar principles, with referrals made to appropriate adult safeguarding services where required.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all club members, including coaches, volunteers, players, parents, and club officials. It is the responsibility of everyone involved to be vigilant and to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding.

3. Key Principles

Our club’s safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

  • The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.
  • All individuals, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or identity, deserve to feel safe and respected.
  • All concerns regarding safety and wellbeing are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Committee

  • Ensure the club adheres to national and local safeguarding policies and regulations.
  • Appoint a designated Club Welfare Officer (CWO) who is trained in safeguarding.
  • Regularly review and update the safeguarding policy to reflect changes in legislation and best practices.
  • Provide resources and support for safeguarding training for all coaches and volunteers.

Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

  • Serve as the main point of contact for all safeguarding issues within the club.
  • Promote awareness of safeguarding and child protection policies.
  • Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are handled in accordance with club policies and relevant regulations.
  • Maintain confidentiality when dealing with safeguarding matters, sharing information only as needed and following legal requirements.

If a safeguarding concern involves the Club Welfare Officer, or if they are unavailable, concerns should be raised directly with the Club Chair or an appropriate external safeguarding authority.

Coaches and Volunteers

  • Complete necessary safeguarding training and undergo relevant background checks (e.g., DBS checks).
  • Be familiar with and follow the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Report any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult’s welfare to the CWO promptly and without delay.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and avoid any inappropriate relationships with children or vulnerable adults.

Parents and Guardians

  • Work with the club to promote a safe environment and adhere to the club’s safeguarding policy.
  • Raise any safeguarding concerns directly with the CWO or another club official if needed.
  • Ensure that children understand the club’s values of respect, inclusion, and support.

5. Safeguarding Procedures

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Coaches, volunteers, and other club members should be aware of the signs of potential abuse or neglect, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and bullying (including online bullying).

Responding to Concerns

  • If a child or vulnerable adult discloses information, listen calmly, do not make promises of confidentiality, and assure them they’ve done the right thing in telling you.
  • Record the details of the concern, including names, dates, times, and any witnesses, without interpretation or judgment.
  • Report the matter to the Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible.

Where a concern meets the threshold for statutory intervention, the Club Welfare Officer will refer the matter to the local authority children’s social care team or the police, in line with statutory guidance.

Responding to Emergencies

  • If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, contact emergency services immediately.
  • Inform the CWO and cooperate with any subsequent investigation.

Confidentiality

  • Information regarding safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively, shared only on a need-to-know basis with relevant professionals, and in compliance with GDPR and data protection laws.

6. Safe Recruitment Practices

Our club is committed to safe recruitment practices, including:

  • Requiring appropriate DBS checks for all roles that involve regulated activity or regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, in line with legal requirements.
  • Conducting thorough interviews and reference checks for all potential employees or volunteers.
  • Providing safeguarding training as part of the induction process for new members.

7. Codes of Behaviour

The club has a clear Code of Conduct for all players, parents, coaches, and volunteers, which is aligned with safeguarding principles. All members are expected to:

  • Treat each other with respect and dignity.
  • Foster an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact, language, or behaviour.

8. Communication and Online Safety

We promote safe online practices for all club activities, including:

  • Ensuring that all online communication with children is conducted through approved platforms and under professional standards.
  • Prohibiting the sharing of images or information about children without parental consent.
  • Educating children on online safety and respectful online behaviour.

9. Reporting and Whistleblowing

All club members are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns or suspected breaches of this policy. Reports can be made to:

  • The Club Welfare Officer (CWO) or a designated club official.
  • External organizations, such as the NSPCC or local authorities, if you feel your concerns are not being addressed adequately by the club.

We commit to supporting whistleblowers and protecting them from retaliation when reporting concerns in good faith.

10. Low-level concerns

Low-level concerns, such as inappropriate language or boundary issues that do not meet safeguarding thresholds, should still be reported to the Club Welfare Officer. These will be recorded and addressed appropriately to prevent escalation.

11. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any significant changes in legislation, national guidance, or club operations. Updates will be made available to all club members, ensuring ongoing compliance and best practices.

Reviewed by:
Club Committee
Date: 8th February 2026

Club Welfare Officer Contact Information:
Rebecca Fernandes
07970 943538
info@macctownraiders.org