Safeguarding Child
Protection Policy
and Procedures

This Policy should be read in conjunction with current Covid-19 Risk Assessment Procedures and or Direction from the CST Covid 19 Officer, John Halpin until otherwise notified that these procedures have been stepped down by him.

At the time of publishing, the following roles were held:

College Welfare Officers:

Teresa Mulholland-07923244854

Liam Jackson - 07936956335

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Teresa Mulholland - 07923244854

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:

James Tose - 07813879248

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy and procedures a child or young person is referred to as a ‘child’ and they are normally under 18 years of age.

POLICY STATEMENT

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy and procedures a child or young person is referred to as a ‘child’ and they are normally under 18 years of age.

Wherever the term ‘parent’ is used this includes any person with parental authority over the child concerned e.g. carers, legal guardians etc.

1. Introduction

Carlisle United FC Community Sports Trust acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all its members.

We subscribe to The Football Association’s Child Protection and Best Practice Policy and Procedures, Grassroots Football Safeguarding Children (revised edition January 2015).

All those working with children can contribute to the safeguarding and protection of the welfare of a child in need. The key principles of the FA Child Protection Policy are that:

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.

• All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity.

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents/carers is an essential element of our work.

Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. To fulfil this responsibility effectively, all staff should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. It is noted and accepted that the Football Association Regulations applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, coach, club official or medical staff.

Effective child protection is essential as part of wider work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. However, all agencies and individuals should aim to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of children so that the need for action to protect children from harm is reduced. This Child Protection Policy and procedures must be read in conjunction with other Policies and procedures as outlined in Section 6 below.

2. Ethos

At Carlisle United FC Community Sports Trust (CST) (hereinafter referred to as the Trust) the health, safety and well-being of all children who use the facility is of paramount importance to all the adults who work or volunteer here. All our children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or disability. They have a right to be safe in our setting; this is enhanced by the adoption of an Anti-bullying policy which includes our procedures for preventing and dealing with cases of bullying and a robust Code of Conduct for participants, staff and other adults who work with the Trust.

We are also committed to establishing a safe physical environment in which children can learn and develop.

We will continue to work towards maintaining and embedding the “Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport” as published by the NSPCC CPSU and adopted by The FA and EFL.

The Trust regards Child Protection as an essential task of all its staff, trustees, visitors/volunteers and partners who are connected with the setting. We are committed to protecting and safeguarding children who attend the setting.

There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our setting, whether from internal sources – attendees, staff, visiting adults, trust members etc. or external sources – community, external agencies or individuals.

Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by young people, staff, visitors or parents will always be challenged and, where appropriate, dealt with.

We encourage young people to respect the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the delivery of sport.

The Trust recognises the importance of creating and promoting a positive, supportive, neutral and secure environment where young people can develop a sense of being valued and heard and where they feel safe, secure and respected.

Every effort will be made to work in partnership with other agencies and seek to establish effective relationships with participants and parents.

3.Aims

There are three main aims to our Child Protection Policy:

Prevention: by creating a positive atmosphere and providing high quality delivery to young people;

Protection: by following agreed procedures and ensuring staff are appropriately recruited, trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding and Child Protection concerns;

Support: by providing support for young people and staff and for children who may have been or are being abused.

We will do these things by:

• ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of adults who have unsupervised contact with children and appropriately supervising others who are temporarily in the setting but not undertaking ‘regulated activity’;

• ensuring all staff and volunteers are aware of and follow the guidance ‘Grassroots Football

Safeguarding Children’ (revised edition January 2015);

• raising awareness of child protection issues, equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe and empowering children to feel safe;

• being alert to any issues of concern in children’s lives at home or elsewhere;

• ensuring all staff are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and are aware of the setting’s procedures and lines of communication for reporting concerns/suspected or actual cases of abuse;

• ensuring extra care is taken to ensure that signs of abuse and neglect are identified and interpreted correctly, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children with communication/language difficulties or who use alternative/augmented communication systems;

• keeping confidential records, which are stored securely and shared appropriately with other professionals in line with the Trusts data protection Policy;

• ensuring all steps are taken to maintain the physical safety of participants by establishing a safe environment in which young people can learn and develop;

• ensuring staffing arrangements meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety. We will ensure that children are adequately supervised and decide how to deploy staff to ensure children’s needs are met.

• ensuring staff have a clear understanding of any project specific or funder/partner specific safeguarding requirements, including the reporting requirements, Critical Incident Reporting.

Should there be any lack of clarity then the Trust reserves the right to follow its own safeguarding procedures.

• ensuring that staff and partners have a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities and that the Trusts safeguarding policy is the minimum standards to be followed and implemented for the duration of the partnership.

4. Entitlement

We accept and embrace our legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 (for example, the provisions on reasonable adjustments). Each child in our setting, regardless of their background or home circumstances could be the victim of child abuse, whether it is by a parent, other adult known to them or a complete stranger. They are therefore all entitled to the same degree of protection and support.

We have and implement an Equality Policy to promote equality of opportunity for children in our care, including support for children with special needs or disabilities. Our Equality Policy specifically takes all participants into account but specifically for children, how the individual needs of all children will be met (including how those children who are disabled or have special needs will be included, valued and supported, and how reasonable adjustments will be made for them); arrangements for reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of inclusive practices that promote and value diversity and difference; how inappropriate attitudes and practices will be challenged; and how the provision will encourage children to value and respect others.

5. Implementation

This Policy and supporting procedures apply to all who come into contact with children in the setting, including: coaches, match officials, volunteer, Trust Members, helper on club tours, club official and medical staff.

This Policy should be read in conjunction with other related Trust Policies and procedures which will give a clear understanding of what is expected of every member of staff/volunteer listed above in their specific role. All policies below inclusive of this are accessible on request from the Trust office in hard copy form. Copies of the safeguarding policy is also accessible on the club website and clubs notice boards.

The CST policies include:

• Covid-19 Risk Assessment & Procedures (Should Covid become prevalent again)

• Health and Safety Policy and procedures

• Anti-bullying policy and procedures and participant code of conducts for preventing and dealing with bullying (including cyber-bullying) and racism, drug misuse etc.

• Tackling Extremism & Radicalisation Policy

• Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct

• Recruitment and Selection Policy and procedures

• Equality & Diversity Policy

• Data Protection & Use of Photographic Images Policy

• Whistleblowing procedures

• Trips, Activities & Residentials policy (including procedures for assessing risks - residential settings and transport)

• First Aid and Accident procedures

• Risk Assessments (incl. Fire Safety)

• Confidentiality and Information sharing policy

• Complaints and appeals procedures

• Premises Management including security measures

6. Review

This Policy will be reviewed annually (as a minimum) and more often should

• legislation or statutory guidance change

• New activity/service undertaken

• Reported safeguarding incident involving or affecting the Trust or any member of the Trust

• Significant organisational change

1. Roles and Responsibilities

All Trustees and staff have a shared responsibility to safeguard children.

1.1 The Role of the Trustees

The Board of Trustees is accountable for ensuring their organisation:

• has a senior board level (or equivalent) lead to take leadership responsibility for the setting’s safeguarding arrangements with the appropriate authority and be given the time, funding, training, resources and support to provide advice and support to other staff, liaising with the LA and working with other agencies;

• has appointed an appropriate senior member of staff, from the setting to the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with a named deputy. The DSL will take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. This responsibility is outlined in the role-holder’s job description;

• contributes to inter-agency working in line with statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, March 2023.

• has effective Policies and procedures in place for child protection and staff behaviour (part of the Staff Code of Conduct) which are provided to staff and volunteers on induction;

• has safeguarding arrangements which take into account the procedures and practice of the LA as part of the inter-agency safeguarding procedures set up by the Cumbria SCP.

• actively promotes fundamental British values among participants;

• has a culture of listening to children, taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of services;

• has a written Recruitment and Selection Policy and procedures in place;

• prevents people who pose a risk of harm from working with children (either paid or unpaid) by adhering to statutory responsibilities to check staff and other adults who work with children, taking proportionate decisions on whether to ask for any checks beyond what is required; and ensuring volunteers not in ‘regulated activity’ are appropriately supervised;

• has procedures for dealing with allegations against members of staff and volunteers that comply with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, Cumbria SCP, LA and locally agreed inter-agency procedures;

• has procedures for dealing with allegations against other children (peer on peer abuse). This will generally be in accordance with the organisation’s Anti-bullying policy and procedures in the first instance, other more serious allegations will be dealt with following advice from the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub – see Section 5;

• operates a Whistleblowing procedure and will remedy any deficiencies or weaknesses in regard to child protection arrangements that is brought to its attention without delay;

• ensures the child’s wishes or feelings are taken into account when determining what action to take and what services to provide to protect individual children through ensuring there are systems in place for children to express their views and give feedback;

• ensures staff members and other adults are aware that they must not promise confidentiality to a child and must always act in the best interests of the child;

• undertakes a full audit of the Safeguarding systems and procedures in place on an annual basis.

1.2 The Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Trust has a senior member of staff designated by the Trust who will provide support to staff members and other adults to carry out their safeguarding duties and who will liaise closely with other services such as children’s social care – Teresa Mulholland (07923244854). The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead is explicit in the role-holder’s job description.

During club sessions, the DSL and/or a deputy will always be available for staff in the Club to discuss any safeguarding concerns. Arrangements will be made to ensure that access to the DSL or deputy

will be available to staff during off-site visits or other extra-curricular activities taking place outside normal club hours.

There will always be cover for this role and the deputy DSL’s will be trained to the same standard as the DSL – the Deputy DSL(s) are James Tose (07813879248).

The DSL will have knowledge and skills for recognising and acting upon Child Protection concerns, having received appropriate training.

Liaison and Referrals: The Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

• liaise with local statutory children’s services agencies and the Cumbria SCP;

• refer all cases of suspected abuse or allegations to Cumbria Safeguarding Hub (see Section 5 for contact and referral details);

• make a referral to Cumbria Safeguarding Hub immediately if, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child – 0333 240 1727 anybody can make a referral.

• support staff who make referrals to the Local Authority Safeguarding Hub;

• where required to do so, liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (DO) in cases of allegations against a member of staff or other adult;

• refer to the DBS anyone who has harmed, or poses a risk of harm, to a child and who has been removed from working (paid or unpaid) in regulated activity, or would have been removed had they not voluntarily left the setting;

• refer and report to the FA Safeguarding Team;

• refer to the Police cases where a crime may have been committed;

• refer cases, as required, to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern and support staff who make referrals to the Channel programme;

liaise with staff on matters of safety and safeguarding and act as a source of support, advice and expertise within the setting when deciding to make a referral using the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub Single Contact on-line form –

https://cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/cumberland/cumberlandprofessionals/default.asp

• liaise with the Trustees to inform them of issues especially ongoing enquiries and Police investigations.

Training: The Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

Receive appropriate training in accordance with advice issued by the EFL & Football Association in order to:

• understand the process for providing help and intervention;

• ensure each member of staff has access to and understands the club’s Safeguarding Policy and procedures, especially new and part-time staff and volunteers.

• be alert to the specific needs of children in need, including those with special needs and those at risk of radicalisation or child sexual exploitation;

• be able to keep detailed, accurate and secure written records of concerns and referrals;

• Undertake a minimum of one cpd training on safeguarding legislation and good practice.

• obtain access to resources and attend any relevant or refresher training courses and, where required, disseminate information learned from training to others in the club;

• Provide Training to Trust Staff/Volunteers no less than one month of joining or immediately if engaging with young people.

• encourage a culture among all staff and other adults of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings, in any measures the club may put in place to protect them.

Raising Awareness: The Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

• ensure that, during the induction process, all staff and volunteers are made aware of, and understand, the club’s Child Protection Policy and procedures in line with the FA, the Code of Conduct for staff and other adults and are provided with a copy of Part one of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education – Safeguarding information for all staff – (Updated version September 2023), and DfE guidance ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’, March 2015;
• ensure the club’s procedures are known and followed by staff, particularly concerning referrals of cases of suspected abuse and neglect;

• ensure the club’s Child Protection Policy is reviewed annually and the procedures and implementation are updated and reviewed regularly, and work with the Trustees regarding this;

• link with the Cumbria SCB to make sure staff are aware of training opportunities and the latest local procedures on safeguarding;

• CST staff/Volunteers cover all recommended awareness training

1.3 The Role of ALL Staff

• All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment.

• All staff should know what to do if a child tells them he/she is being abused or neglected.

• All staff should be aware of the process for making referrals to children’s social care and of the role they might be expected to play in assessments following that referral.

• All staff have a responsibility to read and properly understand ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education

Information for All School and College staff’ (Part one), DfE guidance ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’, the club’s Code of Conduct for staff and other adults who work with children, the club’s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child regardless of the presumed seriousness of the case.

• If a staff member has any concerns about a child there should be a conversation with the DSL to agree a course of action, although any staff member can make a referral to Children’s Social Care.

If a referral is made by a member of staff, they should inform the DSL as soon as possible.

• If at any point there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child a referral will be made Cumbria Safeguarding Hub immediately – anybody can make a referral.

2 Supporting Children at Risk

Our club recognises that children who are abused or who witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way.

We will endeavour to support children through:

• the club ethos which promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment where everyone is valued;

• listening to the child’s views and concerns with an open mind;

• a consistent approach which supports all children;

• regular liaison with other professionals and agencies who support the children and their families;

• the development and support of a responsive and knowledgeable staff group trained to respond appropriately in child protection situations.

In addition to the above, as part of wider safeguarding responsibilities, club staff will be alert to:

• disclosures by children and young people of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others, such as in their homes or community groups, especially where they have not actively sought these out;

• graffiti symbols, writing or artwork promoting extremist messages or images;

• parental reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance;

• young people voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives;

• use of extremist or ‘hate’ terms to exclude others or incite violence;

• intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our Equality Policy, views based on, but not exclusive to, gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour or culture;

• attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others;

• anti-western or anti-British views.

2.1 Children who may be particularly vulnerable

Some children may be at increased risk of neglect and/or abuse. Many factors can contribute to an increase in risk, including prejudice and discrimination, isolation, social exclusion, communication issues and reluctance on the part of some adults to accept that abuse happens, or who have a high level of tolerance in respect of neglect.
To ensure that all participants receive equal protection, we will give special consideration and attention to children who are:

• living in a known domestic abuse situation;

• affected by known parental substance misuse;

• at risk of fabricated or induced illness;

• asylum seekers;

• living away from home;

• vulnerable to being bullied, or engaging in bullying;

• living in temporary accommodation;

• living transient lifestyles;

• living in chaotic, neglectful and unsupportive home situations;

• vulnerable to discrimination and maltreatment on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion or sexuality;

• involved directly or indirectly in prostitution or child trafficking;

• do not have English as a first language.

We refer to guidance issued by the Cumbria SCP in relation to the above.

Special consideration includes the provision of safeguarding information, resources and support services in community languages and accessible formats.

2.2 Children with Special Needs/Disabilities

We recognise that children with special needs and disabilities can face additional safeguarding challenges and additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in this group of children. This can include:

• assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the child’s disability without further exploration;

• children with SEN and disabilities can be disproportionally impacted by things like bullying – without outwardly showing any signs; and

• communication barriers and difficulties in overcoming these barriers.

3. Recognising Types of abuse and neglect and significant harm

The Children Act 2004 introduced the concept of significant harm as the threshold that justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interests of children and gives local authorities a duty to make enquiries to decide whether they should take action to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

All club staff are made aware that abuse, neglect and safeguarding issues are rarely standalone events that can be covered by one definition or label. In most cases, multiple issues will overlap with one another.

3.1 Abuse

A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children.

3.2 Physical Abuse

A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

3.3 Emotional Abuse

The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another – for example where there is fighting or violence in the home. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children to frequently feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

3.4 Sexual abuse

Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

3.5 Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent failing to: provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

3.6 Specific Safeguarding Issues

Expert and professional organisations are best placed to provide up-to-date guidance and practical support on specific safeguarding issues. For example, NSPCC offers information on its website www.nspcc.org.uk.

All staff have an awareness of specific safeguarding issues – some of which are listed below. Staff are made aware that behaviours linked to the likes of drug taking, alcohol abuse and sexting put children in danger.

The Cumbria SCP Procedures Manual provides specific guidance on a range of safeguarding issues which settings may have to address. Click here to access

The DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ provides additional information on the following:

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) – all suspected cases of CSE will be referred to the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub.

CSE is a form of sexual abuse where children are sexually exploited for money, power or status. In some cases, young people are persuaded or forced into exchanging sexual activity for money, drugs, gifts, affection or status. Consent cannot be given, even where a child may believe they are voluntarily engaging in sexual activity with the person who is exploiting them. CSE does not always involve physical contact and can happen online.

Although inter-agency working, and information sharing are vital in identifying and tackling all forms of abuse, it is clear they are especially important to identify and prevent CSE.

By being aware of the warning signs of CSE, club staff and other adults can help stop abuse before it develops further. Some of the warning signs are that the child:

• may become especially secretive and stop engaging with their usual friends;
• may be associating with, or develop a sexual relationship with older boyfriends or girlfriends or with other young people involved in exploitation;

• may be in possession of new, expensive items which they couldn’t normally afford, such as mobile phones, iPads or jewellery;

• may suffer from changes in emotional well-being;

• may misuse drugs and alcohol;

• may exhibit a sudden change in dressing patterns, hair and make-up use or musical taste;

• may look tired and/or unwell;

• may suffer from sexually transmitted infections or become pregnant;

• may have marks or scars on their body which they try to conceal;

• may adopt new ‘street language’ or respond to a new ‘street’ name.

Sexting – All incidents involving youth produced sexual imagery (sexting) will be responded to in line with this Policy and procedures.

When considering appropriate action regarding sexting, the DSL will take the age of the child involved and the context into account. Children under 13 are given extra protection from sexual abuse. The law makes it clear that sexual activity with a child under 13 is never acceptable and that children of this age can never legally give consent to engage in sexual activity. Any situations involving club participants and sexting will be taken seriously as potentially being indicative of a wider child protection concern or as being problematic sexual behaviour.

Any direct disclosure by a young person (male or female) will be taken very seriously. A child who discloses they are the subject of sexual imagery is likely to be embarrassed and worried about the consequences. It is likely that disclosure to club staff is a last resort and they may have already tried to resolve the issue themselves. When an incident involving sexting comes to the club ’s attention the we will follow the guidance as set out in the UKCCIS publication ‘Sexting in schools and colleges – Responding to incidents and safeguarding young people.

‘Honour based’ violence (HBV) – Honour based violence includes crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or the community, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and practices such as breast ironing. All forms of so called HBV are abuse (regardless of motivation) and will be handled and escalated as such.

4. What Staff should do if they have concerns about a Child

Refer also to CST Safeguarding Flow Chart (appendix 1) and Section 5.

If staff members have concerns about a child, they should raise these with the DSL. This also includes situations of abuse which may involve staff members (refer to Whistleblowing procedures at Section 11).

All staff can get advice from the NSPCC 24hour Helpline 0808 800 5000 if DSL is uncontactable.

All staff are required to report any concerns in writing or via My Concern. On occasions, a referral is justified by a single incident such as an injury or disclosure of abuse. More often however, concerns accumulate over a period of time and are evidenced by building up a picture of harm; it is crucial that staff record and pass on their concerns in accordance with these procedures straight away to allow the DSL to build up a picture and access support for the child at the earliest opportunity. A reliance on memory without accurate and contemporaneous records of concern could lead to a failure to protect.

The DSL will decide whether to make a referral to Cumbria Safeguarding Hub, but it is important to note that where a staff member feels that their genuine concerns are not being addressed, they may refer their concerns to the Safeguarding Hub directly. Alternatively, the NSPCC have a whistleblowing advice line for professionals who have concerns over how child protection issues are being handled in either their or another organisation. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/fighting-for-childhood/news-opinion/new-whistleblowing-advice-line-professionals/

If, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child a referral should be made to Cumbria Safeguarding Hub immediately 0333 240 1727. If the child’s situation does not appear to be improving the staff member with concerns should press for re-consideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some point.

It is important for children to receive the right help at the right time to address risks and prevent issues escalating. Research and Serious Case Reviews have repeatedly shown the dangers of failing to take effective action. Poor practice includes: failing to act on and refer the early signs of abuse and neglect, poor record keeping, failing to listen to the views of the child, failing to re-assess concerns when situations do not improve, sharing information too slowly and a lack of challenge to those who appear not to be taking action.

Dealing with Disclosures from Children

The way in which a member of staff talks to a child who discloses abuse could have an effect on the evidence that is put forward if there are subsequent proceedings, and it is important that staff do not jump to conclusions, ask leading questions, or put words in a child's mouth. If a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff or other adult working in the club s/he should write a record of the conversation as soon as possible, stating exactly, in the child’s words, what has been said, noting any action taken in cases of possible abuse. This must be signed and include the day of the week, date, time and place of the disclosure. All records must be locked in the Child Protection filing cabinet which is located in Trusts Main Office and recorded on the Trusts My Concern account.

Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Teresa Mulholland/James Tose, who will evaluate the assessment and concern record. Initial contact will be made with The Fa Safeguarding team where concern involves football setting or Cumbria Safeguarding Hub where necessary (see below).

The DSL can make a telephone referral to Cumbria Safeguarding Hub (see below) and confirm in writing via the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub Single Contact On-line Form https://scformcmb.cumbria.gov.uk/ The initial referral may be made by telephone but must be followed up via the on-line reporting system within 48 hours.

If a referral needs to be made, or consultation with any other agency is deemed necessary then we recognise that it is good practice to inform parents and child of actions to be taken unless this puts the child at further risk of harm.

The LA should make a decision within one working day of a referral being made about what course of action they are taking and should let the referrer know the outcome. The DSL will follow up on a referral should that information not be forthcoming. If, after a referral, the child’s situation does not appear to be improving the DSL will press for re-consideration using the Cumbria SCP Escalation Policy and procedures (click here to access) to ensure their concerns have been addressed and, most importantly, that the child’s situation improves.

Non- Recent Concerns of Abuse- Young Person - Any non-recent abuse disclosure from a child or young person must be treated as if it is recent in terms of appropriate response to the child and their needs. The risk assessment of such information should also consider the identification of other children who may be at risk and the same principles apply.

If it is unclear whether a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, discussions should be held with the Safeguarding Officer and or Safeguarding Hub

All adults in the club have a shared responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.

Cumbria Safeguarding Hub

Tel: 0333 240 1727

E mail: safeguarding.hub@cumberland.gov.uk (please ensure that e mails sent to this address are password protected and the password forwarded in a further e-mail).

The service enables callers to outline their concerns and the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub will give advice and if necessary undertake assessments of need.

This service is available any time of day or night
Notification

The Club /Trust will notify the FL CPA or EFL Trust DSO and The FA Case Management Team of any safeguarding referral made to:

• The police

• The LADO and/or

• Any other statutory agency, social care or Children’s Services Directorate

Staff must be aware that:

• it is not the responsibility of staff or volunteers to investigate suspected cases of abuse;

• they should not take any action beyond that agreed in the procedures established by the club and the Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership(SCP);

• they cannot promise a child complete confidentiality - instead they must explain that they may need to pass information to other professionals to help keep the child or other children safe.

Listening to Children

Experience and consultation with children show that a child will talk about their concerns and problems to people they feel they can trust and they feel comfortable with. It is therefore essential that all staff and volunteers in the club know how to respond sensitively to a child's concerns, who to approach for advice about them, and the importance of not guaranteeing complete confidentiality.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (July 2018) (updated: 1 July 2022) describes what children have said that they need:

• Vigilance: to have adults notice when things are troubling them

• Understanding and action: to understand what is happening; to be heard and understood; and to have that understanding acted upon

• Stability: to be able to develop and on-going stable relationship of trust with those helping them

• Respect: to be treated with the expectation that they are competent rather than not

• Information and engagement: to be informed about and involved in procedures, decisions, concerns and plans

• Explanation: to be informed of the outcome of assessments and decisions and reasons when their views have not met with a positive response

• Support: to be provided with support in their own right as well as a member of their family

• Advocacy: to be provided with advocacy to assist them in putting forward their views

• Protection: to be protected against all forms of abuse and discrimination and the right to special protection and help if a refugee.

Children want to be respected, their views to be heard, to have stable relationships with professionals built on trust and to have consistent support provided for their individual needs. The club will seek to demonstrate to children that it provides them with a safe environment where it is okay to talk.

Any member of staff or volunteer who is approached by a child wanting to talk will listen positively and reassure the child. They will record the discussion as soon as possible and take action in accordance with the club's safeguarding/child protection procedures.

If a child chooses to disclose, the member of staff or other adult WILL:

• be accessible and receptive;

• listen carefully and uncritically at the child’s pace;

• take what is said seriously;

• reassure the child that they are right to tell;

• tell the child that this information must be passed on;

• make a careful record of what was said, seen or heard

Staff or other adults will NEVER:
• take photographs or examine an injury;

• investigate or probe aiming to prove or disprove possible abuse – never ask leading questions;

• make promises to children about confidentiality or keeping ‘secrets’;

• assume that someone else will take the necessary action;

• jump to conclusions or react with shock, anger or horror;

• speculate or accuse anybody;

• confront another person (adult or child) allegedly involved;

• offer opinions about what is being said or about the person/s allegedly involved;

• forget to record what has been said;

• fail to pass the information on to the correct person;

• ask a child to sign a written copy of the disclosure.

Vulnerable Groups: For children with communication/language difficulties or who use alternative/ augmented communication systems, staff and other adults may need to take extra care to ensure that signs of abuse and neglect are identified and interpreted correctly, but concerns should be reported in exactly the same manner as for other children. In some cases, it may be appropriate to seek the services of a professional interpreter.

6. Induction and Training

All staff are required to undertake an appropriate level of safeguarding and child protection training at induction/ no less than one month of joining or immediately if engaging with young people. Training will be updated regularly. We will train all staff, Trustees and volunteers (where appropriate) to understand the Safeguarding /Child Protection Policy and procedures and ensure that all adults have up to date knowledge of safeguarding issues. In addition, all staff members will receive regular safeguarding and child protection updates (for example, via e-mail, e-bulletins, staff meetings/briefings etc.), as required, but at least annually, to provide them with relevant skills and knowledge to safeguard children effectively.

Appropriate training and regular updates will enable staff paid and unpaid to identify signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity, and to respond in a timely and appropriate way including:

• significant changes in a child’s behaviour;

• deterioration in a child’s general well-being;

• unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect;

• a child’s comments which give cause for concern;

• any reasons to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting, for example in the child’s home;

• recognising inappropriate behaviour displayed by other members of staff, or any other person working with the children, for example, inappropriate sexual comments; excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities; or inappropriate sharing of images;

• internal club procedures, roles and responsibilities;

• dealing with a disclosure from a child;

• Whistleblowing procedures as they refer specifically to Child Protection;

• the Equality Policy; and

• general health, safety and welfare issues.

Training is organised by the DSL in line with Cumbria SCB guidance, The FA and CPSU

All staff have undertaken Safeguarding Training which will be refreshed every three years and updated on a regular basis by the DSL or other external source.

All staff and volunteers working in ‘Regulated Activity’ are provided with a copy of Part one of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, the club’s Safeguarding/ Child Protection Policy and procedures and the club Code of Conduct for staff and other adults.

We will ensure that regular staff appraisals are carried out to identify any training needs, and secure opportunities for continued professional development for staff. We will support our staff to improve their qualification levels wherever possible.

The Trustees will ensure the DSL and the Deputy DSL attend the required safeguarding training when they first take up the role which will provide them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role effectively. The training will be updated every two years. In addition to formal training, as set out above, their knowledge and skills will be updated, (for example via e-bulletins, meeting other DSL’s, or taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments) at regular intervals, but at least annually, to keep up with any developments relevant to their role.

Both the DSL and the Deputy have attended the required level of training as stated by EFL and the Cumbria SCB and this will be updated in line with recommended good practice.

The DSL will ensure that all new staff, volunteers and other adults are appropriately inducted as regards the club’s internal safeguarding procedures, including those for Child Protection, communication lines and whistleblowing. This will also be a regular agenda item at Trust and staff meetings.

7. Record Keeping

Staff will record any welfare concern that they have about a child on a Child Disclosure/Concern Record, (My Concern Reporting platform) with a body map (where injuries have been observed) via which will then be followed up by the DSL. Records must be completed as soon as possible after the incident/event and all sections of the reporting tool completed. Staff must be aware that their records might have to be used as evidence in court and must therefore be mindful of the need to distinguish fact from opinion. However, staff must not attempt to investigate a situation themselves.

A record will be made of all incidents where a young person has expressed racist, homophobic, extremist or radical views which will be monitored at a senior level.

Child protection records are kept centrally and securely by the DSL via the ‘My Concern’ portal and are shared on a ‘need to know’ basis only. A chronology must be recorded in the file with the final entry being the date the child left the club.

8. Allegations against Members of Staff or Volunteers

Sometimes allegations of inappropriate treatment of children are made against members of staff including volunteers rather than members of the child’s family. Such allegations are dealt with according to specific procedures by the Football Association/EFL Trust and published on the Cumbria SCP website and Part four of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ – Allegations of abuse made against teachers and other staff.

Cumbria SCP has produced a Summary of Allegations Management Procedures Flowchart.

The member of staff to whom the allegation is reported will:

• treat the matter seriously;

• ensure that, where necessary, the child receives appropriate medical attention;

• A record of the information reported on the ‘My Concern’ portal using the child’s/parent’s own words, including when the alleged incident took place; who was present; and what happened.

• Ensure all information is entered onto the portal including dates and times of incident etc.

• report the matter immediately to the Manager or deputy in his/her absence. Where the Manager is the subject of an allegation, the allegation will be reported to the Chair of the Trustees. In all instances, the most senior person (Manager or Chair of Trustees) will be the allocated the role of ‘Case Manager’. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Initial Action by the Case Manager

The Case Manager will immediately discuss the allegation with the appropriate agency appointed Designated Officer (DO) and within 1 working day. The purpose of an initial discussion is for the DO and the Case Manager to consider the nature, content and context of the allegation and agree a course of action. To inform the initial course of action, the following may be required:

• written details of the allegation, signed and dated by the person receiving the allegation;

• any other information and names of any potential witnesses;
• a chronology of significant events;

• information already known about those involved, including previous history, other allegations made by the child or family and the individual’s current contact with children;

• checks on any historic incident(s) or log books.

There may be situations when the Case Manager will want to involve the Police immediately, for example if the person is deemed to be an immediate risk to children or there is evidence of a possible criminal offence. Where there is no such evidence, the Case Manager should discuss the allegations with the DO in order to help determine whether Police involvement is necessary.

To report a concern in writing to the DO, the notification form (available either from the Cumbria SCB website or from the KAHSC website) must be used. The form can also be accessed by the following link:

https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/eLibrary/Content/Internet/537/6683/6687/6755/4168713469.docx

Completed forms must be sent to the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub, using any of the following methods:

(Please note: if sending by e-mail the document must be password protected)

• Email lado@cumberland.gov.uk

• Post: LADO, Safeguarding Hub, Skirsgill Depot, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2BQ

• Please note if you are worried that a child is at risk of immediate harm please contact Cumbria Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 or click here https://cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/professionals/concernsaboutachild.asp

To speak to a DO for advice, contact the Multi-Agency Business Support Team who will take your details and ensure a DO returns the call:

Phone: 01768 812267

Or you can email lado@cumbria.gov.uk

DO working hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

• In case of emergency outside of the above hours contact Emergency Duty Team on 0333 240 1727.

Allegations are managed in accordance with Cumbria SCP Procedures Manual (August 2015) - Click here to access.

The Case Manager will contact the DO if the member of staff or another adult has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;

• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;

• behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children.

The advice of the DO can also be sought if there is uncertainty as to whether a referral should be made or for example there are concerns about the staff member’s conduct outside work which may raise concerns about their suitability to work with children.

The Case Manager will inform the accused person about the allegation as soon as possible after consulting with DO. It is extremely important that the Case Manager provides them with as much information as possible at that time. However, where a strategy discussion is needed, or police or children’s social care services need to be involved, the Case Manager will not do that until those agencies have been consulted and have agreed what information can be disclosed to the accused.

The Case Manager will appoint a named representative to keep the person who is the subject of the allegation informed of the progress of the case and consider what other support is appropriate for the individual.

Parents or carers of a child or children involved will be told about the allegation as soon as possible if they do not already know of it. However, where a strategy discussion is required, or Police or Children’s Social Care services need to be involved, the Case Manager will not do so until those agencies have been consulted and have agreed what information can be disclosed to the parents or carers. Parents or carers will also be kept informed about the progress of the case and told the outcome where there is not a criminal prosecution, including the outcome (in confidence) of any disciplinary process.

Parents and carers will also be made aware of the requirement to maintain confidentiality about any allegations made whilst investigations are ongoing. Where parents or carers wish to apply to the court to have reporting restrictions removed, they will be advised to seek legal advice.

If an allegation requiring immediate attention is received outside of normal office hours the Case Manager will consult immediately with Cumbria Safeguarding Hub or local Police. They must ensure they inform the DO the next working day.

Initial Consideration by the Case Manager and LA appointed Designated Officer (DO)

The DO will establish, in discussion with the Case Manager that the allegation is within the scope of the Cumbria SCB procedures and may require further investigation. There may be up to 3 strands considered as part of this process and the discussion will centre upon whether there is a need for:

• a Police investigation because a crime has or may have been committed;

• enquires and assessment by social care to determine if services or emergency actions are required;

• consideration by the employer of disciplinary action in respect of the individual.

If agreement is reached that the criteria for action by the Police or Children’s Services has been established, the DO will contact Children’s Social Care to ensure a formal ‘strategy meeting’ is set up involving Children’s Services Social Care and the Police. If only the last criterion is met the DO will provide advice to the Case Manager on the subsequent management of the case to a satisfactory conclusion within the framework of the club’s procedures for discipline and conduct.

Suspension

The decision on suspension/transfer to alternative duties of the staff member subject to the allegation is the responsibility of the Case Manager having consulted with their HR adviser and the DO. Suspension will never be an automatic step for staff subject to allegations; each case will be dealt with on its merits taking into consideration factors such as the seriousness of the allegation, the potential risks to children and whether it is possible to investigate the allegation whilst the person is still at work. The strategy meeting will make a recommendation to the setting if one is required but the ultimate decision rests with the Case Manager.

Subsequent Actions

The detailed procedures that need to be followed after this initial consideration are available on the Cumbria SCB website. The Case Manager is expected to keep the DO advised of progress especially where it has been agreed that the matter should be dealt with within the framework of the club’s disciplinary process (see above).

Referrals must also be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) when concerns are raised that a person has caused harm or poses a future risk of harm to children/vulnerable adults – See Section 22 for further details. If a member of staff or a volunteer is removed or dismissed because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult, or the club would have done so if the individual not left, the Disclosure and Barring Service must be informed Click here to find out how to refer to the DBS

All staff will be made aware that it is a disciplinary offence not to report concerns about the conduct of a colleague that could place a child at risk. When in doubt – consult.

9. Managing Allegations against other Children (peer on peer abuse)

We believe that all children have a right to attend the club and learn in a safe environment. Children should be free from harm by adults in the club and other club participants. We recognise that some children will sometimes negatively affect the wellbeing of others and their behaviour will generally be dealt with under the club’s Anti-bullying policy. It is not enough to respond to incidents as they arise, and we strive to create an environment that actively discourages abuse and challenges the attitudes which underlie it. The club has a Policy which includes bullying, and sexual and racial harassment.

All staff are made aware that safeguarding issues can manifest themselves via peer on peer abuse. This is most likely to include, but not limited to: bullying (including cyber bullying), gender-based violence/sexual assaults and sexting.

9.1 Safeguarding allegations

We recognise that children can abuse their peers. There are different forms of peer on peer abuse, but we recognise that abuse is abuse and will never be tolerated or passed off as “banter” or “part of growing up”. We will not dismiss abusive behaviour between children as ‘normal’ and our thresholds for investigating claims and allegations are the same as for any other type of abuse.

Occasionally, allegations may be made against children by others in the club, which are of a child protection nature. Child protection issues raised in this way may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. It is likely that to be considered a child protection allegation against a young person, some of the following features will be found.

The allegation:

• is made against an older child and refers to their behaviour towards a younger child or a more vulnerable child;

• is of a serious nature, possibly including a criminal offence;

• raises risk factors for other participants in the club;

• indicates that other children may have been affected by the individual’s behaviour;

• indicates that young people outside the club may be affected by this child.

Examples of peer on peer abuse could include:

Physical Abuse

• violence, particularly pre-planned

• forcing others to use drugs or alcohol

• teen dating violence

Emotional Abuse

• blackmail or extortion

• threats, intimidation and defamation

• bullying including cyberbullying, racial or sexual harassment or other imbalance of power

• stalking

Sexual Abuse

• indecent exposure, indecent touching or serious sexual assaults

• forcing others to watch pornography or take part in sexting

Sexual Exploitation

• encouraging other children to attend inappropriate parties

• photographing or videoing other children performing indecent acts

In some situations, older children may attempt to recruit younger children using any or all the above methods. Young people suffering from sexual exploitation themselves may be forced to recruit other young people under threat of violence.

9.2 Possible actions in response to an allegation against a child

• Staff who observe or suspect any form of peer abuse must inform the DSL as soon as possible so that further investigations can take place.

• When an allegation is made by a child against another child, members of staff should consider whether the complaint raises a child protection concern. If there is a child protection concern the DSL must be informed as soon as possible.

• A factual record will be made of the allegation, but no attempt at this stage should be made to investigate the circumstances.

• The DSL should contact Cumbria Safeguarding Hub (see details above) to discuss the case. It is possible that Safeguarding Hub is already aware of child protection concerns around this young person. The DSL will follow through the outcomes of the discussion and make a referral of either one or all of the children involved where appropriate.
• The DSL will make a record of the concern, the discussion and any outcome via the ‘My Concern Portal.

• If the allegation indicates a potential criminal offence has taken place, the police should be contacted at the earliest opportunity and parents informed (of both the child being complained about and the alleged victim).

• Where neither the Safeguarding Hub nor the Police accept the complaint, a thorough investigation should take place into the matter using the club’s usual disciplinary procedures.

10. Whistleblowing

Staff must acknowledge their individual responsibility to bring matters of concern to the attention of senior management and/or relevant agencies. Although this can be difficult this is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk.

Adults working in the club may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but may not feel able to express their concerns out of a feeling that this would be disloyal to colleagues or for fear of harassment or victimisation. These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child or young person continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Staff must remember that it is often the most vulnerable child who is targeted. These children need adults they can trust to safeguard their welfare.

DON'T THINK WHAT IF I'M WRONG - THINK WHAT IF I’M RIGHT!

Reasons for whistleblowing:

• Everyone has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour.

• To prevent the problem worsening or widening.

• To protect or reduce risks to others.

• To prevent becoming implicated yourself.

What stops people from whistleblowing?

• Fear of starting a chain of events which spirals out of control.

• Disrupting the work or project.

• Fear of getting it wrong.

• Fear of repercussions or damaging careers.

• Fear of not being believed.

How to raise a concern:

• Voice concerns, suspicions or uneasiness as soon as possible. The earlier a concern is expressed the easier and sooner action can be taken.

• Try to pinpoint exactly what practice is causing concern and why.

• Approach the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Teresa Mulholland and Senior Manager, James Tose.

• If the concern is related to the Manager, the Chair of the Trustees should be contacted or, if it is felt that the issue needs to be reported to someone outside the club, contact Cumbria Safeguarding Hub.

• Staff should ensure they get a satisfactory response - don't let matters rest. If a staff member feels their genuine concerns are not being addressed, the issue should be referred to the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub.

• Ideally, concerns should be put in writing, outlining the background and history, giving names, dates and places wherever possible.

• A member of staff is not expected to prove the truth of an allegation but will need to demonstrate sufficient grounds for the concern.

What happens next?

• The individual reporting the concerns will be given information on the nature and progress of any enquiries.

• The employer has a responsibility to protect individual members of staff from harassment or victimisation.
• No action will be taken against an individual if the concern proves to be unfounded and was raised in good faith.

• Malicious allegations may be considered as a disciplinary offence.

Self-reporting:

There may be occasions where a member of staff has a personal difficulty, perhaps a physical or mental health problem, which they know to be impinging on their professional competence. Staff have a responsibility to discuss such a situation with their line manager so professional and personal support can be offered to the member of staff concerned. Whilst such reporting will remain confidential in most instances, this cannot be guaranteed where personal difficulties raise concerns about the welfare or safety of children.

The national Whistleblowing Helpline provides free help and advice to people who witness or have cause to suspect wrong doing at work but are not sure whether or how to raise their concern. They can be contacted as follows:

11. Professional Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding and child protection information is confidential and personal. Other than the agreed communication lines in the club, it is for the DSL(s) to decide what information needs to be shared, with whom, how and when, and whether consent needs to be gained for this process. If in any doubt, the DSL can seek advice from Cumbria Safeguarding Hub (0333 240 1727). Complying with the statutory agencies information sharing policies.

If a member of staff needs to seek advice about a safeguarding situation for a child independently for the purposes of keeping a child safe (specifically with the Children’s Services Safeguarding Team), it is appropriate for the detail to be discussed, although the staff member may choose to maintain the anonymity of the child whilst initial consultation takes place.

All staff are made aware that they cannot keep ‘secrets’ and absolute confidentiality with children, and that if a child discloses abuse or gives information that suggests they may be at risk, this MUST be passed on to the DSL as soon as possible. The child should be told who their disclosure will be shared with and what will happen next.

12. Safe Working Practice

Staff and other adults are required to work within clear Guidelines on Safe Working Practice, this Safeguarding/Child Protection Policy and procedures and the Staff Code of Conduct. The latter includes amongst other things, staff/participant relationships and communications, including the use of social media.

A child may make an allegation against a member of staff or other adult in situations where they feel vulnerable or where they perceive there to be a possible risk to their welfare. As such, all staff and other adults must take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position regarding child protection or potential allegations. For example, it is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults.

13. Online/E-Safety, Use of Mobile Phones and Cameras

It is recognised that the use of new technologies presents challenges and risks to children and the use of technology has become a significant component of many safeguarding issues. Child sexual exploitation; radicalisation; sexual predation – technology often provides the platform that facilitates harm.

Children and young people can be exploited and suffer bullying through their use of modern technology such as the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites.

Where it is suspected that a child is at risk from internet abuse, exploitation or cyber bullying we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.

Staff are particularly aware of the professional risks associated with the use of electronic communication (e-mail; mobile phones; texting; social network sites) and must familiarise themselves with advice and professional expectations outlined in the club’s Code of Conduct for staff and other adults.

14. Complaints

The club has a Complaints Procedure available to parents, participants and staff who wish to report concerns.

All reported complaints/concerns will be taken seriously and considered within the relevant and appropriate process. Anything that constitutes an allegation against a member of staff or volunteer will be dealt with under the specific Procedures for Managing Allegations against Staff or Volunteers- see Section 8.

15. Safer Recruitment, Selection and Pre-employment Vetting

The club aims to create a culture of safe recruitment and, as part of that, adopt recruitment procedures that help deter, reject or identify people who might abuse or be a risk to the safety or welfare of children. The Trustees will act reasonably in making decisions about the suitability of prospective employees and volunteers based on checks and evidence including: criminal record checks (DBS checks) and barred list checks together with references and interview information.

In line with the DfE statutory guidance the Trustees will prevent people who pose a risk of harm from working with children by adhering to statutory responsibilities to check staff who work with children, taking proportionate decisions on whether to ask for any checks beyond what is required; and ensuring volunteers are appropriately supervised unless they are working in ‘regulated activity’. The club has a written Recruitment and Selection Policy and procedures in place.

16.Referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The role of the DBS is to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.

We have a legal duty to refer to the DBS anyone who has harmed, or poses a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult; where the harm test is satisfied in respect of that individual; where the individual has received a caution or conviction for a relevant offence, or if there is reason to believe that individual has committed a listed relevant offence; and that individual has been removed from working (paid or unpaid) in regulated activity, or would have been removed had they not left. Click here to find out how to refer to the DBS.

How to refer a child

https://www.cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/cumberland/cumberlandprofessionals/default.asp

or allegations against staff

https://www.cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/professionals/lado.asp

The trust will notify The EFL CPA or EFL Trust DSO and the FA Case Management Team as soon as practicable and within 72 hours of any person suspended as a result from a concern or investigation for reasons connected to their role with children.

17. Safety and Suitability of Premises, Environment and Equipment

We will ensure that our premises are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises. Spaces, furniture, and equipment must be safe for children to use and premises must be secure. We will keep premises and equipment clean, and be aware of, and comply with, requirements of health and safety legislation (including fire safety and hygiene requirements). We have, and implement, a Health and Safety Policy, and procedures, which include identifying, reporting and dealing with accidents, hazards and faulty equipment.
We will take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the premises in the case of fire or any other emergency and have emergency evacuation procedures. We must have appropriate fire detection and control equipment (for example, fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) which is in working order. Fire exits are clearly identifiable, and fire doors are kept free of obstruction and are easily opened from the inside.

We operate a strict no smoking/vaping policy – we will not allow smoking in or on the premises when children are present or about to be present – this includes the use of electronic cigarettes (E-Cigarettes).

All reasonable steps are taken to ensure staff, children in our care and others affected by what we do are not exposed to risks and are able to demonstrate how we are managing risks. Risk Assessments inform staff practice and demonstrate how we are managing risks. Risk assessments identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, when and by whom those aspects will be checked, and how the risk will be removed or minimised.

Children will be kept safe while on outings and residentials, and we obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings and residentials in line with our Trips, Tournaments and Residentials policy. We assess the risks or hazards which may arise for the children, and identify the steps to be taken to remove, minimise and manage those risks and hazards. The assessment includes consideration of adult to child ratios. Each activity will assess the required delivery ratio needed according to the project requirement. We consider what additional measures are necessary when children stay overnight. Vehicles in which children are being transported, and the driver of those vehicles, are adequately insured.

All staff have a responsibility for maintaining awareness of buildings and grounds security and for reporting concerns that may come to light.

We will only release children into the care of individuals who have been notified to us by the parent and will ensure that children do not leave the premises unsupervised without prior written consent from a parent/guardian. Children will not be left alone or unsupervised should a parent/guardian be late for collection, at least one member of staff will remain with the children until collected or alternative arrangements have been made with the parent/guardian. (Late Collection/Non-Collection guidelines will be followed) We will take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises and have an agreed procedure for checking the identity of visitors. Any individual who is not known or identifiable should be challenged for clarification and reassurance.

All staff will wear Personalised CLUB/EFL photo identity cards while on Trust/Club activities to distinguish them from the general public who may also wear club kit.

We will not accept the behaviour of any individual (parent or other) that threatens club security or leads others (child or adult) to feel unsafe. Such behaviour will be treated as a serious concern and may result in a decision to refuse access for that individual to the site.

18. Monitoring and Review

Safeguarding including child protection is to be a regular agenda item at Trustee meetings and staff meetings giving the Designated Safeguarding Lead the opportunity to update trustees on any other relevant issues or changes.

Safeguarding ChildProtection Policy and Procedures

Definitions

POLICY STATEMENT

Policies

Contact Info

Safeguarding Child
Protection Policy
and Procedures