Safeguarding Policy

West Didsbury and Chorlton Football Club Ltd is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in our activities, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The club has 5 football sections. Individuals under 18 years of age normally represent teams within the clubs Football Academy and our Juniors section, which is a separate entity.

However, players under the age of 18 and vulnerable adult players may represent our teams in our Women's and Men's adult sections.

This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all participants, in line with the Football Association's (FA) Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.

By adhering to this Safeguarding Policy and working together, our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Policy Statement

The club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all individuals participating in club-related activities. We are committed to ensuring that all children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in football have a positive and enjoyable experience in a safe and secure environment.

Our Approach to Safeguarding

The club recognises that risks change as does mitigation and best practice. For that reason the club will follow national guidelines and procedures set out by the FA. Key information about Safeguarding will be disseminated by the clubs network of Club Welfare Officers and the overall risk owned by the clubs Board of Directors.

Key Principles

• All individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, have the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Everyone involved in the club, including officials, coaches, volunteers, and parents/carers, has a responsibility to report any concerns about the welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.
• The club will take appropriate action to safeguard individuals, including implementing preventative measures, providing support, and responding to concerns in accordance with the FA's Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
• The club has adopted a Safeguarding Action Plan in accordance with the requirements of the National League System (NLS) which is aimed at mitigating risks, and achieving compliance with FA guidelines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Club Welfare Officer: Designated individual(s) responsible for overseeing safeguarding within the club, acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns, and liaising with relevant external agencies, including the FA, local authorities, and statutory agencies.
• Club Officials: Responsible for implementing and promoting the Safeguarding Policy, ensuring that all individuals involved in club activities adhere to safeguarding procedures, and responding to safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Coaches: Responsible for creating a safe and inclusive environment during training sessions and matches, promoting the welfare of participants, and reporting any safeguarding concerns to the designated Club Welfare Officer.
• Parents/Carers: Encouraged to familiarise themselves with the club's Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, communicate any concerns regarding the welfare of their child or other individuals to the Club Welfare Officer, and support the club in promoting a safe and positive environment.

Procedures

• Recruitment and Training: All club officials, coaches, and volunteers will undergo appropriate recruitment checks where necessary, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and receive safeguarding training where necessary in line with FA guidelines.
• Reporting Concerns: Any safeguarding concerns or allegations of abuse will be reported to the Club Welfare Officer immediately. The Club Welfare Officer will follow the FA's reporting procedures and take appropriate action, including making referrals to external agencies where necessary.
• Confidentiality: Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be treated confidentially and shared only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know, in accordance with data protection legislation.
• Support and Guidance: The club will provide support and guidance to individuals affected by safeguarding concerns, including access to appropriate counselling services and signposting to relevant support organisations.

Review and Monitoring

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually by the club's Board or management committee as informed by our network of club Welfare Officers to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective.

Any changes to legislation or FA guidelines will be reflected in the policy, and amendments will be communicated to all club officials and members, via our club Welfare Officers, website and notice board.