Welfare

HUCSA acknowledge their responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity.

We follow The Football Association’s (the FA Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the policy the policy statement contained in that document.

The key principles of welfare to HUCSA 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, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief
• 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 essential.

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. HUCSA recognise that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our organisation.

HUCSA has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Regulations (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting staff and volunteers and we will:

• specify what the role is and what tasks it involves
• request identification documents
• as a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible interview people before appointing them

All HUCSA working in eligible roles, with children and young people – such as coaches are required to hold and in date enhanced DBS with Barring List check as part of responsible recruitment practice.

HUCSA supports The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about an adult in a position of trust with football can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863, by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, PO Box 1966, London SW1P 9EQ, by emailing Safeguarding@TheFA.com or alternatively by going direct to the Police, Children’s Social Care or the NSPCC. HUCSA encourages everyone to know about The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy and to utilise it if necessary.

HUCSA has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (Club Welfare Officer) in line with The FA’s role profile. The post holder (details below) has completed Welfare Officer training provided by The FA and/or County FA. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. The Club Welfare Officer will liaise directly with the County FA (CFA) Welfare Officer and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness of Respect, poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

HUCSA acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our centres. If bullying does occur, all players or parents/carers should be able to feel confident that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Serious incidents will be reported to the designated Safeguarding Lead.

We abide by the principles laid out in the FA’s Respect codes of conduct. HUCSA have clear actions it will take regarding repeated or serious misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by the County FA in more serious circumstances.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility if you are worried about a child it is important that you report your concerns – no action is not an option.

• If you are worried about a child then you need to report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.
• If the issue is one of poor practice the Club Welfare Officer will either:
  • deal with the matter themselves or
  • seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer/Local Authority Designated Officer
• If the concern is more serious – possible child abuse, contact the Police and/or children’s services, the matter may also be reported to the CFA Welfare Officer if appropriate .
• If the child needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance.
• If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer or the matter is clearly serious then you can either:
  • contact the Police or Children’s Social Care
  • call the NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 or text 88858 or email
  • help@nspcc.org.uk
  • contact The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 1691863 or Safeguarding@TheFA.com

Further advice on Safeguarding Children matters can be obtained from:

• www.TheFA.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding
• Emailing – Safeguarding@TheFA.com
• The FA Safeguarding Children general enquiry line 0845 210 8080
• NB – The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures are available via – www.TheFA.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding