Gwalia United LFC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person directly connected with the club and is committed to providing a safe environment for all.  

We recognise that a child is anyone under the age of 18 and therefore we have a responsibility to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place. Whether it is at the Stadium, the training ground or offices, the Club will strive to keep children and vulnerable adults safe and free from harm.  As such we subscribe to The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures. 

The Club takes its responsibilities seriously in this area and we are committed to: 

• Getting the right people involved through safe recruitment and training; 

• Creating a safe environment for all visitors, participants and staff; 

• Having and promoting clear systems to deal with any issues or concerns. 

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults 

The Club has in place comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures for all staff and volunteers, which meet the requirements of FA Safeguarding Children Rules and Government legislation. The Club adheres to Affiliated Football’s policies and procedures for safeguarding. For further information, click here. 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all staff and volunteers have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children and other vulnerable groups.  If you require a full version of the club’s Safeguarding policies, you can contact the Club Safeguarding Manager (see contact details below). 

Part of the football philosophy of our club is our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young players.  We expect all staff, volunteers, parents/carers, young players, any partner agencies or any commissioned service providers to share this commitment. 

The aims of our policy are to; 

• Develop a positive and pro-active approach to safeguarding in order to best protect all children and young people who are registered with the club or engage in associated activities, enabling them to participate and achieve in an enjoyable and safe environment.  

• Facilitate the provision of a range of child protection and awareness training for all staff or volunteers in line with guidance from The League, FAW and Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) and in line with The FA requirements for work with children and young people. 

• Demonstrate best practice in the area of safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people.  

• Promote ethical work with children and young people. 

• Work towards achieving the National Standards and post Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport devised by the Child Protection in Sport Unit of the NSPCC.  

The key principles underpinning this policy are that; 

• The welfare of children and young people  is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.  

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

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

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

• Gwalia United LFC has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them physical, sexual, or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that the FA’s Safeguarding Children Regulations apply to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, including Coaches/Managers, volunteers, match officials, helpers on club tours, or medical staff or other club officials/helpers. 

Poor Practice 

This occurs whenever staff or volunteers fail to provide the highest standards of care and support in their working practice. Poor Practice which is allowed to continue can become abuse. Poor practice is never acceptable and will be treated seriously with appropriate action, including (if necessary) disciplinary action. An individual may not be aware that poor practice or abuse is happening as some may deem this behaviour as acceptable.  

The FA provides the following examples of poor practice, not limited to; 

• Insufficient care is taken to avoid injuries, through excessive training or inappropriate session considering age, maturity, experience, and ability of players. 

• Allowing abusive or concerning practice to go unreported (e.g., unfair criticism, bullying or ridicule of any kind). 

• Placing children and young persons in compromising or uncomfortable positions by contacting them inappropriately or via social media. 

• Ignoring Health and Safety guidance. 

• Failure to adhere to Club and Governing Body codes of practice and guidance. 

• Giving continued and unnecessary preferential or negative treatment to individuals. 

Inappropriate Conduct 

The following will never be sanctioned and will most likely lead to significant disciplinary action. You should never: 

• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay. 

• Share a room with a child. 

• Allow or engage in any form of appropriate touching. 

• Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged. 

• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even if fun. 

• Reduce a child to tears as a form of control. 

• Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded, or not acted upon 

• Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves. 

• Invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised. 

This is not an exhaustive list of prohibited practices. 

Types of Abuse 

Somebody may abuse or neglect an individual by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Abuse can potentially take place in a number of different settings, these could include a family environment, peer to peer, an institutional or community setting by those known to them or by others or online or via social media platforms. They may be abused by an adult or group of adults, children, and other young people.  

The following types are split into children and young people and are deemed to be the most prevalent however abuse can fall into numerous categories. If you feel something is not right – speak with the Safeguarding Team. 

NEGLECT takes place if adults fail to meet a child or young person’s basic physical needs, for example, their needs for food, warmth and clothing, or emotional needs such as attention and affection. 

PHYSICAL ABUSE occurs if people physically hit, burn, poison, shake or in some way hurt or injure children and young people, or fail to prevent these injuries from happening. In sport, 

physical abuse could happen where training methods are inappropriate for the developmental age of the child or young person. 

SEXUAL ABUSE occurs when children or young people are used to meet another person’s sexual needs. This includes but is not limited to: – any form of sexual behaviour with a child or young person (by an adult or another child or young person) – use of sexually explicit language and jokes. – inappropriate touching; and/or – exposure to pornographic material and content. 

EMOTIONAL ABUSE can be inflicted by other children and young people as well as by adults. Children and young people who are being abused or bullied will also experience emotional abuse. This includes but is not limited to: – frequent threatening, taunting or sarcastic behaviour. – withholding affection. – being extremely over-protective. – racist or sexist behaviour; and/or – demeaning initiation ceremonies. 

BULLYING is a behaviour which hurts another child or young person physically or emotionally. Bullying can involve, but is not limited to, coercing, requiring, forcing, or tolerating any humiliating, unwelcome or dangerous activity. 

DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE is abusive behaviour taking place in a relationship as a way for one person in that relationship to gain or maintain control over another. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. 

Indicators of abuse 

Indications that a child or young person may be being abused include the following; 

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on part of the body not normally prone to such injuries. 

• An injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent. 

• The child or young person describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him/her. 

• Someone else (a child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another child or young person. 

• Unexplained changes in behaviour (e.g., becoming very quiet, withdrawn, or displaying sudden outbursts of temper) 

• Inappropriate sexual awareness. 

• Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour. 

• Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected. 

• Has difficulty making friends. 

• Is prevented from socialising with other children or young persons. 

• Displays variations in eating patterns including overeating of loss of appetite. 

• Loss of weight for no apparent reason. 

• Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt. 

It should be recognised that this list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more of the indicators is not proof that abuse is actually taking place. It is not the responsibility of those working in sport to decide that abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns. 

If you have a concern  

Gwalia United LFC supports the FA’s Whistle Blowing policy, which requires any adult or young person with concerns about an adult in a position of trust within football can ‘whistle blow’.  If you are worried about the immediate safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult you can also contact: 

Emergency Services 

The Police/Ambulance Service                  999  

The NSPCC Child Line                            0808 800 5000 / help@nspcc.org.uk  

Governing Body 

FA Safeguarding                         0800 169 1863 / safeguarding@thefa.com  

Cardiff Social Care Services 

Children’s Access Point                           02920 536490 (office hours) 

Protection of Vulnerable Adults                 02920 536436 (office hours) 

Emergency Duty Team                            02920 788570 (out of office hours) 

Gwalia United LFC has a number of people trained and ready to deal with matters of abuse, harassment or bullying involving vulnerable groups. If you have a concern about your own safety or the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult who engages in Club activities, you can speak to one of the Safeguarding Team; 

Safeguarding Manager 

Kerry Burrows                                         07929 654479              kerry.burrows@icloud.com  

Staffing 

We endorse and adopt The FA’s Safer Recruitment guidelines 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. 

• Ask for and follow up with two references before appointing someone; and 

• Where eligible require an FA accepted DBS enhanced with barred list check, in line with The FA’s current Safeguarding Children Policy and Regulations. 

All current Gwalia United LFC members working in eligible roles with children and young people, such as Coaches/Managers and Sports Therapists, are required to hold an in-date FA accepted DBS enhanced with barred list check as part of safer recruitment practice. 

It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via the DBS process and that all suitability decisions will be made in accordance with legislation and in the best interests of children and young people. 

If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of a club official who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Gwalia United LFC, guidance will be sought from the County FA. 

It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and young people to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football. 

We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. Incidents need to be reported in accordance with paragraph below. In case of serious bullying the CFA Designated Safeguarding officer may be contacted. 

Reasons for taking appropriate actions 

There are a number of reasons a person might need to report a concern of any type of abuse; 

• In response to signs/suspicions of abuse. 

• In response to something a child or young person said. 

• In response to an allegation against a member of staff or volunteer; parent/guardian; or someone outside football. 

• In response to bullying. 

• In response to a breach of a Code of Conduct/Poor Practice as a result of an observation of appropriate behaviour. (*this is not a definitive list). 

Taking appropriate action 

There are three steps to remember when taking action with regards to concerns, suspicions, allegations and disclosures; 

Step 1: Respond to the concern/suspicion/allegation/disclosure. 

Step 2: Record all relevant information. 

Step 3: Report all relevant information. 

Responding 

No matter how small your concern, share it with your Club Safeguarding Officer, FA Safeguarding team or senior colleague, who will take responsibility for deciding whether to inform Social Services.  

If no one is available or your concerns relate to the mentioned individuals, then you must contact social services directly. Remember: a child and young person’s welfare must be paramount and at the centre of everything; their confidence, safety and security must be assured. 

Actions to Take  

The person receiving information relating to a concern, allegation, suspicion, or disclosure must not; 

• Allow their shock or distaste to show. 

• Panic. 

• Probe for more information than is offered. 

• Speculate or make assumptions. 

• Make negative comments about the alleged abuser. 

• Approach the alleged abuser. 

• Make promises or agree to keep secrets. 

Recording Information 

Information passed to the Social Services, or the police must be as helpful as possible, hence the necessity for making a detailed record at the time of the concern, suspicion, or disclosure.  

Information should include the following; 

• The nature of the allegations 

• A description of any visible bruising or other injuries 

• The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries have occurred. 

• Witnesses to the incident(s) 

• Any times, dates, or other relevant information 

• A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion, or hearsay. 

Club responsibilty 

At GWALIA UNITED, Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we know that inaction is not an option and if anyone is worried about a child or young person it is important that they report their concerns to the Club Safeguarding Officer or a member of the Club Committee, who will deal with reported concerns as follows; 

• The Club safeguarding Officer or a member of the Club Committee will manager poor practice and where necessary seek advice from the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer. 

• The CSO or a member of the Club committee will make referrals about more serious concerns to the CFA DSO, or in an emergency contact the Police or Children’s Social Care. 

• We will ensure that if the child or young person needs medical treatment that we take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them it is a child protection concern. 

• The CSO or a member of the Club committee will keep records of the actions taken and keep the CFA DSO informed. 

• If the CSO or a member of the Club committee is not available at any time, or the matter is clearly serious, all our members should be aware that they can contact the relevant authorities / governing bodies detailed in this policy. 

Mascot Safeguarding Policy 

Gwalia United Ladies FC are committed to ensuring that all children who carry out the role of Mascot, whilst in the care of the club, can do so in a safe and enjoyable environment through the adherence to the Club’s Child Safeguarding Policy. 

The following guidance will be applied to all children visiting Gwalia United Ladies FC as Match Day Mascots 

• Child mascots must be aged 5 years old to a maximum 15 years old. 

• Child Mascots must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/carer at all times, other than when the child is in the designated area for the mascots to accompany the players onto the pitch. 

• Parent/guardian/carers will have signed a consent form with their club for photographs to be taken on match day and shared on social media. Gwalia United Ladies FC personnel will confirm with parents/guardians/carers that the forms have been signed before photographs are taken. 

• Parents/guardians/carers will be advised to bring their child mascot to the ground 15 minutes prior to the kick-off, children to be suitably dressed for the weather as the club is unable to offer designated areas for the Mascots. 

• Once the Mascots have carried out their on-field duties they will return to their parent/guardian/ carer, who will then take charge of their child. 

GWALIA UNITED is committed to working together with Children’s Services Departments, and Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB’s) in accordance with their procedures and in line with the most recent HM Government guidance – Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010). In addition we are committed to working together with agencies within football to create a safer environment in which all can enjoy the game. 

Where we believe, or are informed that circumstances exist which may harm any child(ren), young person(s), or poses or may pose a risk of harm to them, we will refer the matter to a statutory agency such as the Police or Children’s Social Care Team for further investigation.  The FA Case Management Unit will also be informed.  

Whilst we will refer matters of concern relating to risk or harm or acts of abuse towards children to the appropriate authorities, it does not investigate disclosures.  It does however, have a role in responding to general complaints and/or complaints of poor practice.  We will work together with agencies both inside and outside football, as appropriate, in order to deal with, respond to or refer on complaints in line with the Safeguarding Complaints Procedure.  

Gwalia United Ladies Football Club arrangements in fulfilling its commitment to safeguarding children and young people: 

1.  NAME is the Safeguarding Manager with overall responsibility for safeguarding 

• The Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) for the club is NAME.  All concerns, allegations or disclosures regarding the welfare of young players will be referred to the DSO who will make a decision as to the seriousness and nature of the information and will refer and report to the Safeguarding Manager. 

2. GWALIA UNITED has in place responsible recruitment processes which include; 

• Statements in job adverts and in job descriptions as to the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding 
• Job descriptions 
• Interviews 
• Enhanced DBS checks for those working with children and young people as required for the role. 
• The taking up of two written references 

We also outline our safeguarding commitments and requirements to all partner organisations and any commissioned service providers. 

3. GWALIA UNITED accepts and adopts The FA, FAW and The League’s safeguarding policies and procedures whilst further specific and individual Club policies are developed and adopted. 

4. GWALIA UNITED ensures that, where the role requires, all staff and volunteers complete The FAW Safeguarding Children Workshop.  In addition, all staff and volunteers receive in-house training on identifying and reporting concerns in respect of safeguarding.  Support is provided for those involved in dealing with reporting incidents. 

5. GWALIA UNITED is committed to ongoing safeguarding training and development, appropriate to the role of the employee and the level of their involvement with children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

6. GWALIA UNITED is committed to the sharing of information to protect children, young people, in line with Working Together (2010) and the Data Protection Act (1998).   

7. Providing safety and protection whilst in the care of Gwalia United Ladies FC from all types of abuse or harm. 

8. Listening, responding, and acting appropriately and addressing matters through the correct procedures. 

9. Sharing information sensitively and timely and appropriately with relevant partner agencies. 

10. Implementing and monitoring ‘Safer Recruitment’ in accordance with local and government guidance and legislation. 

11. Maintain documents confidentially in accordance with relevant data protection legislation. 

12. Having a Safeguarding team who are visible, available, and responsive to requests for support, guidance, and advice. 

13. In addition to this Safeguarding Policy, GWALIA UNITED promotes a number of initiatives which seek to address and encourage young people’s and families’ enjoyment as participants and spectators. 

Gwalia United LFC Committee understands and accepts our collective responsibility to adhere to our safeguarding children policy and procedures.  We commit to ensuring our members are aware of and have access to our policies.