Gornal DC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person entrusted to its care and commits to creating a safe environment for all members. This commitment extends to anyone under the age of 18 participating in any club football activity.

 

We adhere to The Football Association’s (The FA) Safeguarding Children – Policy and Procedures and fully endorse the Policy Statement within that document.

 

The cornerstone principles of The FA Safeguarding Children Policy, which we uphold, are:

 

• The welfare of the child is paramount and takes precedence in all considerations.

• Every child and young person is entitled to protection from abuse, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith, or belief.

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be met with seriousness and addressed promptly and appropriately.

• Collaborating with other organizations, as well as children, young people, and their parents/carers is crucial for effective safeguarding.

 

Gornal DC believes that all children and young people engaging in football should enjoy a safe and pleasant experience, shielded from poor practice and abuse.

 

This responsibility rests on every adult associated with our club.

 

Our club plays a vital role in safeguarding the welfare of children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual, emotional harm, neglect, and bullying. We acknowledge that The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Regulations, as detailed in The FA Handbook, apply universally within football, regardless of one’s role being paid or voluntary.

 

In alignment with The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines, we take steps to ensure safe and responsible recruitment of volunteers, including:

 

1. Defining roles and responsibilities clearly.

2. Requesting identification documents.

3. Conducting meetings and, where feasible, interviews with applicants.

4. Obtaining and verifying references.

5. Requiring an FA-accepted Enhanced Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Barring List Check for eligible positions, in accordance with FA policy and regulations

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We ensure that all members interacting with children and young people, like managers and coaches, possess a current FA-accepted Enhanced CRC with Barring List check, following responsible recruitment practices.

 

Should there be concerns about an individual’s suitability, whether already involved or seeking involvement with Gornal DC, we will seek advice from The Football Association. Decisions on suitability will reflect legislation and prioritize the well-being of children and young people, aiming to prevent those with a history of relevant offenses from engaging with youth in football.

 

Gornal DC supports The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy, offering a channel for both adults and young people to report concerns about individuals in positions of trust. Reports can be made to The FA Safeguarding Team, directly to the Police, Children’s Social Care, or the NSPCC, ensuring that concerns are addressed appropriately.

 

We have appointed a Club Welfare Officer as per The FA’s requirements, responsible for being the first point of contact for welfare concerns within the club. This officer is trained and well-versed in safeguarding procedures and plays a proactive role in raising awareness of respect, poor practice, and abuse.

 

Gornal DC does not tolerate bullying in any form. Any instances of bullying will be addressed swiftly, with a clear protocol for reporting to the Club Welfare Officer or, in serious cases, the CFA Welfare Officer.

 

The club has implemented Respect codes of conduct for all participants and outlines clear actions for addressing misconduct, recognising the authority of the County FA to impose sanctions for serious offenses. Safeguarding is a collective responsibility, and reporting concerns about a child’s welfare is paramount. Should concerns arise, they should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer. For serious concerns, including potential abuse, immediate contact with the Police or Children’s Social Care is advised, alongside informing the Club Welfare Officer.

 

This policy underscores our dedication to the safety and well-being of all young members and reflects our commitment to creating a secure and positive environment for everyone involved in Gornal DC.

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