Child Welfare & Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose & Scope

• To protect children and young people from harm by embedding a culture of safety, respect, and accountability.
• Applies to all staff, volunteers, parents, players, spectators, and external visitors.

2. Principles

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• Everyone has the right to participate free from abuse, neglect, or poor practice.
• All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

3. Preventative Measures

• Safer recruitment: All personnel working with children will undergo FA-level DBS checks, reference checks, and complete safeguarding training.
• Designated Welfare Officer(s) will be appointed, FA-vetted, and trained as per FA guidance.
• Ongoing training: All staff and volunteers must complete the FA Safeguarding Children workshop and refresh periodically.

4. Reporting Concerns

• If you are worried about a child, report immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.
  Michelle New – CWORBW@realbedford.com
• For concerns classified as poor practice, the Welfare Officer may address them internally or escalate to the County FA.
  Internally – Andrew Fridkin – secretaryrbw@realbedford.com

  Bedfordshire FA – Designated Safeguarding Officer
  Email: Safeguarding@BedfordshireFA.com
  Phone: 07960 500723
• For serious concerns (potential abuse), contact the County FA Safeguarding team or the Police/Children’s Social Care without delay.
  01234 841212
• In emergencies requiring medical attention, call 999, and inform the Welfare Officer.

5. Procedure for Handling Reports

1. Record all concerns accurately—dates, times, individuals involved, and circumstances.
2. Use the FA’s referral forms and keep records secure, in line with GDPR.
3. Discuss with the County FA Welfare Officer or statutory agencies as needed.
4. The FA Case Management System will oversee serious investigations, including suspensions if warranted.

6. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

• Information is shared only on a “need-to-know” basis.
• All records are stored securely and comply with data protection laws.

7. Whistle-Blowing

• Concerns about club practices or adults in positions of trust can be raised in confidence under the FA’s whistle-blowing process.
• Anonymous help is available via the FA safeguarding hotline at 0800 169 1863 or NSPCC at 0808 800 5000.

8. Roles & Responsibilities

• Club Welfare Officer: Leads safeguarding, handles reports, maintains records, liaises with the FA and agencies.
• Coaches & Volunteers: Responsible for observing behaviours, reporting concerns, and promoting a safe environment.
• Parents & Spectators: Must adhere to codes of conduct and cooperate with safeguarding measures.

9. Anti-Bullying & Poor Practice

• The club adopts and implements the FA’s anti-bullying policy.
• Poor practice includes inappropriate conduct and will be addressed under internal procedures.

10. Monitoring & Review

• The policy will be reviewed annually, or as best practice/guidance from the FA changes.
• The Welfare Officer will perform regular audits on safeguarding compliance.
• A safeguarding log is maintained with all reported safeguarding concerns.

Commitment

All members of Real Bedford Wixams commit to:

• Ensuring a safe, supportive environment for children.
• Following FA safeguarding guidance and reporting processes.
• Participating in training and upholding a zero-tolerance stance toward abuse, neglect, or bullying.