Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to outline the commitment of Nunthorpe Marton Playing Fields Association and its sporting sections to safeguarding and protecting young people and vulnerable adults participating in sports and recreational activities.

The policy aims to create a safe, positive, and inclusive environment, ensuring that the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults is a top priority.

Policy Statement:

Nunthorpe Marton Playing Fields Association is committed to creating an environment where the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults is paramount.

The association acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and protect young people and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and exploitation while participating in activities.

Key Considerations:

1.     Definition of Young People and Vulnerable Adults:

o    A young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

o    A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who is unable to protect themselves from harm due to physical or mental disability, illness, or personal circumstances.

2.     Actionable Policy Implementation:

o    Clear procedures and actions must be in place to ensure that safeguarding is effectively practiced rather than being a mere statement of intent.

3.     Reporting Structure:

Step 1:

Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to a designated Welfare Officer within the sporting section.

Step 2:

The Welfare Officer will document the concern and assess the severity of the issue.

Step 3:

If required, the Welfare Officer will escalate the matter to relevant authorities such as the Local Safeguarding Board, NMPFA welfare Lead, NSPCC, or the Police.

Step 4:

The Welfare Officer will ensure the individual at risk is supported and appropriate action is taken.

 

 

Step 5:

All reports will be logged and stored confidentially, and follow-up actions will be monitored.

External Contacts:

§  NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

§  Police (non-emergency): 101

§  Emergency Services: 999

§  Local Authority Safeguarding Teamtel:01642 726004

§  NMPFA Welfare Lead     donna17bell@gmail.com

 

4.     Procedures for Reporting:

o   Establish a clear reporting structure for safeguarding concerns.

o   Identify designated Welfare Officers within the association.

o   Provide contact information for external safeguarding services such as NSPCC, 101, and other relevant organizations for additional advice and support.

 

5.     Training and Qualifications:

o   Require all staff, coaches, and volunteers to undertake safeguarding training and obtain necessary qualifications.

o   Outline expectations for compliance with safeguarding best practices and policies.

 

6.     Wellbeing Considerations:

o   Safeguarding includes mental health, cleanliness, and overall physical well-being, not just issues of behavior or misconduct.

o   Coaches and club members should be aware of their role in identifying concerns relating to children's wellbeing and may act in loco parentis when necessary.

Key Principles

Promotion of Welfare:

o   The welfare of young people and vulnerable adults is the primary concern in all activities and interactions within the association.

Appropriate Supervision:

o   Ensure that young people and vulnerable adults are adequately supervised by responsible adults during all association activities.

Safe Environments:

o   Provide safe and secure environments for activities, both on and off the field.

Inclusive Participation:

o   Encourage the inclusive participation of young people and vulnerable adults, regardless of their background, ability, or any other characteristic.

Code of Conduct:

o   Implement and enforce a Code of Conduct for all individuals involved in the association, emphasizing the importance of respectful and appropriate behavior.

 

7.     Recruitment and Training:

 

o   All sections must screen and train all staff, coaches, and volunteers working with young people and vulnerable adults to ensure their suitability for the role.

 

o   All staff, coaches, and volunteers who support or coach young people on a coaching or activity basis must hold a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

DBS checks must be reviewed on an annual basis by sporting section to ensure continued safeguarding assurance. 

Each sporting section within the Association must maintain an up-to-date register of all coaches and volunteers, including: 

  • Full name and role 
  • DBS certificate number 
  • Date of issue and expiry 
  • Date of last safeguarding training 

This register must be submitted annually to the Association’s Welfare Lead (or designated officer) for monitoring and compliance. 

 

Charity Welfare lead Donna Bell     donna17bell@gmail.com  or

secretary@nmpfa.org.uk

Recreation club and bar staff are exempt from this requirement, unless they take on roles involving direct supervision of young people or vulnerable adults. 

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension of coaching or volunteering duties until checks are completed.

 

8.     Confidentiality:

o   All sections must handle all information related to safeguarding concerns with the utmost confidentiality, sharing it only with those who need to know for the purpose of safeguarding.

 

9.     Communication with Parents/Guardians:

o   All sections must maintain open and transparent communication with parents/guardians about association activities, policies, and procedures.

10.  Regular Review:

o   All sections must regularly review and update the Safeguarding and Protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

 

Consequences for Non-Compliance:

 

o   Non-compliance with this Safeguarding and Protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of membership or involvement with the association.

 

Acknowledgment:

o   By participating in Nunthorpe Marton Playing Fields Association activities, individuals acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Safeguarding and Protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy.

 

Nunthorpe Marton Playing Fields Association

Middlesbrough, TS7 0JA