BUCKLEY TOWN SAFEGUARDING POLICIES

BUCKLEY TOWN CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY
INTRODUCTION
Buckley Town Football Club understands that it has a duty of care as well as a legal and moral responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child who has been entrusted to our care. We are committed to working to provide a safe environment and an enjoyable experience for all our members. We acknowledge that all children have a right to protection, and we must take into account the needs of those who may be particularly vulnerable. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18.
KEY PRINCIPLES
• A child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
• It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure children’s welfare is paramount at all times
• All children (regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability) have a right to be protected from abuse
• Football should be a fun, safe and a positive experience for all children
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse or poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and aptly
• It is the responsibility of the Child Protection experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place, but is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns. These principles apply to everybody in junior and youth football in Wales, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
ROLE OF CLUB
Buckly Town Football Club understands it has an important role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children by protecting them from all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual or emotional harm, and neglect or bullying. In this role we will provide children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the Club and follow the necessary policies, procedures and practices as instructed by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
We have also appointed a Club Safeguarding Officer to assist with our responsibilities.
POLICY, PROCEDURES & PRACTICES
We will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in the Club through the implementation and endorsement of the FAW Safeguarding Policy, Procedures & Practices, ensuring all those who work in football are aware of the policy and understand their obligations with regards to it.
RECRUITMENT
We will follow the recruitment procedures as set out in the FAW Safeguarding Policy, Procedures & Practices to ensure all individuals working in football are recruited and appointed according to FAW best practice guidelines, including to:
• Develop a job description/role profile
• Request identification documents
• Meet and chat with applicant(s). Where possible, conduct interviews before appointing
• Request and follow up two references (one from previous employer) before appointing
• Apply for an Enhanced DBS check in line with FAW guidelines. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is currently involved or seeking to become involved with the club, we will obtain guidance from the FAW Safeguarding Team.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
We will ensure that all people working with children in football are provided with support through education and training which will allow staff/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues as well as be aware of, and adhere to, good practice guidelines from the FAW.
POSITION OF TRUST
We will make all coaches, officials and volunteers aware of the potential for the development of a relationship of trust between themselves and young and vulnerable people, and the consequences inherent in the accidental or intentional abuse of that relationship.
WHISTLE-BLOWING
We support and promote the FAW’s Whistle-Blowing Policy, where any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can report these concerns to the FAW Safeguarding Team, either through calling 02920 435 830 or writing in to FAW Safeguarding Team.
ANTI-BULLYING
The Club acknowledges and actively endorses the FAW’s Anti-Bullying Policy. Bullying of any kind is not accepted at our Club and we will work together to ensure all forms of bullying is addressed. If bullying does occur, players and/or parents/guardians should be able to share their concerns and be assured that bullying will be dealt with seriously and swiftly.
CODES OF CONDUCT
We have adopted the FAW Codes of Conduct as part of our commitment to promote good practice and behaviour at the club. There are separate Codes of Conduct available for Players, Parents, and Coaches, Managers & Volunteers. Breaches will be dealt with under the Club’s Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures and may be subject to sanctions from the Area Football Association or the FAW in more serious circumstances.
CLUB SAFEGUARDING OFFICER (CSO)
We have appointed a CSO in line with the FAW’s role profile, and will ensure they attend all current and future modules required by the FAW in order to have the necessary skills to undertake their role effectively. The CSO is the first point of contact for all Club members and parents/guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of a child. The CSO will be responsible for referring concerns and taking a proactive role in raising an awareness of poor practice and abuse within the Club. This individual’s details are located here: Emma Iball emma_mcfc@hotmail.com
The Club Safeguarding Officer will take all appropriate steps to make himself / herself known to those at the Club.
REPORTING YOUR CONCERNS
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. If you are worried about a child, you must report your concerns; this should be to our Club Safeguarding Officer. If the concern is of a more serious nature, such as possible abuse, where possible, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer, and proceed to contact Social Services or the Police immediately. The child’s welfare is paramount, ensure they are safe and if medical treatment is required, take them to hospital or call an ambulance and advise the doctor this is a child protection concern. If you are unable to contact our Club Safeguarding Officer or in a situation where the matter is clearly serious, contact either the FAW Safeguarding Officer, Police or Social Services, or NSPCC (details below).
FURTHER INFORMATION
A copy of the FAW Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices can also be found in the kit bag documents.
FURTHER ADVICE
For further advice regarding the FAW Safeguarding Policy or any potential safeguarding matters, please contact either of the following:
Football Association’s Area Safeguarding Officer (details can be found in the Area Association’s Handbook)
The FAW Safeguarding Team: 02920 435830 | safeguarding@faw.cymru
The NSPCC 24-Hour Helpline: 0808 800 5000

CLUB SAFEGUARDING ADULT’S POLICY AND PROCEDURE
The protection of adults at risk is a shared responsibility, and this policy provides clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and addressing safeguarding concerns.
Buckey Town FC Safeguarding Policy for Adults at Risk
Introduction
At Buckley Town Football Club, we are committed to the safeguarding and well-being of adults at risk in football. We adhere to the Wales Safeguarding Procedures to ensure all participants are treated with respect, dignity, and care. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding adults at risk and provides clear guidance for all staff, coaches, volunteers, and participants.
We believe every individual has the right to engage in football in a safe and supportive environment, free from harm, abuse, or neglect. The protection of adults at risk is a shared responsibility, and this policy provides clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and addressing safeguarding concerns.
What is an Adult at Risk?
An adult at risk is anyone aged 18 or older who may be more vulnerable to harm due to factors such as age, disability, illness, or other personal circumstances. This includes people who may require care, support, or protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Key Principles
• Safety and Well-being: The safety and well-being of adults at risk is our priority. We will take all reasonable steps to prevent harm and ensure that all participants can engage in football activities safely.
• Respect and Dignity: All participants, including adults at risk, will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
• Support: We are committed to providing adults at risk with access to the necessary support to fully participate in our football activities.
• Confidentiality: Information about adults at risk will be handled sensitively, confidentially, and in line with data protection laws.
Our Responsibilities
• Create a Safe Environment: We ensure that all club activities are safe and that all staff, coaches, and volunteers are aware of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Training: All appropriate club staff and volunteers will undergo safeguarding training to understand the needs of adults at risk and how to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Reporting Concerns: If a concern arises about the well-being of an adult at risk, it must be reported to the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) immediately.
• Responding to Allegations: Any allegations or concerns about abuse or neglect will be taken seriously. We will follow the appropriate safeguarding procedures to investigate and act promptly.
Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)and useful contacts
Our Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) is: Emma Iball secretary@btfc.cymru
Other people at the Club that can help: Peter Edwards chairman@btfc.cymru
League Safeguarding Officer: safeguarding@faw.cymru
Area Safeguarding Officer: Delwyn Derrick safeguarding@newfa.co.uk
The CSO will
• Oversee safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Act as the primary contact point for anyone with concerns.
• Liaise with the League, Area Safeguarding officer and FAW Safeguarding Team.
• Identify poor practice and follow club procedures
DBS Checks and Safeguarding
We are committed to safe recruitment practices and will ensure that appropriate DBS checks are undertaken for staff, volunteers, and anyone working with children or adults at risk.
Types of DBS Checks
There are four types of DBS checks, and the suitability of each is determined by the nature of the role and the level of contact with children and adults at risk. It is the responsibility of the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to assess the role of each individual and decide which DBS check is appropriate based on the circumstances.
Reporting Concerns
If you have any concerns about an adult at risk, you must:
1. Report the Concern to the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO): Report any concerns immediately to the CSO. If the CSO is unavailable, report it to another senior club member or relevant authority.
2. Follow the Wales Safeguarding Procedures: All safeguarding concerns will be handled in accordance with the Wales Safeguarding Procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual is prioritised.
3. Document the Incident: The CSO will ensure that all concerns and actions taken are recorded accurately and securely and that the League, Area and FAW Safeguarding Team are notified within 24 hours.
Types of Abuse
Staff and volunteers should be aware of the following key forms of abuse:
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse
• Neglect
• Financial Abuse
• Discriminatory Abuse
• Modern Slavery
Sexual Harassment and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Our Club is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, with a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and violence against women and girls (VAWG). These behaviours are not only unacceptable – they could be failing to adhere to codes of conduct, there could be safeguarding concerns and, in many cases, criminal offences.
Understanding the Issue
Sexual harassment and VAWG can take many forms, including unwanted physical contact, inappropriate or sexualised language, coercive control, threats, stalking, and online abuse. These behaviours can occur in person or through digital platforms. Whilst others are affected and will always be dealt with in the same way, we recognise that women and girls, particularly those with additional vulnerabilities, are disproportionately affected by such abuse.
We will therefore:
• Respond to all disclosures with sensitivity, respect, and urgency, in line with our safeguarding and disciplinary policies.
• Ensure all staff, volunteers, and participants receive training to recognise, prevent, and appropriately respond to incidents.
• Collaborate with local police and safeguarding partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response where needed.
Recognise, Respond, Refer, Record
To effectively handle safeguarding concerns, we follow the Recognise, Respond, Refer, Record framework:
• Recognise: Identify signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Respond: If an adult at risk discloses a concern, listen carefully and reassure them that their concerns will be taken seriously. Do not promise confidentiality.
• Refer: Report the concern to the CSO or appropriate authority. In an emergency it’s important to ring 999.
• Record: Accurately document all concerns and actions.
Complaints about the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)
If a concern or complaint arises regarding the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO), it should be reported to a Committee Member. The Committee Member will ensure the proper safeguarding procedures are followed.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We will ensure that any information regarding an adult at risk is shared only with relevant authorities or individuals who need to know, in compliance with data protection laws.
Contact Information for FAW Safeguarding
If you need to escalate concerns to the Football Association of Wales (FAW), please use the following contact details:
• Email: safeguarding@faw.co.uk
• Phone: 02920 435 830
• FAW Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy: www.faw.co.uk/safeguarding