Safeguarding Policy

Aspire Goalkeeping is committed to promoting and safeguarding the well-being of all participants in our coaching sessions and events that we put on. The safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults involved in our activities is of paramount importance. This policy outlines the steps we take to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved, in line with legal and best practice guidelines.
1. Policy Statement
We believe that:
  • All individuals, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religious belief, or sexual orientation, have the right to participate in sports and physical activities in a safe environment free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • We have a responsibility to promote the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults.
  • We must actively promote a culture of openness and transparency, where individuals feel safe and supported in reporting concerns.

 

2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to:
  • All members, coaches, staff, volunteers, parents, and anyone involved in the activities organised by Aspire Goalkeeping.
  • All activities, whether in-person, online, or through any form of digital communication.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
  • Safeguarding Officer: A designated Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for overseeing safeguarding policies, procedures, and concerns. They will act as the main point of contact for any safeguarding-related issues. Aspire Goalkeeping has a designated safeguarding officer, Adam Kelsey, who is contactable through adamkelsey01@outlook.com.
  • Coaches, Volunteers, and Staff: All staff and volunteers will understand and adhere to safeguarding policies to understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting participants from harm.
  • Participants: All participants should be aware of the safeguarding policy and encouraged to report any concerns to an adult they trust, or directly to the Safeguarding Officer.
4. Safeguarding Procedures
  • Recruitment and Training: All staff, coaches, and volunteers will undergo appropriate background checks and safeguarding training before they are allowed to engage with children or vulnerable adults. We will ensure that new staff and volunteers are made aware of this policy and their obligations.
  • Code of Conduct: All adults involved in the organisation will adhere to a clear code of conduct, which includes:
    • Maintaining appropriate boundaries with participants.
    • Ensuring that all interactions, both physical and verbal, are respectful and appropriate.
    • Avoiding any behavior that could be construed as inappropriate, such as isolating participants or forming overly personal relationships.
    • Supervision: All activities involving children or vulnerable adults should be properly supervised by qualified adults. There should always be at least two adults present during activities and training sessions. We always encourage parents and carers to remain at our events with their children, however we will always ensure that best practice is practiced. 
    • Safe Environment: We will ensure that all facilities used for sports activities are safe, secure, and conducive to promoting the welfare of participants. This includes regularly checking equipment and maintaining clear emergency procedures.
    5. Recognising Signs of Abuse and Harm
    Staff, volunteers, and participants should be aware of the possible signs of abuse or neglect, which may include:
    • Unexplained injuries or a history of frequent hospital visits.
    • Withdrawal from activities or people.
    • Fear of certain individuals or locations.
    • Changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance.
    • Inappropriate or sexualised behavior (for children or vulnerable adults).
    • A sudden decline in performance or engagement in sport.
    If anyone suspects abuse, they must report it immediately to the Safeguarding Officer or another trusted adult.
6. Reporting Concerns
Any concerns or suspicions of abuse must be taken seriously and reported without delay. Our reporting procedures are as follows:
  • Immediate Action: If a participant is in immediate danger, staff must call emergency services (e.g., 999) and ensure the participant’s safety.
  • Reporting to the Safeguarding Officer: Any non-urgent concerns should be reported directly to the Safeguarding Officer, who will take appropriate action, including liaising with relevant authorities if necessary.
  • Confidentiality: Information about a safeguarding concern will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to respond to the concern, ensuring confidentiality throughout the process.
7. Dealing with Allegations
If an allegation of abuse is made, we will ensure that:
  • The participant’s safety is the priority.
  • The allegation is taken seriously and treated confidentially.
  • We will follow all legal and procedural requirements, working with relevant authorities, including law enforcement and social services, as appropriate.
  • The individual accused of the abuse will be treated with respect, but appropriate action will be taken, including suspension or termination of their involvement in activities while investigations take place.
8. Training and Education
  • Education will be provided to participants on topics such as safe sport practices, how to report concerns, and how to identify risky or inappropriate behavior.
9. Working with Parents and Guardians
We will work closely with parents and guardians to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults, including:
  • Providing them with information about our safeguarding policies.
  • Encouraging them to be actively involved in their child’s sports experience and to feel comfortable reporting any concerns.
10. Review of Policy
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and that it complies with up-to-date legal requirements and best practices. The Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for this review and any necessary updates.
Conclusion
By implementing this Safeguarding Policy, Aspire Goalkeeping aims to create a safe, respectful, and positive environment where all participants can enjoy sports and physical activities. We are committed to ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are addressed promptly, effectively, and with the well-being of the participants at the forefront.