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Safeguarding Policy

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Future Focus Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Effective Date: 19/03/2025

Review Date: 19/03/2026

 

  1. This safeguarding policy has been curated to ensure that all one-to-one football coaching sessions with Future Focus are conducted in a safe, supportive and respectful environment. The terms of this policy will be made applicable to all coaches, volunteers, support staff and any external parties involved in the delivery of Future Focus one-to-one coaching sessions. The procedures that are outlined have been set to prevent any form of abuse and secure the protection of all individuals involved. 


 

    2. Future Focus is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all participants. We are aware of the unique position of trust our coaches have, and to uphold a high standard of conduct, we will:

  • Provide safe environments for all coaching sessions.

  • Ensure all participants are treated with dignity and respect

  • Act promptly on any safeguarding concerns or allegations. 

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   3. We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. Future Focus recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

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   4. Future Focus has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Regulations (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

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   5. All coaches will be made fully aware of professional boundaries, ensuring the safety of the participant is paramount in every session by:

  • Undertaking training annual and completing an Enhanced DBS Check.

  • Record keeping of any incidents or concerns that may arise during sessions in regards to the participant’s wellbeing. 

  • Understanding and respecting the code of conduct implemented 

  • Any physical contact necessary must be explained prior to the action and the participant must be comfortable.

  • Emergency protocols in place for the environment of every session.

 

6.  Prior to each session, a risk assessment will be conducted to ensure the venue is hazard-free and secured. Clear emergency and medical procedures will be in place, coaches will always be aware of the nearest exit.

7.  If a coach, participant, or parent/guardian has any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a participant, these must immediately be reported to a Head coach/Designated Safety Officer. All reports will be handled with sincere confidentiality and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis. All reports and information will be recorded and handled by the DSO, so the correct next steps are taken to resolve any issues or escalate concerns.

8.  All coaches are required to complete safeguarding training prior to coaching and be refreshed yearly. 

9. Any personal data collected (contact information, date of birth etc) will be securely stored in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Access to this information will only be granted to authorised personnel and used strictly for safeguarding purposes. 

10. This policy will be reviewed annually or as a necessary response to feedback, legislation changes or incidents that emphasise the need for improved safeguarding procedures.

11. The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures are available via www.TheFA.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding click on Raising Awareness Best Practice Downloads, the Policy and Procedures document is within the resources area. The policy outlines in detail what to do if you are concerned about the welfare of a child and includes flow diagrams which describe this process. How to make a referral is also covered in the Safeguarding Children workshop. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss how this feels and how best they can prepare themselves to deal with such a situation. For more information on this workshop contact your County Welfare Officer.

12. Further advice on Safeguarding Children matters can be obtained from:

 

 

13. The FA’s policy on Disclosure and Barring Service CRCs is subject to change. CRC information and guidance can be found at www.TheFA.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/criminal-records-checks

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