Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

Bristol Manor Farm Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person entrusted to its care. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any Club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy and endorse the Policy Statement contained in that document.

2. Key Principles

The FA Safeguarding Children Policy is based on the following principles:

  • The child’s welfare is always the paramount consideration.
  • All children and young people have the right to be protected from abuse, regardless of age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
  • Working in partnership with other organisations, children, young people, and their parents/carers is essential.

We acknowledge that every child involved in football should participate in a safe and enjoyable environment, free from poor practice and abuse. Bristol Manor Farm FC recognises that safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

3. Role of Bristol Manor Farm FC in Safeguarding

Bristol Manor Farm FC plays a crucial role in safeguarding children and young people from physical, sexual, or emotional harm, neglect, or bullying. The FA Child Protection Regulation (outlined in The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes volunteers, match officials, helpers, coaches, club officials, and medical staff.

4. Responsible Recruitment

We follow The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for volunteers by:

  • Developing a role profile.
  • Requesting identification documents.
  • Meeting and interviewing applicants before appointing them.
  • Requesting and verifying two references.
  • Requiring an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where applicable.

All FA Charter Standard Club members regularly working with children must complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure. If concerns arise regarding an individual’s suitability, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. The FA ensures that individuals with relevant and significant offending history are prevented from working with children to reduce risks of harm and grooming within football.

5. Whistleblowing Policy

Bristol Manor Farm FC supports The FA’s Whistleblowing Policy. Any concerns about an individual’s behavior should be reported to:

  • The FA Child Protection Team (0207 745 4787)
  • FA Case Manager (The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, W1D 4FA)
  • Police, Children’s Services, or NSPCC (if required)

We encourage all members to be aware of this policy and use it when necessary.

6. Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

Bristol Manor Farm FC has appointed Junior Soper as the Club Welfare Officer (CWO), who has completed The FA’s Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop. The CWO:

  • Acts as the first point of contact for concerns about a child’s welfare.
  • Liaises with the CFA Welfare Officer.
  • Ensures safeguarding awareness among club members.

Do you have any concerns? Junior can be contacted at juniorsoper@hotmail.com or 07982 694616.

7. Borad Safeguarding Champion

Bristol Manor Farm FC has appointed Ed Picksley as the Board Safeguarding Champion. In this role, Ed ensures that safeguarding remains a key priority at the board level and that the club maintains the highest standards of child protection and welfare. The Board Safeguarding Champion:

  • Provides strategic oversight and accountability for safeguarding within the club.
  • Works closely with the Club Welfare Officer to support and promote a safe environment for all.
  • Ensures safeguarding policies and procedures are reviewed and upheld at board level.

If you would like to reach out to Ed, he can help at e_picksley@yahoo.co.uk or 07814 926724.

If Ed is away on leave or temporarily absent, please contact Club Welfare Officer, Junior, who will be able to assist.

8. Bullying Prevention

We recognize bullying as a form of abuse. Any reports of bullying should be directed to the CWO. In serious cases, we may escalate matters to the CFA Welfare Officer.

9. Respect Codes of Conduct

Bristol Manor Farm FC implements Respect Codes of Conduct for players, parents/spectators, officials, and coaches. Misconduct will be addressed by the club, and serious incidents may be escalated to the CFA.

10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have concerns about a child:

  • Report to the CWO.
  • If the issue involves poor practice, the CWO will handle it or seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer.
  • If it involves possible abuse, the CWO will contact the CFA Welfare Officer and escalate to the Police or Children’s Services if necessary.
  • In medical emergencies, seek immediate treatment and inform the CFA Welfare Officer.
  • If the CWO is unavailable, contact:
    • CFA Welfare Officer.
    • The FA/NSPCC 24-hour Helpline (0808 800 5000).
    • The Police or Children’s Services.

11. Additional Safeguarding Resources

For further advice on safeguarding matters:

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