In recent years, safeguarding has been a top priority for The FA and County FAs. The FA has specialised staff who are dedicated to this area of work, either in the development of processes to keep people out of the game who could create a risk, or who will review and advise on actions to be taken on reports that are received. Part of the process revolves around the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check that all adults should take if they are to work – even as a volunteer – in clubs where children or vulnerable adults are players.

Clubs who want to gain Chartered Standard MUST have all their adults who have direct contact with young players, cleared by a DBS check. That check not only identifies those people with convictions that could debar them (such as sexual, violence and some drug related offences), but also takes into account ‘soft’ information where one of the authorities has concerns, even if there had not been a conviction.

In non-Chartered Standard Clubs, it is best practice for adults to obtain a DBS Certificate.

However, clubs could and should take their own specific measures such as asking for references from previous clubs, employers and professional people who know an individual personally, should they wish to become involved.

All youth clubs are required to appoint at least one Club Welfare Officer who receives training through a workshop. The CWO is the person that Middlesex FA liaises with on any safeguarding issues. We employ a County Welfare Officer, Neill Fowler, who is a former Police Officer having worked for many years in the Met Police Safeguarding area. He supports Club Welfare Officers and is available should advice be sought or if concerns about the behaviour of any individual (manager, club officer or other volunteer or parent) emerge. Neill can be contacted at safeguarding@middlesexfa.com or on 020 8515 6903.

Players should be encouraged to come forward about any concern they may have and be listened to seriously, or, to call the NCPCC Help Line 0800 023 2642 which should also be shown in club houses, dressing rooms, etc.

Further information can be found at: //www.thefa.com/news/2016/Sep/21/reporting-concerns