safeguarding policy

Member safeguarding protects a person’s rights to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. 

This policy aims to ensure that an overarching approach to safeguarding is embedded within all activities, both on and off the field. We will create an environment where players and supporters are encouraged to think of safeguarding as their own responsibility, understanding the need for them to play a full and active part in looking out for and protecting their fellow teammates from harm. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, not just those on the committee.

The safeguarding duties apply to any member who: 

- Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs). 

- Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. 

- Is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of or the experience of, abuse or neglect.

- All adults, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender have the right to be protected from abuse and poor practice and to participate in rugby in an enjoyable and safe environment. 

- Kings RFC will seek to ensure that rugby is inclusive and make reasonable adjustments for any ability, disability or impairment, we will also commit to continuous development, monitoring and review. 

- The rights, dignity and worth of all adults will always be respected. 

- Kings RFC recognise that ability and disability can change over time, such that some adults may be additionally vulnerable to abuse, in particular those adults with care and support needs. 

- All allegations will be taken seriously and responded to quickly in line with this policy and procedure document.

- Kings RFC recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adults Boards.

Abuse can take place in any context and by all manner of perpetrators. Abuse may occur inside and outside rugby union.

The main types of abuse are: 

Physical abuse - non-accidental infliction of physical force that results, or could result, in bodily injury, pain or impairment. 

Sexual abuse - including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented to or was pressured into consenting.

Emotional or psychological abuse - acts or behaviour which impinge on the emotional health or, which cause distress or anguish. 

Discriminatory abuse – acts of discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexuality, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristics. 

Self-neglect – A wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s well-being, health, hygiene, and medical or physical needs.

Cyberbullying - cyberbullying occurs when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online to harm, damage, humiliate or isolate another person. 

Radicalisation – the aim of radicalisation is to attract people to embed their extreme views and persuade vulnerable individuals of the legitimacy of their cause. 

To ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of our players and supporters, and to keep our members safe from harm, the Kings Committee ask for any safeguarding concerns about fellow teammates to be reported to them. The issue(s) raised will be considered and appropriate actions will be agreed.

While Kings RFC committee members and volunteers are not expected to be experts, reports of safeguarding issues will be treated with sensitivity and as discreetly as possible. The Committee has a duty of care and responsibility to all members and therefore may be required to share information with appropriate third-party organisations that can best provide support to those in need, depending on the nature and severity of the concern.

Third parties may also need to be contacted when concerns have been raised/identified about a member's treatment and/or personal behaviour outside of an official Kings event.

In the case where you feel you need to raise a concern, please either approach a committee member you feel comfortable speaking with or submit a concern via the form in the link at the bottom of this page.

If a team member feels uncomfortable raising a concern with a Committee member it is recommended that they find another suitable, trusted person to confide in. This should be considered carefully.

There are many signs and indicators that may suggest someone is being abused or neglected, where possible you should discuss this with the person of concern. If you think that someone is potentially at risk of harm or, if someone discloses sensitive information to you about their health and well-being you should:

- Stay calm.

- Avoid making promises of confidentiality or outcome.

- Keep questions to a minimum.

- Make brief, accurate notes at the earliest opportunity.

- Consider the severity of the situation and the potential impact on the individuals involved.

The Kings Committee will offer reassurance and support in any given situation and help find appropriate resources.

If you think the person is in considerable immediate danger, you should contact the relevant emergency services. 

If you have concerns about a member, you have a duty to report these as mentioned above. You do not need consent to discuss a concern with the safeguarding leads within the club, although it is best practice to gain consent wherever possible. 

Advice can be sought from your local Safeguarding Adults Board without giving the member’s personal details. Do not let the issue of consent get in the way of seeking advice.

If you have a concern that you'd like to raise to the committee please click on the link below and fill out the form with as much detail as you can about the concern. A member of the committee will contact you to discuss further if a resolution can't be found immediately.