Child Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

EPIC Football Academy is committed to ensuring that all children and young people involved in our activities are protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. This policy outlines the measures we have put in place to achieve this, and sets out our expectations for all those working on behalf of or in partnership with the Academy.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

• A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
• Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to promote the welfare and protect the safety of children and young people.
• Abuse refers to any form of maltreatment, harm, or exploitation that takes place against a child, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and discrimination.

Responsibilities

The following people have specific responsibilities in relation to safeguarding at EPIC Football Academy:

• The Academy Director is responsible for the overall implementation of this policy, ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a safeguarding concern.
• All staff, volunteers, and partners are responsible for following this policy and reporting any safeguarding concerns to the Academy Director as soon as possible.
• The Academy’s safeguarding lead is responsible for providing support and guidance to those reporting concerns and for ensuring that appropriate referrals are made to external agencies as necessary.

Procedures

The following procedures will be followed in the event of a safeguarding concern:

• Any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child should be reported to the Academy Director as soon as possible.
• The Academy Director will assess the concern and determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include making a referral to the appropriate external agency.
• Where appropriate, the child, parent/carer, and any other relevant parties will be informed of the concern and the action taken.
• The Academy will maintain accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns and the actions taken in response.

Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and partners of EPIC Football Academy are expected to follow the following code of conduct in relation to safeguarding:

• Treat all children and young people with respect and dignity.
• Listen to children and young people and take their concerns seriously.
• Be vigilant and aware of any signs of abuse or exploitation.
• Never ignore or dismiss a safeguarding concern.
• Report any concerns to the Academy Director as soon as possible.
• Respect the confidentiality of children, young people, and families, but also be mindful of the need to share information in order to protect a child from harm.
• Do not use inappropriate language, images, or behavior when working with children and young people.
• Never engage in physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse or exploitation of a child or young person.

Training

All staff, volunteers, and partners of EPIC Football Academy will receive safeguarding training and will be made aware of this policy and their safeguarding responsibilities. Regular safeguarding updates will also be provided to ensure that everyone remains aware of the latest developments in this area.

Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary in light of changes in legislation, best practice, and the needs of the Academy. The next review is due in [08/09/2023].

Date of Policy: [08/01/2023]