Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding determines the actions that we take to keep children safe and protect them from harm in all aspects of their school life. As a company we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children within our care. The actions that we take to prevent harm; to promote wellbeing; to create safe environments; to educate on rights, respect, and responsible behaviours; to respond to specific issues and vulnerabilities all form part of the safeguarding responsibilities of the company. 

This policy statement should be read alongside the company's Child Protection policy and Staff Code of Conduct.

The purpose & scope of this policy statement

Infinity Sports Coaching works with children and vulnerable adults as part of its activities.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

• Promoting and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.

• Protecting children and vulnerable adults who receive our services. This includes the children of adults who use our services.

• Providing assurance to parents, carers and other parties that we take reasonable steps to manage risks and keep children and vulnerable adults safe.

• Ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with necessary information, training and support.

• Preventing the employment of individuals in work with children and/or vulnerable adults where they have been barred by the DBS or are deemed by Infinity Sports Coaching to pose an unacceptable risk to vulnerable groups.

• Ensuring appropriate action is taken in the event of any allegations or suspicions regarding harm to children, young people or vulnerable adults arising from contact with team members, volunteers, other participants who we engage or other stakeholders.

This is achieved by;

• Establishing safe policies and practises.

• Operationalising our approach to child protection and safeguarding in everything we do.

• Sustaining our approach to child protection and safeguarding by ensuring it is relevant and consistent.

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of Infinity Sports Coaching, including the Directors, managers, employed staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency workers, sub-contractors and students.

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults in England.

We believe that:

• Children and vulnerable adults should never experience abuse of any kind.

• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

• The welfare of the child and vulnerable adult is paramount.

• All children and adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

• Some children and adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.

• Working in partnership with children their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting people’s welfare. 

We will seek to keep children and vulnerable adults safe by:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting them.

• Appointing a nominated child protection/safeguarding lead, a deputy child protection/safeguarding lead.

• Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice.

• Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, parents, families and carers appropriately.

• Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise.

• Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures.

• Completing a risk assessment process which involves identifying risks and means of reducing or eliminating these.

• Implementing the required actions identified by the risk assessment process and reviewing the effectiveness of these on a regular basis.

• Sharing information about child protection and safeguarding best practice with children, their families, Team and volunteers via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions.

• Ensuring that the appropriate DBS or basic disclosure checks are conducted, depending on eligibility for any individuals working with children and vulnerable adults.

• Providing effective management for Team and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures.

• Implementing a code of conduct for team members and volunteers.

• Using our procedures to manage any allegations against team members and volunteers appropriately.

• Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place.

• Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, vulnerable adults, Team and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

• Recording and storing information professionally and securely.

• Requiring new Team members, volunteers and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with this policy. All Team should review this policy at least every 6 months.

Contact details

Infinity Sports Coaching Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is;

• Karl Andrews
  E: Karl.Andrews@Infinitysportscoaching.co.uk
  T: 07584289214

Infinity Sports Coaching Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) are;

• Robert Cliffe, Senior Coach - Robert.Cliffe@infinitysportscoaching.co.uk

And

• Laura Andrews, Administrative Lead - Laura.Andrews@infinitysportscoaching.co.uk

Other important contact numbers you can use for support and guidance;

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

• Childline: 0800 1111.

Dates

This policy statement was last reviewed on 23rd April 2023.