Children and Adults at Risk
Safeguarding Policy
Lead Welfare Officer:
Jenny Johnson – 07880 743453/ jenny@novasports.org.uk
Deputy Welfare Officer:
Rob Pickup – 078155 35659/ rob@novasports.org.uk
1. Scope and Purpose
Nova Sports is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who engage in our activities.
This policy:
● Applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, trustees, and contractors.
● Sets out how Nova Sports meets its safeguarding responsibilities.
● Must be read and followed by everyone representing the organisation.
2. Principles
● The welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount.
● Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
● We respect the rights, wishes, and feelings of participants and their families.
● Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
● Information is shared appropriately and lawfully to protect individuals.
3. Legal and Policy Framework
This policy is informed by:
● Working Together To Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023)
● Keeping Children Safe in Sport (CPSU, 2022)
● Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding duties)
● Children Act 1989 & 2004
● Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
● Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (whistleblowing)
4. Safeguarding Commitments
Nova Sports will:
● Appoint trained Welfare Officers with clear responsibilities.
● Ensure all staff/volunteers complete safeguarding induction before starting and
refresher training every 2 years.
● Use safer recruitment, including DBS checks and references.
● Provide clear codes of conduct and safe working practices.
● Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns and allegations.
● Work with statutory agencies and partners to protect participants.
● Promote safe use of online platforms and social media.
● Foster a culture where safeguarding concerns can be raised openly.
5. Recognising Abuse and Neglect
Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, or exploitation. It can be perpetrated by adults, peers, or in institutional settings.
Staff and volunteers must remain alert to indicators of abuse, including:
● Physical abuse: hitting, shaking, poisoning, burning, fabricated illness.
● Emotional abuse: persistent humiliation, bullying, or age-inappropriate expectations.
● Sexual abuse: contact or non-contact sexual activity, exploitation online or offline.
● Neglect: persistent failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs.
6. Responding to Concerns
6.1 Immediate Action
● If emergency medical attention is required, call 999 for an ambulance.
● If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call the police (999).
6.2 If Someone Discloses Abuse
● Listen carefully, without interruption or judgment.
● Do not promise confidentiality.
● Reassure them they have done the right thing.
● Record what was said, in their own words, with date/time and your name.
● Report immediately to the Welfare Officer.
6.3 If You Have a Concern
● Speak to the Lead Welfare Officer (Jenny Johnson).
● If unavailable or implicated, speak to the Deputy Welfare Officer (Rob Pickup).
● If neither are available, contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Team or the police directly.
Do not delay – concerns should be reported within 24 hours.
7. Making a Referral
If concerns meet the threshold for statutory intervention:
● Welfare Officers will contact the Local Authority Children’s or Adult Safeguarding Team.
● Parents/carers should usually be informed, unless doing so would increase risk (e.g. sexual abuse, FGM, fabricated illness, or immediate danger).
● Written confirmation of any referral must be sent within 48 hours.
● Accurate records must be kept securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
8. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
If it is alleged that someone working with Nova Sports has:
● Harmed, or may have harmed, a child or adult at risk.
● Committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or adult at risk.
● Behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk.
Then:
● Report immediately to the Lead/Deputy Welfare Officer.
● They will inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
● If the allegation concerns the Welfare Officer or senior leader, report directly to the LADO.
9. Online Safety
Nova Sports requires safe and responsible use of digital technology:
● Staff must not use personal devices to communicate with participants.
● Consent must be obtained before taking or sharing photographs/videos.
● Online coaching or communication must be conducted via approved platforms.
● Any online abuse or inappropriate content must be reported immediately.
10. Whistleblowing
Nova Sports encourages anyone with safeguarding concerns to raise them without fear of victimisation.
● Internal concerns should be reported to the Welfare Officer.
● If concerns cannot be raised internally, staff may contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing
Advice Line (0800 028 0285).
● The organisation is committed to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
● Safeguarding information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis.
● Records will be kept securely in line with Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR .
● Protection of children and adults at risk takes precedence over data confidentiality.
12. Key Contacts
Lead Welfare Officer: Jenny Johnson – 07880 743453
Deputy Welfare Officer: Rob Pickup – 078155 35659
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 020 8726 6400 ext 65442
Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership: 0300 123 2224
Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU): 0116 366 5590
Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
13. Safeguarding Flowchart
Concern about a child/adult at risk → Report to Welfare Officer → Welfare Officer decides:
Consult / refer → Record & follow up → Support provided