The aims of the EFL Safeguarding Strategy and policies are to:
Develop a positive and pro-active approach to safeguarding in order to best protect all children, young people and adults at risk who play football or engage in associated activities, enabling them to participate and achieve in an enjoyable and safe environment.
The key principles underpinning our Policies are that:
EFL is committed to working together with Children’s Services Departments, the Police and Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB’s) in accordance with their procedures and in line with the most recent HM Government guidance - Working Together to Safeguard Children. In addition EFL is committed to working together with agencies within football to create a safer environment in which all can enjoy the game.
Where EFL believes, or is informed from a member club that circumstances exist which may harm any child(ren), young person(s), or adults at risk, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to them, EFL may refer the matter to The F.A. Case Management Team for investigation and action in accordance with the appropriate F.A. Safeguarding Children Regulations and Disciplinary Procedures or, if appropriate, to a statutory agency such as the Police, LADO or Children’s Services Department for further investigation.
Whilst EFL will refer matters of concern relating to risk or harm or acts of abuse towards children, young people or adults at risk to the appropriate authorities, it does not investigate disclosures. It does however, have a role in responding to and may review general complaints and/or complaints of poor practice. EFL will work together with agencies both inside and outside football, as appropriate, in order to respond to or refer on complaints in line with EFL Complaints Procedure.
EFL’s arrangements in fulfilling its commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk include:
1. The Chief Executive is the Senior Manager with responsibility for safeguarding.
2. The production of an organisational Safeguarding strategy and standards which all member clubs will be monitored against in order to ensure a Culture of Vigilance in respect of our safeguarding responsibilities within all our Member Clubs.
3. EFL has in place responsible recruitment processes which include:-
4. EFL works with The FA to develop overarching key principles for safeguarding. Specific EFL policies procedures and guidance documents are developed to meet the particular requirements of the professional game.
5. EFL provides in-house training for all staff on identifying and reporting concerns in respect of safeguarding.
6. EFL is committed to ongoing safeguarding training and development, appropriate to the role of the employee and the level of their involvement with children, young people and adults at risk.
7. EFL is committed to the sharing of information to protect children, young people and adults at risk, in line with Working Together.
8. In addition to our safeguarding policies, strategy and standards, EFL promotes a number of initiatives which seek to address and encourage young people’s and families’ enjoyment as spectators including the “Fans of the Future”; “Enjoy the Match” campaigns; “Kids & Girls Cup Competition” and the “Family Excellence Awards”.
For further information contact:
Alex Richards EFL: Safeguarding Manager
Tel: 01772 325940; Email: arichards@efl.com
The EFL complies with The Data Protection Act 1998 and all other relevant legislation. All personal data held following communication with the Supporter Services Department is only used for the purpose it is collected and is kept for as short a time as possible. The EFL is committed to the safe hand ling, use, storage, retention and disposal of personal data and a written policy on this is available.