1. Policy Statement
Glacis United FC is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk who engage with our club. We take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training, children, young people, and vulnerable adults participating in our activities do so in a safe and inclusive environment.

This policy applies to all players, coaches, volunteers, staff, committee members, parents, and anyone involved in Glacis United FC.

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2. Aims of the Policy
To ensure that every child and adult at risk is protected from abuse and harm.

To promote best practice in safeguarding across all club activities.

To provide guidance to all staff and volunteers on safeguarding responsibilities.

To ensure all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.

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3. Legal Framework
This policy has been developed in accordance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance, including (adapt based on your jurisdiction):

The Children Act

Working Together to Safeguard Children

The Care Act

FA and UEFA Safeguarding Guidelines

Gibraltar legislation and child protection standards (if applicable)

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4. Definitions
Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who may be vulnerable due to disability, illness, or circumstances that make them unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Abuse: Can be physical, emotional, sexual, neglectful, discriminatory, or financial.

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5. Roles and Responsibilities
Club Welfare Officer (CWO):
Glacis United FC has appointed a designated Club Welfare Officer responsible for:

Ensuring safeguarding policies are up to date

Being the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns

Liaising with statutory agencies, football authorities, and parents

Staff and Volunteers must:

Understand and follow the safeguarding policy

Complete appropriate safeguarding training

Report any concerns immediately to the CWO or relevant authority

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6. Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safe recruitment practices, including:

Interviewing and checking the suitability of all volunteers and staff

Requiring references

Carrying out background checks (e.g., Disclosure and Barring Service or local equivalent)

Providing induction and ongoing safeguarding training

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7. Training and Education
All staff, coaches, and volunteers will be required to undertake safeguarding awareness training. Refresher training will be conducted regularly.

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8. Code of Conduct
All club members must adhere to our Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for behaviour, including:

Treating all children and adults at risk with dignity and respect

Never engaging in or tolerating bullying, harassment, or abusive behaviour

Avoiding situations where they are alone with a child or vulnerable adult

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9. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
Any concern about the welfare of a child or adult at risk should be reported immediately to the CWO or, if necessary, directly to the police or local safeguarding authorities.

Concerns may include:

Changes in behaviour

Unexplained injuries

Disclosure of abuse

Signs of neglect or poor care

All concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly and confidentially.

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10. Reporting Procedures
Receive: Listen carefully and take concerns seriously.

Record: Make a factual record as soon as possible.

Report: Inform the Club Welfare Officer immediately.

Refer: The CWO will contact local safeguarding services or authorities as appropriate.

Do not promise confidentiality if a child or adult at risk discloses something.

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11. Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared on a “need-to-know” basis in line with legal obligations.

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12. Photography and Social Media
Parental consent is required for photographs of children.

Images will be used appropriately and never in a way that could cause harm.

Social media platforms will be monitored to protect all members, especially minors.

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13. Whistleblowing
Glacis United FC encourages anyone with concerns about conduct or safeguarding practice to report these without fear of reprisal. Reports can be made confidentially to the CWO or relevant authority.

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14. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident or change in legislation.

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15. Contacts
Club Welfare Officer: Kieran Alman
Email: glacisacademy@gmail.com 

Local Authority Safeguarding Lead: Gibraltar FA