top of page

Safeguarding Policy

Saddleworth Village Games Safeguarding Policy
 

1. Policy Statement

Saddleworth Village Games is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all children who engage in our sports activities. We believe every child has the right to protection from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.

We are committed to practices that protect children and support staff, volunteers, and trustees to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.
 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All trustees, staff, volunteers, coaches, and contractors

  • All activities involving children (under 18) delivered or organised by Saddleworth Village Games

  • All partner organisations acting on behalf of Saddleworth Village Games
     

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation and guidance:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Charity Commission guidance: “Strategy for dealing with safeguarding issues in charities” and CC3 “The Essential Trustee”

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

  • Equality Act 2010

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
     

4. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing harm to their health or development, and ensuring they grow up in safe and effective care.

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
     

5. Responsibilities

Trustees:

  • Ensure safeguarding is a key governance priority.

  • Regularly review safeguarding risks and reporting procedures.

  • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):

  • Catherine Bardsley - 07598 394 574

  • Lead on safeguarding concerns and referrals.

  • Ensure training and policies are up-to-date.

  • Maintain confidential safeguarding records.

Staff & Volunteers:

  • Attend safeguarding training.

  • Report concerns to the DSO immediately.

  • Follow safeguarding procedures and code of conduct.
     

6. Safe Recruitment

Saddleworth Village Games will ensure:

  • Roles involving contact with children that exceed 3 days per 30 day period are subject to enhanced DBS checks (guidance from the government document DBS checks in sport – working with children)

  • Identity and qualification checks are carried out.

  • Safeguarding responsibilities are clearly stated in role descriptions.
     

7. Training

All staff, coaches, and volunteers will:

  • Complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role at induction.

  • Undertake refresher training yearly.

  • Be aware of indicators of abuse and how to report concerns.
     

8. Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and trustees must:

  • Treat children with respect and dignity.

  • Avoid being alone with a child where possible.

  • Be supervised at all times.

  • Never use physical punishment or engage in inappropriate physical contact.

  • Report all safeguarding concerns promptly.
     

9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

Any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare must be reported to the DSO immediately.

If a child is at immediate risk, contact emergency services on 999.

The DSO will:

  • Record the concern.

  • Refer to Children’s Social Care / LADO / Police if necessary.

  • Inform the board of trustees where appropriate.

  • Follow up on concerns and support those involved.

All concerns must be logged confidentially and stored securely.
 

10. Whistleblowing

Saddleworth Village Olympics encourages open reporting of safeguarding concerns. Whistleblowers will be protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
 

11. Online Safety

We will ensure:

  • Safe use of social media and communication platforms.

  • Coaches and volunteers do not engage in one-to-one online communications with children.


12. Partnerships and Third Parties

All third-party organisations working with us must:

  • Have their own safeguarding policy and procedures.

  • Comply with Saddleworth Village Olympics’ safeguarding standards.

  • Undergo due diligence checks.
     

13. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident or change in legislation.


14. Key Contacts

  • Designated Safeguarding Officer: Catherine Bardsley 07598 394 574

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Colette Morris 07583 101 863

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Police (non-emergency): 101
     

15. Approval and Adoption

Date adopted: 7 October 2025

Review date: October 2026
Approved by: Rebecca Taylor - Trustee

bottom of page