First Touch FC Limited is dedicated to provide children with the opportunity to develop their passion for sports. We are a group of passionate and inspiring individuals who prioritize the safety and well-being of the children and young people we serve. This policy statement outlines our commitment to child protection and sets out the principles that guide our approach.
- Purpose: The purpose of this policy statement is:
- To safeguard children and young people who receive services from First Touch FC Limited.
- To extend this safeguarding to include the children of adults who use our services.
- To provide staff, volunteers, children, young people, and their families with the overarching principles that shape our approach to child protection.
- This policy applies to all individuals working on behalf of First Touch FC Limited, including senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, and students.
- Legal Framework: This policy has been developed based on legislation, policy, and guidance aimed at protecting children in England. A summary of key legislation and guidance can be found at nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.
Our Beliefs and Recognition:
- Children and young people should never experience any form of abuse.
- We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, keep them safe, and operate in a manner that protects them.
We Recognize:
- The welfare of children is paramount in all our work and decision-making.
- Working in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers, and other agencies is essential for promoting their welfare.
- All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from harm or abuse.
- Some children may be additionally vulnerable due to past experiences, dependency levels, communication needs, or other factors, requiring extra safeguards.
- We must take additional measures to ensure the safety of these additionally vulnerable children.
We are Committed to Keeping Children and Young People Safe by:
- Valuing, listening to, and respecting them.
- Appointing a nominated child protection lead for children and young people.
- Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practices through our policies, procedures, and code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
- Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures.
- Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training, and quality assurance measures, ensuring adherence to our policies, procedures, and behavior codes.
- Conducting safe recruitment and selection processes, including necessary checks.
- Professionally and securely recording, storing, and using information in accordance with data protection legislation and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
- Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, young people, and their families through various channels.
- Ensuring children, young people, and their families know how and where to seek help if they have concerns.
- Sharing concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, involving children, young people, parents, families, and carers appropriately.
- Managing allegations against staff and volunteers promptly and appropriately.
- Maintaining an anti-bullying environment and implementing procedures to effectively address any incidents of bullying.
- Establishing and maintaining effective complaints and whistleblowing mechanisms.
- Providing a safe physical environment for children, young people, staff, and volunteers by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Cultivating a safeguarding culture where all individuals involved treat each other with respect and feel comfortable sharing concerns.
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of children and young people.