Safeguarding Policy

  1. POLICY STATEMENT

Calibre Football is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in our coaching activities.

We believe that every child has the right to enjoy football in a safe, positive and inclusive environment, free from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination and harm.

The welfare of the child is always the primary consideration.

All coaches, volunteers, parents and participants are expected to support and uphold this commitment.

  1. PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

This policy aims to:

  • Protect children and young people participating in Calibre Football activities.
  • Provide guidance on safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.
  • Ensure concerns are reported and managed appropriately.
  • Support a culture of respect, inclusion and wellbeing.
  1. RESPONSIBILITIES

Calibre Football will:

  • Place the welfare of children at the centre of all activities.
  • Follow current safeguarding guidance and best practice.
  • Ensure coaches hold appropriate qualifications and checks where required.
  • Take all concerns seriously.
  • Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  • Promote safe recruitment and working practices.
  • Provide a safe coaching environment.

Parents and guardians are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate registration and medical information.
  • Informing Calibre Football of any relevant changes.
  • Supporting positive behaviour and respect for others.

Participants are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect.
  • Follow coaching instructions.
  • Report any concerns to a trusted adult.
  1. RECOGNISING SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Bullying
  • Online abuse (including Cyberbullying)
  • Discriminatory behaviour
  • Self-harm concerns
  • Unsafe behaviour by adults or children

A concern does not need to be proven before it is reported.

  1. REPORTING A CONCERN

Any safeguarding concern should be reported as soon as possible.

Concerns may be raised by:

  • Participants
  • Parents or guardians
  • Coaches
  • Volunteers
  • Members of the public

If a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Safeguarding concerns should then be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: JERRIN JOSEPH

Email: calibrefootballoxford@gmail.com

All concerns will be treated seriously and handled confidentially where appropriate.

  1. ANTI-BULLYING

Calibre Football has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

Bullying can take many forms, including:

  • Physical bullying
  • Verbal bullying
  • Social exclusion
  • Online bullying
  • Discriminatory bullying

Any incidents of bullying will be investigated and addressed appropriately.

Participants are encouraged to report bullying concerns to a coach or trusted adult.

  1. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Calibre Football welcomes participants from all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing opportunities regardless of:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Socio-economic background

Discrimination, harassment or victimisation will not be tolerated.

  1. SAFER WORKING PRACTICES

Coaches and volunteers should:

  • Act as positive role models.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour.
  • Avoid situations where they are alone with a child, where possible.
  • Follow safeguarding procedures at all times.

Inappropriate behaviour by adults will be investigated and may result in suspension or referral to relevant authorities.

  1. PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Photographs and videos will only be used where appropriate consent has been provided.

Calibre Football will take reasonable steps to ensure that images are used safely and appropriately.

Personal information about children will not be published alongside images without appropriate consent.

  1. CONFIDENTIALITY

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only where necessary to protect a child or comply with legal obligations.

  1. REVIEW OF POLICY

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation, safeguarding guidance or organisational needs.

  1. CONTACT DETAILS

For safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this policy, please contact:

Calibre Football

Email: calibrefootballoxford@gmail.com

Website: https://calibrefootballoxford.com/ 

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: JERRIN JOSEPH

Email: calibrefootballoxford@gmail.com

Last Updated: 11/06/2026