Safeguarding

Safeguarding briefing sheet For clubs that have players who are under 18

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals, allowing people (especially children, young people and vulnerable adults) to live free from abuse, harm and neglect. If something is going on which is making you or anyone you know feel uncomfortable and afraid for their safety then it is important you recognise this as a safeguarding issue and take action. Under 18’s and vulnerable adults are covered by Basketball England’s safeguarding policy.

How do I report a safeguarding issue?
Anybody can report a safeguarding issue. Speaking to an official, such as club manager or coach can be a first option. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to those individuals, or your concern relates to them, then you can either speak directly to your local Welfare Officer (For Warwickshire Basketball Association this is stephanie.zoka@warwickshirebasketball.co.uk, 07598206828, or Basketball England safeguarding@basketballengland.co.uk, 0300 600 1170)
If the issue is urgent and somebody is in danger then contact the police in the first instance (call 999), or contact the NSPCC 24/7 hotline on 0808 800 5000, or if you’re under 18 then contact Childline on 0800 1111.

What can I do to protect my club from potential Safeguarding issues?
1. Ensure all players and staff are aware of what is appropriate conduct and what is not. Share the content of this briefing document with them. There are two posters attached to this briefing which can be displayed at any of the locations you operate (games, training grounds etc.)
2. Ensure all your officials have the correct DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) in place. The details of which roles need which checks can be found below.
3. Take any concerns you receive seriously, reporting them promptly to your local Welfare Officer and offering support to those involved.

What about social media?
With the increase in clubs and players using social media, it is important that all players and staff understand what is appropriate use of social media and what is not.
 If you don’t have parents’ consent, you cannot post images or videos of under 18’s on any social media platform.
 Gaining written consent from parents is the most secure way to protect yourself and there is a template on the Basketball England website that you can use for this.
 No personal social media accounts of under 18’s are to be used or tagged in club posts.
 Published squad lists can contain names of under 18’s, however not when there are photos or any other personal details associated, without written permission from parents.
 If you see any derogatory comments on social media aimed at under 18’s then this must be reported immediately, to childprotection@basketballengland.co.uk
To find out more, the guidelines for ‘Appropriate communication’ and ‘Use of social media’ can be found on the Basketball England website.

Who needs a DBS?

All members (over the age of 16) who are qualified and licensed with Basketball England to work with or coach Under 18’s in regulated/unsupervised activity are required to hold a valid, clear and enhanced DBS that has been completed in the last 3 years. Regulated activity is defined as anyone who has a role coaching, teaching, caring, supervising, advising, treating, or transporting anyone under the age of 18. It also includes working with Under 18’s once a week or more, four times or more in a single month and/or overnight between 2am – 6am. It is extremely good practice to hold an enhanced DBS if you are working with Under 18’s, regardless if it is regulated or not, so we encourage all members working with under 18’s to undergo one. The flowchart in the Safeguarding Document (link below) will help you determine who needs a DBS. All forms can be found on the Basketball England Website. If you are unsure, please contact your local Welfare Officer or Basketball England Safeguarding Team.

Where to go for more information?

There is a range of information about safeguarding available on the Basketball England website, or contact your local Welfare Officer.

 

Download Safeguarding document  – Click here

Download Safeguarding Poster  Click here

Download Safeguarding briefing sheet  Click here