Safeguarding & Child Protection
Everyone's responsibility. No exceptions.
Newark Rugby Community Foundation is committed to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child, young person and vulnerable adult who takes part in our programmes. Safeguarding is not a box to tick — it is central to everything we do.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999 now. For non-emergency concerns, contact our DSL at safeguarding@newarkrugbyfoundation.org
Our Safeguarding Statement
Newark Rugby Community Foundation believes that every child, young person and vulnerable adult has the right to be safe, to be heard, and to be protected from harm. We recognise that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all people at risk is everyone's responsibility — from trustees and staff to volunteers, coaches and partners.
We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all children, young people and vulnerable adults who engage with our programmes, activities and events. We will act swiftly and appropriately whenever a concern is raised, and we will always put the welfare of the individual first.
This commitment applies to all activities delivered by or on behalf of Newark Rugby Community Foundation, whether on our premises, in schools, in the community, or online.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, young person or vulnerable adult involved in any of our activities, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the first instance.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Newark Rugby Community Foundation
Phone
Available on request
We aim to respond to all safeguarding contacts within 24 hours. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
A Deputy DSL is available when the DSL is unavailable. Please use the same contact email and your message will be directed appropriately.
Policy Overview
Our safeguarding policy sets out our approach to keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe, and our procedures for responding to concerns. It is reviewed annually by our Board of Trustees and is available in full for download below.
Person-centred approach
The welfare of the individual is paramount in all decisions and actions we take. We listen to children, young people and vulnerable adults and take their views seriously.
Safe recruitment
All staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults undergo enhanced DBS checks and receive safeguarding training before commencing their role.
Training and awareness
All staff, volunteers and trustees receive regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role, covering both child protection and adult safeguarding. Our DSL holds an advanced safeguarding qualification.
Code of conduct
All staff and volunteers are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which sets clear expectations for behaviour around children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Safe environments
We carry out risk assessments for all activities and ensure appropriate staffing ratios and support arrangements are maintained at all times.
Photography and social media
We have a clear policy on photography, filming and the use of images. Consent is always obtained from individuals, or their parents or guardians, before images are taken or published.
Safeguarding Adults at Risk
In addition to our work with children and young people, Newark Rugby Community Foundation recognises its responsibilities towards vulnerable adults who participate in our programmes — including those involved in our TRY Again and TREDS Active initiatives.
What is an adult at risk?
An adult at risk is any person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs, and who is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and who is unable to protect themselves because of those needs. This may include people experiencing homelessness, mental ill-health, substance dependency, disability or social isolation.
We follow the Care Act 2014 framework for adult safeguarding and work in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council Adult Social Care and other statutory agencies where concerns arise.
How to Report a Concern
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult — whether they are involved in our programmes or not — please do not stay silent. You do not need proof to raise a concern.
Contact our DSL
In the first instance, contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead by email at safeguarding@newarkrugbyfoundation.org. Do not investigate the concern yourself or share it more widely than necessary.
Record what you have seen or heard
Write down what you observed, heard or were told — using the individual's own words where possible. Note the date, time and any witnesses. Do not share this information beyond those who need to know.
Immediate danger
If you believe someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm, call 999 immediately. Do not wait to contact the DSL first.
Statutory referral
If the concern relates to a child, our DSL will refer to Nottinghamshire Children's Social Care or the Police as appropriate. For concerns about a vulnerable adult, referrals are made to Nottinghamshire Adult Social Care. We follow the relevant Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Partnership procedures in both cases.
All concerns are treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in the best interests of the individual.
External Safeguarding Contacts
The following organisations can provide support, guidance or receive referrals directly for both children and adults at risk.
Nottinghamshire Children's Social Care
For referrals and concerns about children and young people in Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Adult Social Care
For referrals and concerns about vulnerable adults in Nottinghamshire.
Hourglass (Safer Ageing)
Support for older adults experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) Safeguarding
The RFU's safeguarding team supports clubs and community organisations.
Policy Documents
Our safeguarding policy is reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees annually. The current version is available to download below.
Have a concern? Don't wait.
If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead or reach out to one of the external organisations listed above. Every concern matters.