Safeguarding and Welfare
The safety and security of all children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in the game of football in Surrey is one of Surrey FA's top priorities. As a Surrey FA affiliated club, Richmond Park FC fully align with these priorities.
This page features information for individuals who wish to learn more about our commitment to safeguarding, and what you can do if you need to report a safeguarding concern.
Safeguarding is a Responsibility for EVERYONE
English football takes safeguarding extremely seriously. The ongoing work to make the game as safe and enjoyable as possible is led by The FA, the game’s governing body in this country. This work is delivered through County FAs in conjunction with leagues and clubs.
A clear safeguarding strategy has been put in place by English football to protect people involved in the national game. It is complete with policies, procedures and regulations. Every club in the country must adhere to the policies which apply to them. If not, they face sanctions, including suspension from playing.
Policies include the mandatory appointment of a Club Welfare Officer(s) for every league or club with youth teams. There is also a requirement for specified club committee officers to complete the free online ‘Safeguarding for Committee Members’ course. While mandatory for specified officers, the course is open to anyone to raise their awareness of potential situations and how to deal with them.
Welfare Officers must have an FA-accepted Criminal Record Check, which has to be renewed every three years. They must also undertake regular FA-approved safeguarding training. With the club committee’s support, Welfare Officers ensure the appropriate checks and training are completed for anyone at the club working with children and young people under the age of 18.
Managers and Coaches must have an FA-accepted Criminal Record Check, which has to be renewed every three years. They must also undertake regular FA-approved safeguarding training.
Our Club Safeguarding Policies and Annual Safeguarding Declarations can be found using the links below:
- Adult Safeguarding Policy (For U18s Participating)
Club Safeguarding Contacts
| Requirement | Club Compliance |
| Club Welfare Officer | David Fox |
| Player Welfare Officer (Youth Teams) | Anna Jarman, Rosemary Watt-Wyness, Vacancy (x2) |
| Player Welfare Officer (Adult Teams) | Rosie Donnelly, Gemma Ali |
| Coach Welfare Officer | Vacancy |
| Committee Members | James Tavendale, Sacha Langan, David Fox |
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you are worried about a child, it’s vital you report your concerns. Doing nothing is not an option. It’s also important you stay calm, and if any child is present, reassure them they are not to blame. But don’t make promises of confidentiality or outcome.
For more information on the reporting process, here is the link
Please use the following email addresses to report a safeguarding concern.
| Reporting to the Club Designated Safeguarding Officer | [email protected] |
| Reporting to the Surrey FA Designated Safeguarding Officer | [email protected] |
| Reporting to the FA Safeguarding Team | [email protected] |
| Reporting to Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership (KRSCP) | https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/community-information/information-and-advice/safeguarding-and-child-protection/single-point-of-access-spa |
| NSPCC Helpline 08088005000 |
If it is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate risk, then call the Police or Children’s Social Care in your area.
Whistle-blowing
Whistle-blowing in a safeguarding context means revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation, or within an independent structure associated with it. Any whistle-blowing concerns should be reported directly to the FA using the emails above.
Safeguarding Training For Parents
To raise awareness among club parents/carers/spectators, the FA provide a free online course outlining what safeguarding looks like in football. The course takes about 30 minutes to complete and is accessible here.
Club Code of Conduct
We are always keen to keep safeguarding high on the agenda to ensure we maintain a safe and fun environment for all our participants. In line with this and looking to maintain the highest standards of behaviour in our football club, the FA have re-launched codes of conduct, which we have adopted.
More information on the Grassroots Code can be found here.
FA Photography and Filming Guidelines
We adhere to the FA Photography and Filming Guidelines. See here for more information.
Making a Complaint
In the event that any Club Member, Parent/Guardian, Club or FA Official or Coach feels that he or she has suffered discrimination, experienced or witnessed something of concern or that the Club’s Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken they should report the matter to the Club Secretary who will share the Complaints Procedure with them.