SAFEGUARDING

SAFEGUARDING

Wigan Warriors aim to create a safe and positive environment in which no child or adult will ever experience harm or exploitation during their interaction with us. The club has developed a Safeguarding Policy that provides the overarching principles and procedures to ensure the highest standards of protection is in place to protect children and vulnerable adults in line with relevant legislation.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Wigan Warriors including the Board of Directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, and anyone who represents the Club in any capacity. We accept the responsibility for the safety and well-being of those who are in the care of the Club or Community Foundation.

The purpose of the Safeguarding Policy is to:

  • Provide protection for children, young people and vulnerable adults who work with Wigan Warriors and its associated companies
  • Provide employees and volunteers with clear guidance and information to prevent harm and remain vigilant.
  • Provide clear and robust procedures for identifying and reporting cases or suspected cases of abuse in the event they suspect somebody may be at risk of harm.
  • Establish a culture where safeguarding practice is widely understood, and openly discussed and where employees are clear about the role they play in keeping children, young people and adults free from abuse.

To implement this policy, Wigan Warriors will ensure that:

  • A comprehensive “Safer Recruitment” recruitment procedure will be in place for all staff and followed to help deter, identify and reject applicants who might be unsuitable to work with participants.
  • All staff (full-time, part-time and sessional) and volunteers will have undergone an enhanced DBS Check prior to commencing any activity on behalf of the Club.
  • A central record of checks will be kept up-to-date by the Club.
  • All staff and volunteers having access to/working with children, young people and vulnerable adults, are required to supply references.
  • All staff and volunteers will receive training in safeguarding awareness and regular updates. All volunteers are instructed to report immediately the disclosure or discovery of abuse direct to the DSO
  • All staff are informed of local statutory arrangements in respect of the disclosure or discovery of abuse and are given support in their work with participants.
  • All premises or locations that participants may be placed to gain work experience provide a safe environment. Furthermore, at all times safe working practice will be promoted in training and at work.
  • Wigan Warriors will actively engage with multi-agencies in the interests of ensuring the health, safety and welfare of participants.
  • A culture will be created to ensure that at any time staff with any safeguarding questions or concerns will be happy to address them to a member of the management team.

SAFER RECRUITMENT

All Wigan Warriors operations carry out ‘safe recruitment’ protocols for everyone who works for the Club, and all those members of the workforce who are in regular direct contact with children as part of their role.

Key elements of the Club’s safe recruitment approach are:

  • Clear job descriptions, specifications and selection criteria agreed prior to a post being advertised.
  • All roles require a DBS check prior to appointment, with those in regulated activity requiring an enhanced check.
  • Formal application systems are used by applicants.
  • Interviews are held, where possible in person, and by a minimum of three suitably experienced staff.
  • Where appropriate, interviewees are asked about their understanding of safeguarding within a sport environment.
  • Background checks are undertaken – criminal records, references, gap analysis, verification of certificates and any other local requirements – and completed BEFORE a person is deployed into the role.
  • Where content is present on a DBS certificate, a risk assessment to ensure suitability is carried out prior to the commencement of employment.
  • Workers must be issued with a contract of employment (or volunteer agreement) which requires them to apply all necessary organisational policies and it must (where local employment law permits) also require the member of the workforce to declare any criminal convictions acquired during their period of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Safeguarding Lead

The Chief Operating Officer is the club’s Senior Safeguarding Lead and will ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented across all areas of the club. The Senior Safeguarding officer will be kept fully informed of any incidents and cases which may require Board intervention.

Lead Safeguarding Officer

The Safeguarding Officer will have the responsibility to oversee a team of Designated Safeguarding Officers across the club. The Lead Safeguarding Officer will establish and ensure a monthly meeting takes place with all members of the safeguarding team to report on the month’s safeguarding matters. The Safeguarding Officer will make the Senior Safeguarding Lead aware of any serious disclosures as soon as possible but no later than within 24 hours.

Safeguarding Compliance Officer

The Safeguarding Compliance Officer will ensure that all mandatory employee/volunteer checks are completed prior to any person engaging with the club, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance across and support all safeguarding administration requirements.

Employees

All employees working on behalf of Wigan Warriors will be supported through training & development to understand their duty around safeguarding. All employees must have a satisfactory DBS check must be received by Wigan Warriors before they commence work at the Club. Poor or unsafe practice regarding children, young people and adults at risk should be raised by employees immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) sensitively and effectively. It is not the responsibility of anyone within Wigan Warriors to decide whether abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns and report issues to the DSO. Wigan Warriors will then investigate and in serious cases, if required, information will be shared with social services, the police, DBS service and other appropriate bodies.

Volunteers

All volunteers engaged to work in the Club must have clearance to do so and must not start work until a satisfactory DBS clearance has been received. All volunteers will be trained in and adhere to Wigan Warriors Safeguarding Policy and procedures. Volunteers should follow the same protocol as employees if poor or unsafe practice is identified with regard to children, young people and adults at risk.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Wigan Warriors ensure that all facilities that we operate adopt the following practices:

  • Promote healthy and safe practice/s
  • Support and promote the active use of risk assessments to control safeguarding risks.
  • Respond positively to any safeguarding concerns raised by participants or staff.  
  • Clearly display Wigan Warriors process for the referral of abuse
  • Work closely with external partner agencies to address safeguarding issues and concerns.
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Matchday

Wigan Warriors is committed to providing a positive experience for all matchday attendees and will ensure that the safeguarding of all spectators is paramount across all matchday activity. We recognise that there are many individuals present on a matchday and, as such, we will ensure that a full risk assessment takes place prior to each game taking place to minimise any possible risks. Designated Safeguarding Officers will be available on match days to deal with any issues that arise.

Wigan Warriors will ensure that players have an awareness of safeguarding issues and contact with fans both pre and post fixtures.

Any supporter who has a safeguarding concern whilst attending a match at the DW Stadium, Robin Park Arena or other club venue should notify the nearest steward who will notify a member of the safeguarding team.

If you have a safeguarding concern to, please contact the club’s Lead Safeguarding Officer – Andy Duncalf via email at safeguarding@wiganwarriors.com as soon as possible.