North of England Volleyball Club — Safeguarding Policy
Statement
England North Volleyball acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We are committed to ensuring that our safeguarding practices reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and best practice standards. The club adheres to the Volleyball England Safeguarding Policy and associated safeguarding guidance.
We strive to create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants involved in volleyball. Our goal is to ensure that, regardless of age, ability, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, everyone:
• Has a positive and enjoyable experience of sport in a safe environment.
• Is protected from abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, discrimination, and poor practice while participating in volleyball or outside of the activity.
Safeguarding means promoting the safety, wellbeing, and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, enabling them to participate in a secure and supportive environment.
Safeguarding Commitments
As part of our safeguarding policy, we will:
• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults at risk.
• Value, listen to, and respect all participants.
• Ensure all individuals understand their safeguarding roles and responsibilities and receive appropriate training to identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and other concerns.
• Take appropriate action in response to incidents or concerns and support individuals who raise or disclose concerns.
• Maintain confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns, stored securely in line with data protection legislation.
• Recruit and select staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are completed where appropriate.
• Ensure participants, parents, carers, and guardians know where to seek help if they have a concern.
• Promote a culture where concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation or retaliation.
• Work in partnership with statutory agencies, Volleyball England, parents, carers, and other relevant organisations to safeguard those involved in our activities.
Safeguarding Adults
England North Volleyball recognises its responsibility to safeguard adults at risk and is committed to protecting their right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.
An adult at risk is a person aged 18 years or over who has needs for care and support and who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
The club will:
• Treat all adults with dignity and respect.
• Empower adults to make informed choices and decisions wherever possible.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to concerns regarding physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, discriminatory, organisational, domestic, or neglect-related abuse.
• Act promptly on any concerns relating to the welfare of an adult at risk.
• Work in accordance with the principles of the Care Act 2014: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, and Accountability.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns involving adults at risk are reported to the Club Welfare Officer and, where necessary, referred to appropriate statutory agencies.
Reporting Concerns
Everyone involved with England North Volleyball has a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns.
Any concerns regarding the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk should be reported as soon as possible to the Club Welfare Officer. Where there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted by dialling 999.
All concerns will be taken seriously, responded to appropriately, and recorded in accordance with Volleyball England safeguarding procedures and relevant legislation.
Online Safety
England North Volleyball recognises that safeguarding responsibilities extend to online environments, including social media, messaging platforms, video conferencing, and other digital communications.
All members, coaches, volunteers, and participants are expected to behave appropriately online and follow Volleyball England guidance regarding acceptable use of technology and social media.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner under the following circumstances:
• Changes in legislation or government guidance.
• Requirements from the local safeguarding partnership, UK Sport, Volleyball England, or home country sports councils.
• Any safeguarding incident, significant organisational change, or other relevant event.
• Recommendations arising from safeguarding reviews or investigations.
Contact Details
Club Welfare Officer (CWO)
Responsible for ensuring all club members enjoy volleyball in an environment free from intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and abuse. The CWO has completed recognised safeguarding training developed by Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Safeguarding / Welfare Officer
Name: Anthony Hignett
Email: anthony@englandnorthvolleyball.co.uk
Policy Version: June 2026
Reviewed: June 2026
Next Review: June 2027
Additional Resources
Volleyball England Safeguarding Policy & Guidance:
https://www.volleyballengland.org/support/safeguarding-and-welfare/policy-and-guidance
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/EnglandNorthVolleyball/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/engnorthvolleyball/?hl=en