The Foundation believes that all children and adult at risk whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief or sexual identity, have the right to protection from harm at all times. This commitment does not cease once a child reaches the age of 18.

The Foundation also believes that concern for the general wellbeing and welfare of all children, young persons and adult at risk who are working with them in a number of different capacities is of paramount importance and will provide a setting which has a proper concern for safeguarding and protection.

Foundation staff who work with children, young people and adults at risk in a number of settings, have a responsibility to keep them safe and we will seek to respond to that responsibility by encouraging best practice in Safeguarding matters. The Foundation aims to promote and support good outcomes in terms of health, development and educational achievement alongside football and sporting activity. It also recognises the significance of ethical and cultural diversity.

It is the duty of all people working for the Foundation to safeguard the welfare of the children, and adult at risk we work with by reporting any concerns about possible harm or abuse that is discovered or suspected. The Foundation will ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect children and adult at risk from neglect and physical, sexual or emotional harm and abuse.

Our people will at all times, show respect for and understanding of the rights, safety and welfare of the children and adult at risk who participate in our programmes and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Foundation.

We do this by

Ensuring that all our people who have unsupervised access to children and adult at risk are appropriately checked for their suitability;

Undertaking appropriate risk assessments and taking all necessary steps to minimise and manage risks;

Letting parents, children and adult at risk know how to voice concerns or complaints about anything they may be unhappy or concerned about;

Giving parents, children and adult at risk access to information about the Foundation, how we work and what can be expected from us and ensuring that all those who use our services have access to our safeguarding policies and know who the Safeguarding Officer is.