The FAW has implemented the following structure to ensure that Safeguarding is embedded into our Welsh football culture and to ensure a positive football environment can be provided. It is compulsory for all Clubs, Leagues and Area Associations to have a registered Safeguarding officer in place to support the FAW Safeguarding Policy, Practices and Procedures.
Whilst each level of Safeguarding Officer has roles and responsibilities, its important that all Safeguarding Officers work together to prevent harm from occuring, or to deal with any poor practice or abuse that arises.
Club Safeguarding Officer Roles and Responsibilities
- Administer DBS programme.
- Ensure that coaches and relevant personnel have current and valid DBS checks and have registered with the club on the COMET system.
- Ensure that coaches and relevant personnel have the necessary qualifications to undertake their roles.
- Ensure that the club meets at least the Standard level of the Club Accreditation Programme (in partnership with club colleagues)
- Act as the point of contact for minor safeguarding/welfare issues at club level
- Report issues that cannot be dealt with at club level to your League Safeguarding Officer
- Implement best practice at club level.
- Comply with the CSO Code of Conduct
League Safeguarding Officer Roles and Responsibilities
- Support club safeguarding officers with their duties and offer support and guidance.
- Communicate leagues responsibility to safeguard children.
- Promote FAW safeguarding policies.
- Monitor best practice at club level.
- Act as liaison between club and Area Association
- Implement reporting procedure and escalate concerns to Area Association/FAW Safeguarding where necessary.
- Investigate safeguarding issues where appropriate
- Reporting issues to Area Safeguarding officer that cannot be dealt with at a League level
- Support clubs when going through a restructure (i.e. change of verifier or club safeguarding officer)
- Ensure individuals have received the necessary training
- Monitor Club Accreditation Programme (in partnership with League Secretary)
area Safeguarding Officer Roles and Responsibilities
- Promote and disseminate FAW Safeguarding policies and procedures
- Manage children’s welfare within the Association
- Arrange and attend necessary meetings with member leagues and clubs
- Assist FAW Safeguarding department with investigations into safeguarding concerns where directed
- Investigate safeguarding issues and complaints where appropriate
- Report issues to FAW Safeguarding that cannot be dealt with at an Area level
- Monitor best practice at club and league level
- Ensure that individuals have received the necessary training
- Manage the Area’s responsibility to safeguard children
FAW SAFEGUARDING TEAM Roles and Responsibilities
- Comprises of National Safeguarding & Player Welfare Manager, Safeguarding Executive and Safeguarding Co-ordinator
- Manage statutory and legal matters
- Undertake investigations into serious matters; criminal activity, sexual offences, drugs, violence
- Policy development & implementation
- Training & education
- Consultation
- Manage National DBS Programme- forms are submitted to FAW and processed before sending onto the DBS
- Log DBS information to an individual's COMET profile upon receipt of DBS certificate/clearance.
- Assist with COMET registration process and check that an individual involved in junior football has a valid DBS before confirming their registration on the COMET system.
- Assist with the management of coach registration issues and queries
- Manage independent Safeguarding Panel
- Communication of safeguarding procedures and protocols
- Manage complaints/concerns and refer as necessary