FA Safeguarding Children Workshop

Whistle Blowing Not just for Referees

Whistle-blowing in football is not just about refereeing but is also used as a safeguarding early warning system.

Whistle-blowing in football is not just about refereeing but is also used as a safeguarding early warning system. It is to be used by those involved in football when it’s recognised that appropriate actions have not been taken and this approach or policy is adopted in many different walks of life.

The FA Whilst Blowing Policy is about revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation or within an independent structure associated with it. Any adult or young person with concerns about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of an adult towards a child or young person under 18 years of age in football, must refer it to The FA’s safeguarding team. The team is staffed by professionals who are experienced in dealing with these concerns.

The FA’s Safeguarding team can be contacted on:

0800 169 1863 Extension 6300 or 6400

or

via email on safeguarding@TheFA.com

Guernsey FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, Sara Mallet commented that;

‘It is important to state that anything urgent, where there may be an immediate risk of harm to a child, must be reported to the police or children’s social care in Guernsey. The Guernsey FA has also produced documentation, which details contact information and reporting processes for local clubs and the football community and this information has been distributed to local affiliated clubs. Within Guernsey you can go direct to Guernsey Police, the Multi-Agency Support Hub (MASH), the Guernsey FA Safeguarding officials or the Club Welfare Officer and report your concerns. Referring non-immediate risk of harm concerns can be done via a club, league or County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or alternatively, The FA can be contacted directly using the information above.’

Contact information for safeguarding concerns in Guernsey football are as follows:

Guernsey Police: 725111
Guernsey Multi-Agency Support Hub – 723182 or 725241 (out of hours emergencies)

Guernsey FAsafeguarding@GuernseyFA.com

Guernsey FA Designated Safeguarding Officer Sara Mallett -Sara.Mallett@randellandloveridge.gg

Guernsey FA Senior Safeguarding Lead, Gary Roberts – Gary.roberts@GuernseyFA.com

Guernsey FA Board Safeguarding Champion, Chris Schofield - Chris.Schofield@hepburnsinsurance.gg

Guernsey FA Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer Joelle Pengelley - Joelle.Pengelley@guernseyfa.com

Other points of contact are:

Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
NSPCC Hotline – 0800 023 2642

Full details of how to report safeguarding concerns, including the process and contact information in the ‘Guernsey FA – Safeguarding Reporting’ document which can be found via the following link:

http://www.guernseyfa.com/about/rules-and-regulations/safeguarding-and-welfare

Information about the FA Whistle-Blowing Policy and other Safeguarding policies, procedures and regulations can be found via the following link:

//www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/policy-downloads

Remember - If a child or young person is in immediate danger, the advice is ALWAYS to call 999.