SUPPORT FOR WELFARE OFFICERS

As you know RESPECT is The FA's direct response to a clear message from the grassroots game. We must improve standards of behavior - on and off the field.

Parental behavior is one of the main reasons why young players drop out of the game. Poor behavior by coaches, parents and players has also seen a number of officials drop out each season

The role of the Club Welfare Officer (CWO) is to deal with poor practice cases within their club, give advice and guidance as well as being the lead on DBS’s within the club.

CWOs should always report more serious welfare case to the FA via the County Designated Safeguarding Officer.

WANT TO BECOME A WELFARE OFFICER?

The Shropshire FA is committed to football being inclusive and providing a safe and positive experience for every adult in the game. Safeguarding is high on our agenda and we are committed to promoting adult safeguarding and responding appropriately to any adult at risk.

We recognise some people may need additional safeguards and/or protection. These adults are referred to as ‘Adults at risk’. The Football Authorities recognise their responsibility to safeguard and protect adults at risk by responding appropriately to any allegations or suspicions of abuse. Everyone who works with adults at risk has a responsibility to commit to this. If abuse is suspected, or reported, The Authorities and The Association will work in partnership with the adult at risk wherever possible, depending on their capacity and the risk to them and others. The Association will also work in partnership with the Police, health and/or adult services, the Disclosure and Barring Service, Safeguarding Adults Boards and local authorities so these organisations can carry out their statutory duties to safeguard and protect adults at risk. When responding to abuse or allegations of abuse and considering the sharing of information, The Authorities and The Association will put the needs of the adult first and take into account the six principles of safeguarding adults detailed in the Care Act 2014: empowerment; protection; prevention; proportionality; partnership; and accountability. These principles will underpin all work with adults at risk.

Attached below are a number of documents which will assist you to meet your responsibilities within Disability Football, to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, and how to deal with any concerns that may arise.

The actions we would request for you to take are;
1. Appoint a Welfare Officer (Adult Disability Teams) and upload their name to Whole Game System;
2. Adopt a ‘Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures’;
3. Communicate the policy and procedures;
4. Encourage volunteers and staff to complete the free, online FA Safeguarding Adults course.
5. Upload the names of coaches and managers to Whole Game System and identify who is working with under-18s and needs a DBS Check;
6. Review the best-practice guidance and identify any steps that could be taken to strengthen existing safeguards;
7. Manage poor practice and report any concerns that an adult is at risk in a swift and effective way.