Safeguarding and welfare 

 

PETERBOROUGH LIONS FC CIC

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Applies to all activities, projects and services delivered by Peterborough Lions FC CIC, including Roots & Rise, M.A.D. (Make A Difference) and Peterborough Lions FC. 

Date created: September 2026

Review cycle: Checked annually and formally reviewed every 3 years, unless learning from safeguarding practice, incidents, organisational change, legislation or government guidance requires an earlier update.

1. Purpose and Commitment

Peterborough Lions FC CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who engage with our activities, projects and services.

We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, be listened to, be respected and have opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding is a fundamental part of our organisation and is everyone's responsibility. All trustees, staff, volunteers, coaches, contractors and partners share a responsibility to protect children and young people from harm and to respond appropriately to any concerns.

We are committed to:

• Providing safe, inclusive and welcoming environments.

• Listening to children and taking their views seriously.

• Promoting wellbeing and positive experiences.

• Acting promptly on safeguarding concerns.

• Working in partnership with families and other agencies.

• Continually improving our safeguarding practice.

2. Our Safeguarding Culture

At Peterborough Lions FC CIC, safeguarding is more than a policy or legal obligation. It is part of our culture and how we work every day.

We aim to create environments where:

• Children feel safe, respected and valued.

• Everyone knows how to seek help.

• Concerns are identified and addressed early.

• Staff and volunteers feel confident to speak up.

• Diversity is celebrated and discrimination is challenged.

• Positive relationships are built on trust, respect and inclusion.

We recognise that safeguarding is not only about protecting children from harm. It is also about creating supportive environments where children and young people can thrive

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees and directors.

• Employees.

• Volunteers.

• Coaches.

• Contractors.

• Sessional staff.

• Partner organisations delivering services on behalf of Peterborough Lions FC CIC.

This policy applies to all activities, programmes, events, services and facilities operated or managed by the organisation.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Trustees and Directors

Trustees and Directors are responsible for ensuring appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place, reviewed regularly and supported by adequate resources. 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns.

• Managing safeguarding reports.

• Coordinating referrals.

• Maintaining safeguarding records.

• Providing safeguarding advice.

• Monitoring safeguarding practice. 

 

Staff and Volunteers

Everyone working on behalf of Peterborough Lions FC CIC must:

• Follow this policy.

• Complete required safeguarding training.

• Recognise and report concerns.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

• Promote safe and inclusive environments. 

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

• Something a child tells you.

• A change in behaviour.

• An injury or pattern of injuries.

• Information from another person.

• Online activity.

• Concerns regarding another child or adult.

Concerns may include:

• Physical abuse.

• Emotional abuse.

• Sexual abuse.

• Neglect.

• Domestic abuse.

• Child criminal exploitation.

• Child sexual exploitation.

• Online abuse.

• Bullying.

• Child-on-child abuse.

• Radicalisation.

• Discriminatory behaviour.

Staff and volunteers do not need proof that abuse has occurred before reporting concerns. If in doubt, speak to the DSL. 

6. Early Help and Prevention

We recognise that children and families may benefit from support before concerns reach safeguarding thresholds. Where appropriate, we will:

• Listen to children and families.

• Encourage early conversations.

• Signpost to support services.

• Work with schools and partner agencies.

• Promote wellbeing and positive outcomes.

Early support can reduce risk and improve outcomes for children and young people. 

7. Responding to Concerns and Disclosures

If a child discloses information or a safeguarding concern arises, staff and volunteers should:

1. Listen carefully.

2. Remain calm.

3. Take the child seriously.

4. Avoid leading questions.

5. Never promise confidentiality.

6. Reassure the child they have done the right thing.

7. Report the concern immediately.

8. Make a factual written record. 

Staff and volunteers must never investigate concerns themselves.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services immediately and inform the DSL as soon as possible. 

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All concerns must be reported without delay.

Safeguarding concerns should be recorded using the organisation’s safeguarding reporting form, which is located on our website. Website/reporting form link: ______________________________

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy DS

Name: Kerry Cassisy

Telephone:  07551 424741

Email: Info@m-a-d.net

 

Deputy DSL

Name: Darren Foster 

Telephone: 07415 064 926 

Email: peterboroughlionselite@gmail.com

 

Immediate Risk

If a child is in immediate danger: Call 999 immediately

Concern About the DSL

Concerns about the DSL should be reported to the Deputy DSL or a nominated senior leader.

The organisation will work with Children's Social Care, the Police, safeguarding partnerships, governing bodies and other agencies where appropriate. 

9. Safe Working Practice

All staff and volunteers are expected to behave in ways that protect children and promote their wellbeing.

This includes:

• Treating children with dignity and respect.

• Maintaining professional boundaries.

• Using approved communication methods.

• Challenging inappropriate behaviour.

• Reporting safeguarding concerns.

• Following organisational procedures.

Further guidance is provided within the Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct.

10. Child-on-Child Abuse

Peterborough Lions FC CIC recognises that children can sometimes harm other children.

Bullying, harassment, violence, sexual abuse, discrimination and other harmful behaviours will always be taken seriously.

Concerns will be managed in a child-centred manner and appropriate action taken to support all children involved. 

11. Information Sharing and Record Keeping

Safeguarding information will be shared on a need-to-know basis where necessary to protect a child.

Safeguarding records will be:

• Accurate.

• Factual.

• Secure.

• Confidential.

• Retained appropriately.

The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding records and safeguarding information management. 

12. Governance and Review

Peterborough Lions FC CIC is committed to reviewing safeguarding practice regularly and learning from experience.

This policy will be checked annually and formally reviewed every 3 years. It will also be updated earlier where required by learning from safeguarding practice or incidents, organisational change, legislation, statutory guidance or government updates.

• Annual safeguarding check.

• Formal review every 3 years.

• Earlier update following significant safeguarding learning or incidents.

• Earlier update following changes to legislation, statutory guidance, government guidance or organisational arrangements.

Safeguarding remains a standing responsibility of trustees, senior leaders, staff and volunteers. 

Related Policies and Procedures

This policy should be read alongside:

• Managing Concerns About Adults Procedure

• Safer Recruitment Policy

• Missing Child Procedure

• Whistleblowing Policy

• Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct

• Online Safety, Photography and Social Media Procedure

• Safeguarding Reporting Form

• Safeguarding Quick Reference Guide

Available on request