Hartlepool United Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. All staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using the agreed safeguarding procedures. The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults (vulnerable groups) have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Enhanced Criminal Record Checks and reference checks.
Whistle-Blowing
Whistle-blowing in a safeguarding context means revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation, or within an independent structure associated with it. It can be used as an early-warning system or when it is recognised that appropriate actions have not been taken. This approach or policy is adopted in many different walks of life. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague’s conduct towards a child or young person can also use whistle-blowing by calling 0800 169 1863 and asking for The FA’s safeguarding team, or via email to: safeguarding@TheFA.com
Useful Resources
The PFA Safety Net offers confidential support to Academy players, trialists and their parents/guardians/carers. A link to the website can be found here.
The EFL have several mental health self-help guides available here.
CEOP offers help and advice to children and young people about staying safe online. Parent Info is a collaboration between Parent Zone and CEOP providing help and advice from leading experts and organisations, for families in a digital world.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) support children and young people aged 0-18 (and their families) with a wide range of mental health difficulties.
Contact Us
Designated Safeguarding Officer - Dan Taylor: Dan.Taylor@hartlepoolunited.co.uk
Senior Safeguarding Lead - Rose Stoker: Rose.Stoker@hartlepoolunited.co.uk
Designated Safeguarding Officer for Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation - Keith Nobbs: Keith.Nobbs@hartlepoolunited.co.uk
Reporting
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult at Hartlepool United Football Club you can contact us via telephone or email. A member of our Safeguarding Team will review the information you have provided within 24 hours and decide what action needs to be taken. You can also fill in our reporting form.
We have a duty to share information that you give us with other agencies if we think that a child or vulnerable adult could be at risk of harm.
Alternatively, concerns can be reported to the following organisations:
• Direct to the local Police or Children’s Social Care services.
• The Child Protection in Sport Unit at: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
• The NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Reporting Form
What we need from you: Please say as much as you can about the situation – it will help us take the right action. Tell us the facts that you know, as well as any concerns you have about the individual.
Can I remain anonymous?
You can contact us anonymously if you do not want to tell us who you are. However, it's really helpful to have your name and contact details, as we may need to contact you for more information in order to protect the child or vulnerable adult that you are concerned about.