Policy Statement

Middlesbrough Disabled Supporters Association 2024 (MDSA24) acknowledges its responsibility to safeguarding the welfare of every child, young person and vulnerable adult entrusted to its care and committed to providing a safe environment for all.

Members recognise and accept their responsibilities to develop an awareness of the issues in order to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Definition 

For this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years.

A vulnerable adult shall be defined as; A person over the age of 18 who is or who may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness: and who is or who may be unable to take care of themselves or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

All children, young people and vulnerable adults have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith or beliefs.

Middlesbrough Disabled Supporters Association 2024 will endeavour to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults by

Adopting best practice guidelines and encouraging such through a Code of Conduct for Members.

Taking all suspicions and allegations of abuse seriously and responding to them swiftly and appropriately. MDSA24 will share information with the Safeguarding Officer at Middlesbrough Football Club, who may escalate to the appropriate agencies in line with Government Guidance Working Together (2015).

Ensuring that all new committee members know our Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults policy and best practice guidelines.

Appointing a designated Welfare Officer (if appropriate) who will respond to concerns and refer them to the Safeguarding Officer at Middlesbrough Football Club.

Undertaking an annual review of safeguarding and vulnerable adult policies, or more regularly should an incident occur.

Reporting your concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and if you are worried about a child or vulnerable adult, it is essential that you report your concerns – no action is not an option.

If you are worried about a child, then you need to report your concerns to MDSA24’s nominated person, unless your concern is about the nominated person in which case you should report to the Chair of MDSA24 and the Safeguarding Officer at Middlesbrough Football Club.

If the issue is of poor practice, the MDSA24 committee may deal with it.

If the concern is more serious – possible abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, contact MDSA24 nominated person and Safeguarding Officer at Middlesbrough Football club. mfc.co.uk/club/safeguarding

If the child or vulnerable adult needs immediate medical treatment, call an ambulance and tell them it is a child/vulnerable adult protection concern.

If at any time you are not able to contact MDSA24’s nominated person or the Safeguarding Officer at Middlesbrough Football Club, or the matter is more serious, you can use either…

Contact the Police or Social Services

Call the NSPCC helpline on 0800 800 5000. For other accessible features regarding contacting NSPCC please visit

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/accessibility/

Further General advice on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adult matters can be obtained via

https://www.gov.uk/dbs-checks-applicant-criminal-record

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that’s seeks to protect children in the UK

A copy of the key legislation and advice is available from

NSPCC.org.uk/childprotection