Safeguarding at Goalball UK

Goalball UK is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our sport. As the recognised National Governing Body for goalball, we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and work in line with best practice guidance from the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), NSPCC, and Ann Craft Trust.

We have clear policies and procedures in place to safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk, and we are committed to responding promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns.

Our Policies

How to share a concern

If you are worried about a child, young person, or adult at risk — or about the behaviour of an adult towards them — it is important to share your concern as soon as possible.

You do not need to be certain that abuse or poor practice has occurred. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to speak up.

Ways to report a concern:

You can raise a concern in any of the following ways:
  1. Your Club Welfare Officer, Each club has a named Club Welfare Officer. Please ask your club if you are unsure who this is.
  2. Goalball UK directly, you can do this by calling Lead Safeguarding Officer,  Steve Cox, 07706 286 584 or emailing at  safeguarding@goalballuk.com
  3. Goalball UK Independent CareLine, an independent and confidential reporting service. 07999 968 376
  4. NSPCC 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000. If urgent and you cannot contact your club or the Goalball UK Safeguarding Officer.
  5. Emergency Services. If someone is at immediate risk, call 999 or contact Children’s or Adult Social Care in your local area.

Self Reporting and low level concerns

If you need to report a low‑level concern or an incident involving your own behaviour or actions, you should do so as early as possible so that appropriate support or guidance can be provided.

Use this online self reporting form to report a concern or incident.

If Someone Shares a Concern With You

If a child, young person, or adult shares a concern with you, it is important to:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully
  • Reassure them that they are not to blame
  • Avoid asking leading questions; keep questions to a minimum
  • Do not promise confidentiality — you will almost certainly need to share the information
  • Make brief, accurate notes as soon as possible
  • Report the concern without delay

Report using a Safeguarding Concern Form

Click here to access the Microsoft Forms version of the Goalball UK Safeguarding Concern / incident form

Click here to download the Word version of the Goalball UK Safeguarding Concern / incident form

Remember the 4 R’s of Safeguarding

  • Recognise
    Notice concerns, signs, or behaviours that cause worry or feel inappropriate.
  • Respond
    Listen, reassure, and take what you are told seriously.
  • Report
    Share the concern with your Club Welfare Officer or the Goalball UK Lead Safeguarding Officer.
    If there is immediate risk, call emergency services.
  • Record
    Concerns will be recorded securely by Goalball UK in line with safeguarding procedures and data protection requirements.

Goalball UK Independent CareLine

Goalball UK provides an Independent CareLine for anyone who may not feel comfortable raising concerns internally

https://goalballuk.com/safeguarding/careline/

The CareLine can be used to report:

  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Concerns about wellbeing or mental health
  • Complaints or concerns relating to Goalball UK
  • Suspected criminal behaviour within the organisation

Call or text 07999 968 376
All contact is confidential and handled by an independent professional service.

Essential Contacts:

Goalball UK,  www.goalballuk.com

Lead Safeguarding Officer,  Steve Cox, 07706 286 584 or  steve.cox@goalballuk.com

Goalball UK Independent CareLine, 07999 968 376,  CareLine Webpage

For local contacts please consult phone directories or internet to find the appropriate information:

Children’s Social Care and Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – available through Local Authorities

Police – in emergency dial 999 or consult local directories

 

Other Useful Resources:

Childline (www.childline.org.uk), support for children and young people 0800 1111         

NSPCC (www.nspcc.org.uk), advice and support for adults concerned about a child or young person 0808 800 5000    

CPSU (www.thecpsu.org.uk), advice on safeguarding children in sport 0116 366 5580

Ann Craft Trust (https://www.anncrafttrust.org/), advice on safeguarding adults in sport 0115 951 5400

Thinkuknow (Thinkuknow.co.uk), Online site with information for young people and adults, including how to report concerns

Kidscape (www.kidscape.org.uk), Charity established to protect children and prevent bullying

Please be aware, all discussions are dealt with confidentially and in accordance with UK government laws.

Safeguarding Awareness and Training

All coaches, officials, volunteers, and club personnel who work with children or adults at risk are expected to complete appropriate safeguarding training.

Visit our Safeguarding Training page to learn more about:

  • Safeguarding & Protecting Children training
  • Time to Listen (Club Welfare Officer training)
  • Safeguarding Adults training

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to supporting a culture where people feel confident to raise concerns.