Rugby Safeguarding Officer

The CSO is accountable for:

• Being the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk

• Encouraging an environment where the voice of the child or adult at risk is central to influencing club policy and procedure, and that their feedback is actively sought out and acted upon where possible

• Ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are reported appropriately to the Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager (CBSM), the RFU Safeguarding team and/or the appropriate statutory agencies in a timely fashion, in line with the appropriate RFU procedures

• Ensuring that everyone at the club is aware of the appropriate reporting structures regarding safeguarding concerns and championing an environment where this is common knowledge

• Leading on the annual club safeguarding audit, with support from the Club Committee, its Chair and all its volunteers and staff as and where appropriate

• Working in partnership with the volunteer coordinator, or club equivalent, to ensure safer recruitment procedures are followed, in line with the RFU Safeguarding Children Policy and Regulation 21. This includes ensuring references are received and vetted (where appropriate), and advising the club on which appointments require appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and that these checks are carried out in the appropriate timeframe and accurate records are kept

• With the support of the committee, ensuring that the club adheres to all its safeguarding responsibilities detailed in the annual Club Safeguarding Audit

• Ensuring the club is proactive in making sure its staff and volunteers who are required to carry out safeguarding training carry it out in the appropriate timeframe, including refresher training

• Supporting all safeguarding concerns or queries volunteers, staff or members have. This includes offering advice and insight into club practice, supporting children and adults at risk in making disclosures and ensuring that the committee is updated on all safeguarding issues

• Ensuring the club’s safeguarding policy is openly accessible to everyone and is kept updated, and ensuring safeguarding information and contacts is readily available on the club website

• Attending club committee meetings as a member of that committee, who is responsible for ensuring safeguarding is a mandatory standing item on the agenda