Safeguarding

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

We believe that everyone who takes part in our activities has the right to do so in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and the Trust operates clear policies, procedures and leadership structures to ensure that concerns are recognised, reported and managed appropriately.

Safeguarding Commitment

The Board of Trustees and staff at Accrington Stanley Community Trust recognise and accept their statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people who participate in the Trust’s activities or access our facilities.

The Trust’s Safeguarding Children Policy applies to all individuals working on behalf of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, including senior managers, employees, volunteers, sessional staff, agency workers, interns, students and contractors. A copy of the policy is made available to all adults working with children and young people within the Trust.

The welfare of children and young people is paramount. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with the Trust’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and adhere to its principles at all times. These policies and procedures are supported by ongoing safeguarding training and guidance to ensure staff are equipped to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Safeguarding Leadership Team

Accrington Stanley Community Trust operates a clear safeguarding leadership structure to ensure accountability, oversight and effective safeguarding practice across all areas of the organisation.

Board Safeguarding Lead
Purves Ali – Chair of Trustees

Senior Safeguarding Manager (SSM)
Martin Fearon – Chief Executive Officer

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Joanna Williams – Partnerships & Fundraising Manager

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Lee Walsh – Head of Sport & Health
Sarah Hunt – Facility & Administration Manager
Stefan Wilson – Head of Education & Employability
Rhian Sabatino-Richmond – Head of Community Engagement

This structure ensures safeguarding responsibilities are embedded across the organisation, with oversight at operational, senior management and Board level.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is committed to ensuring that anyone taking part in our activities can do so in a safe environment.

If you are worried about something, feel unsafe, believe you may be at risk, or are concerned that someone else may be at risk, please contact a member of our safeguarding team.

Joanna Williams
Designated Safeguarding Officer
✉ joanna.williams@stanleytrust.co.uk

01254 475013

Martin Fearon
Senior Safeguarding Manager
✉ martin.fearon@stanleytrust.co.uk

01254 475013

You can also speak to any member of staff, who will ensure your concern is passed to the safeguarding team.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger or there is an emergency, please call 999.

Safeguarding Policies

Accrington Stanley Community Trust has a number of safeguarding policies and procedures in place to ensure best practice and compliance with safeguarding legislation and guidance.

These include:

• Safeguarding Children Policy

• Safeguarding Procedures Manual

• Safer Recruitment Policy

• Staff Code of Conduct

• Whistleblowing Policy

Copies of these policies are available on request or can be downloaded below.

Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy and Procedures

Other Contacts and Support

If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, the following organisations can provide advice and support.

English Football League (EFL)
safeguarding@efl.com

The Football Association (FA)
safeguarding@TheFA.com

Lancashire County Council Social Services
0300 123 6720 – 24 hour helpline

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
01772 536694

Childline
0800 1111

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247

Mind – Mental Health Support
0300 123 3393

Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline
0800 789 321

Safeguarding Resources

The following organisations provide guidance and advice on safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk.

NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
www.thecpsu.org.uk

ThinkUKnow (National Crime Agency)
Advice on keeping children safe online
www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Ann Craft Trust
Safeguarding adults and people at risk
www.anncrafttrust.org

CEOP – Child Exploitation and Online Protection
www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre

Mind – Mental Health Charity
www.mind.org.uk

Heads Together
Mental health support and guidance
www.headstogether.org.uk/get-support