Old Caterhamians Rugby Football Club – Safeguarding Adults Policy
Version: 2026
Next Review: Autumn 2027
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1. Introduction
Old Caterhamians RFC (OCRFC) is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all adults involved in rugby, whether players, coaches, volunteers, or spectators. This policy is in line with the RFU Safeguarding Adults Policy and relevant UK legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and Working Together to Safeguard Adults guidance.
OCRFC recognises that:
• All adults have the right to participate safely in rugby.
• Adults may experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation in any setting, including within sports clubs.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
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2. Purpose of the Policy
This policy aims to:
• Protect adults at risk from harm, abuse, or neglect.
• Provide guidance for reporting and responding to concerns.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is embedded into club practice.
• Ensure OCRFC complies with RFU safeguarding regulations and UK law.
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3. Scope
This policy applies to:
• All adult members, players, coaches, referees, and volunteers.
• Individuals over the age of 18 who may be considered adults at risk (those who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation).
• Club environments including training, matches, social events, online interactions, and travel.
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4. Definitions
Adults at Risk: Adults who may need care and support, are unable to protect themselves, or are vulnerable to abuse or neglect.
Abuse: Includes, but is not limited to:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Sexual abuse or exploitation
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Discriminatory abuse
Club Members’ Responsibilities:
• Treat all adults with respect and dignity.
• Report concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Adhere to OCRFC codes of conduct, policies, and procedures.
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5. Roles and Responsibilities
Club Safeguarding Officer (Adults) – CSO(A):
• Lead on safeguarding adults at risk within OCRFC.
• Provide advice and support to all members regarding adult safeguarding concerns.
• Liaise with the RFU Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are reported and recorded appropriately.
Committee and Officers:
• Ensure the club implements and adheres to this policy.
• Support the CSO(A) in safeguarding matters.
Members, Volunteers, and Coaches:
• Comply with the Safeguarding Adults Policy and report concerns.
• Undertake relevant training as required by the RFU.
RFU Safeguarding Team:
• Provides guidance, advice, and oversight.
• Ensures compliance with RFU Safeguarding Adults Policy.
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6. Safe Recruitment
OCRFC follows RFU guidance for recruitment of adults in positions of responsibility:
• All volunteers and staff roles with access to adults at risk are subject to appropriate checks, including DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) where required.
• Role descriptions include safeguarding responsibilities.
• Reference checks and interviews are undertaken to ensure suitability.
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7. Reporting Concerns
Immediate Action:
• If an adult is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999).
Non-Urgent Concerns:
• Report to the Club Safeguarding Officer (Adults).
• Complete the OCRFC Safeguarding Adults Concern Form.
• The CSO(A) will:
o Assess the concern
o Advise on next steps
o Report to the RFU Safeguarding Team and, if required, local adult safeguarding services
Confidentiality:
• All reports are treated confidentially.
• Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis to protect the adult at risk.
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8. Responding to Allegations
• Allegations of abuse will be treated seriously and promptly.
• The club will not investigate allegations independently where they involve abuse; instead, concerns will be referred to the CSO(A), RFU, and statutory agencies.
• Alleged perpetrators may be suspended from the club while an investigation takes place.
• Support will be offered to both the adult at risk and the alleged perpetrator in line with RFU guidance.
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9. Training and Education
• All staff and volunteers must undertake RFU Safeguarding Adults training relevant to their role.
• The Club will provide ongoing awareness sessions to maintain a safe environment.
• Training records are maintained by the Safeguarding Officer.
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10. Record Keeping
• All concerns, disclosures, and incidents are recorded securely by the CSO(A).
• Records are retained in accordance with data protection laws and RFU guidance.
• Records must include:
o Nature of concern
o Individuals involved
o Actions taken
o Outcome and follow-up
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11. Code of Conduct
All members, coaches, and volunteers must:
• Treat all adults with respect and dignity.
• Avoid actions or behaviours that could harm or place an adult at risk.
• Follow club policies on health, safety, online conduct, and social media.
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12. Policy Review
• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by RFU guidance or changes in legislation.
• Responsibility for review rests with the Club Committee in consultation with the Safeguarding Officer (Adults).
• Next Review: Autumn 2027
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13. Contacts
Club Safeguarding Officer (Adults):
Katy HEDGES / safeguarding@oldcats.co.uk
RFU Safeguarding Team:
• Email: safeguarding@rfu.com
• Tel: 020 8831 6655
• RFU Speak Up Policy: https://www.englandrugby.com/safeguarding/speak-up
Local Adult Safeguarding Services:
• Contact via local council adult safeguarding team or social services