5.6 What are the roles and responsibilities of different organisations?

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An athletics official and a security guard stand either side of a giant clipboard. The paper on the clipboard is headed roles and responsibilities, with lines of text and three green ticks below the heading.

Safeguarding Leads and case management groups need to make initial judgements about whether cases should be reported to external child protection services, NGOs, and/or authorities responsible for criminal investigation, such as the police.

The following table includes some examples of cases you might need to consider – remember that even apparently minor issues can sometimes be just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of more serious concerns.

Low-level concerns (poor practice)

Medium-level concerns (serious poor practice)

High-level concerns (serious safeguarding concerns involving abuse/criminal behaviour)

Safeguarding Lead’s responsibility

Investigate and respond to the concerns

Refer to or consult with the organisation’s case management group and Judicial Body*. Safeguarding Lead may also consult with external protection services.

Refer/report to external protection services and/or the police, and to the organisation’s relevant Judicial Body*

Who is involved and responsible for investigation and further action? 

Safeguarding Lead

Safeguarding Lead supported by case management group and Judicial Body* staff.

External protection agencies and/or the police, and the organisation’s Judicial Body* staff supported by the Safeguarding Lead.

Some practice examples

  • One instance of using bad language toward a team coach.

  • Refusing to allow parents to watch sessions.

  • Giving athletes derogatory nicknames and encouraging other athletes to use them.

  • Shouting at groups of volunteers.

  • Suspicions of grooming behaviour.

  • Single instance of providing alcohol or recreational drugs to young athletes.

  • Persistent verbally aggressive behaviour towards a member of staff.

  • Adult making online contact with a child.

  • Causing harm to an athlete by overtraining with an injury.

  • Adults consistently giving lifts to a child in a private car.

  • Any allegations of sexual assault.

  • Sexual harassment of staff.

  • Reports of obvious grooming behaviour.

  • Any physical assault on a child or vulnerable adult.

  • Someone selling illegal drugs to young athletes. 

  • Online stalking and harassment.

Footnotes  

*For organisations under the jurisdiction of a sports Judicial Body

Being clear about roles and responsibilities is a key part of your Safeguarding Lead role.

Special attention should be given whenever a safeguarding issue becomes a matter of concern for a number of different organisations, as clear communication will be key to avoiding any problems.

Next, you explore how to refer a serious case to an external organisation.

5.5 Why is responding to reports promptly important?

5.7 Referring a case externally