Safeguarding: Adults at Risk

Saltcoats Victoria FC believes that every adult involved with the club has the right to take part in football, and to be safe while doing so. This policy sets out how we protect adults who may be at risk of harm, and it sits alongside our Child Protection Policy.

Purpose and scope

This policy applies to everyone acting on behalf of the club: committee members, coaches, managers, volunteers, match-day staff and players. It covers adults (aged 18 or over) who may be at risk, whether they are players, volunteers, spectators, members of staff or visitors to Campbell Park.

Who is an adult at risk?

Under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, an adult at risk is someone aged 16 or over who:

is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests;
is at risk of harm; and
because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, is more vulnerable to being harmed than others who are not so affected.

Being an adult at risk depends on the circumstances, and can be temporary or long term. We do not label people; we respond to what we see and hear.

Types of harm

Harm can include physical, emotional or psychological, sexual, and financial abuse; neglect; and self-harm. It can be caused by another person, including someone within football, or by the person’s own circumstances.

Our commitments

The welfare of an adult at risk is our first concern, and their views and wishes are listened to wherever possible.
We promote dignity, respect and inclusion, and make reasonable adjustments so that people can take part.
Everyone acting for the club is expected to know this policy and to follow it.
Roles involving regulated work with protected adults are recruited safely (see our Safe Recruitment & Volunteer Policy).
Concerns are taken seriously, recorded, and shared only with those who need to know.

The club Safeguarding Officer

The committee appoints a Safeguarding Officer who is the first point of contact for any concern about an adult at risk. Their name and contact details are available from the club secretary, and any concern can be raised by emailing saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com.

What to do if you have a concern

If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is being committed, call 999.
Listen carefully and stay calm. Do not promise to keep it secret, and do not investigate or question the person yourself.
Tell the club Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible, and always on the same day. If the concern is about the Safeguarding Officer, tell another committee member.
Write down what you saw or heard, in the person’s own words, with the date, time and place. Sign and date the note and pass it to the Safeguarding Officer.
The Safeguarding Officer decides what happens next, which may include a referral to the local authority (North Ayrshire Council) Adult Protection team, the police, or the Scottish FA.

Anyone can also report a concern about an adult at risk directly to the local council’s social work service or to Police Scotland.

Confidentiality and sharing information

Information about a concern is shared on a need-to-know basis only. Where an adult’s safety is at risk, the law allows us to share information without consent. Records are kept securely and handled in line with our Data Protection Policy.

Allegations against someone at the club

An allegation involving a club member, volunteer or official is passed to the Safeguarding Officer and the committee chair immediately, and the Scottish FA is informed where required. The person may be suspended from club activity while matters are looked into. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is not tolerated.