As the Club Welfare Officer and part of the Heanor Town Juniors FC safeguarding team, I am responsible for the safeguarding and well-being of all players at our club under the age of 18. The safeguarding team are made up of myself (Richard), Craig and Amanda.

We ensure that all our players can enjoy our beautiful game in a fun but safe and secure way. To make sure this is possible we ensure that all our coaches and staff are appropriately trained, that their safeguarding qualifications are current, that every coach has first-aid knowledge and that they are competent to carry out their role within the club.

The safeguarding team and I are primarily responsible far:
• Ensuring that all coaches and staff at the club have a valid, in date Disclosures and Barring System (DBS) certificate.
• Ensuring that all coaches and staff at the club are familiar with the safeguarding policy and know how to report something that may concern them.
• Giving parents/guardians regular communication so they are aware who the welfare team is and what to do if they need to report a concern.
• Ensure that the correct ratios of coaches to players is adhered to, and that we have sufficiently trained and qualified first aiders within the groups.
• All coaches and staff should complete the FA safeguarding course, and the team ensure that this is refreshed when required.
• Offer advice and guidance to players, parents, coaches, and staff on best practices, and help to improve areas if we fall short of the standards required.

I am here to help and talk to if needed. If you have any concerns, please contact me by the details below. If you feel the situation is life-threatening or someone is in immediate danger, contact the police straight away! You can also report any concerns to Derbyshire FA Safeguarding and Equality manager (Jenny Blewitt 07507427548) or by contacting NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

Richard Middlemiss – Lead Child Welfare Officer
richard.middlemiss@hotmail.com – 07583144380

Amanda Jones – Assistant Child Welfare Officer
secretary@heanortownfc.co.uk – 07581015868

Craig Hill – Assistant Child Welfare Officer & DBS Admin Officer
secretary@heanortownfc.co.uk – 07766731699

In a safe environment, everyone will prosper. Football is for everyone to enjoy.

Richard Middlemiss
Child Welfare Officer
Heanor Town Football Club