DEREHAM RFC SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Safeguarding Policy Statement
At Dereham RFC, safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. We are committed to creating an environment where children and young people feel afe, welcome, valued and heard. We believe that every child has the right to enjoy rugby in a safe, positive and inclusive environment. Guided by the Core Values of Rugby: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship, we will work together to promote wellbeing, prevent harm and respond appropriately whenever concerns arise. The welfare of children is paramount in all decisions and actions taken by the Club.
Purpose
This policy sets out the Club’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children involved in rugby union. It applies to everyone involved in the Club, including players, coaches, volunteers, officials, committee members, parents, carers and spectators. For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.
Safeguarding Framework
Dereham RFC adopts and will comply with RFU Regulation 21, the RFU Safeguarding Children Policy, the RFU Safeguarding Handbook and relevant legislation and statutory guidance. These documents provide detailed safeguarding standards, procedures and requirements that underpin this policy.
Safeguarding Through Rugby's Core Values
TEAMWORK
What We Ask of Our Members:
Help create a safe environment; report concerns; support others; recognise safeguarding is shared responsibility.
What The Club Will Do:
Promote awareness; provide guidance; work with England Rugby and agencies; review safeguarding arrangements.
RESPECT What We Ask of Our Members:
Treat everyone with dignity; value diversity; listen to children; and encourage everyone to share good practice and raise concerns. What The Club Will Do: Foster openness; take concerns seriously; promote positive behaviour; communicate expected standards.
ENJOYMENT What We Ask of Our Members:
Help make rugby enjoyable; encourage participation; support positive experiences. What The Club Will Do: Create a safe, welcoming environment; prioritise safeguarding and welfare; celebrate positive contributions.
DISCIPLINE What We Ask of Our Members:
Follow policies and codes; take responsibility; raise concerns. What The Club Will Do: Respond appropriately to concerns; apply procedures fairly; take action where risks arise.
SPORTSMANSHIP What We Ask of Our Members:
Demonstrate honesty, fairness and kindness; be a role model; challenge poor behaviour. What The Club Will Do: Promote rugby values; support volunteers and officials; maintain a safe environment.
Listening to Children and Young People
We are committed to listening to children and young people, taking their views seriously and supporting them to speak up when something concerns them.
Club-Specific Safeguarding Considerations Dereham RFC will regularly consider safeguarding matters relevant to its facilities, activities and location. These may include shared facilities, public access arrangements, environmental hazards, changing facilities, travel, tours, events, digital communication and partnership working.
Safer Recruitment, Training and Support The Club is committed to ensuring that individuals working with children are appropriately recruited, vetted, trained and supported in accordance with RFU requirements.
Reporting Concerns
If you have any concern regarding the welfare, wellbeing or safety of a child, report it without delay. Club Safeguarding Officer: Fiona Jeffery Email: derehamrugbyclub@hotmail.com Telephone: 0757 265 8170 The Club Safeguarding Officer is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within the Club. If a concern involves the Club Safeguarding Officer, concerns may be raised with the Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager, RFU Safeguarding Team (via the reporting form), Children's Social Care or the Police. If a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services immediately. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually, following significant safeguarding incidents, or following changes to RFU safeguarding requirements.
Adoption Club Name: Dereham RFC
Date Adopted: 25/09/2026
Chairperson: ???
Club Safeguarding Officer: Fiona Jeffery
