The ECB is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and accepts our responsibility to safeguard Adults at Risk involved in all levels of Cricket in England & Wales in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
Safeguarding means protecting an adults right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.
The ECB Safeguarding Adults Policy applies to all individuals involved in Cricket.
The ECB will encourage and support partner organisations, including Clubs and Counties, to adopt and demonstrate their commitment to the principles set out in this safeguarding adult’s policy.
We are aware that there are some legislation differences between England and Wales, the principles to safeguarding adults remain the same but please always refer to local support and guidance. Please see our guidance and resource below for further information.
The Six Principles of Adult Safeguarding
The Care Act 2014 defines an Adult at Risk as any person who is aged 18 years or over and is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect because of their needs and as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk if it.
It sets out the following principles that should underpin safeguarding of adults:
- Empowerment - People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions with informed consent. “I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process, and these directly inform what happens.”
- Prevention – It is better to act before harm occurs. “I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is, how to recognise the signs and what I can do to seek help.”
- Proportionality – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. “I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest, as I see them, and they will only get involved as much as needed.”
- Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need. “I get help and support to report abuse and neglect. I get help so that I am able to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want.”
- Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting, and reporting neglect and abuse. “I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am confident that professionals will work together and with me to get the best result for me.”
- Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. “I understand the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they.”
The aims of our Safeguarding Adults Policy are:
- To stop abuse or neglect wherever possible.
- Prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs.
- Safeguard adults in a way that supports them in making choices and having control about how they want to live.
- Promote an approach that concentrates on improving life for the adults concerned.
- Raise awareness so that cricket communities, alongside professionals, play their part in identifying and preventing abuse and neglect.
Principles
This policy is based on the following principles:
- All adults, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status and pregnancy and maternity have the right to be protected from abuse and poor practice and to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.
- The ECB will seek to ensure that our sport is inclusive and make reasonable adjustments for any protected characteristics, ability, disability, or impairment. We will also commit to continuous development, monitoring and review.
- There is zero tolerance to the abuse of adults.
- The rights, dignity and worth of all adults will always be respected.
- We recognise that ability and disability can change over time, such that some adults may be additionally vulnerable to abuse, in particular those adults with care and support needs.
- Safeguarding adults is everyone’s business and responsibility.
- All allegations will be taken seriously and responded to quickly in line with the ECB’s Safeguarding Procedures (AAR are only referenced in the new procedures and they are not yet published. This can only go in when the new procedures are published
- The ECB recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in Safeguarding Adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of Local Safeguarding Adults Boards
Making Safeguarding Personal
‘Making safeguarding personal’ means that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focussed. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice, and control. As well as improving quality of life, well-being, and safety.
Wherever possible discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary.
There may be circumstances where you need to share information with other agencies to protect an individual.
Confidentiality
It is important that information is treated as confidential as far as is reasonably possible to
build trust and respect. If you think that sharing information with another person such as the
Safeguarding Officer*/Coach/Manager could help the person, encourage the person to disclose information themselves with the people who need to know. If they do not wish to do this, explain to the individual that you will need to inform others such as the Safeguarding Officer* and the reasons why, and seek their clear and specific consent to this.
You can download the Hertfordshire Cricket Limited Protecting Adults at Risk Policy HERE or via link below.
Relevant Polices
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies:
- ECB Safeguarding Procedures
- Safe Hands Policies
- General Conduct Regulations
Guidance and Reference
https://www.anncrafttrust.org/
https://gov.wales/safeguarding-guidance
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/2019/wales-safeguarding-procedures-caspar-briefing