safeguarding
safeguarding Statement
At AFC Wimbledon Foundation (AFCWF), safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where all children, young people, and adults at risk are protected from harm and can participate with confidence.
We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Through clear policies, robust procedures, and ongoing training, we work to ensure that all participants, staff, volunteers, and partners feel safe, valued, and supported.
Our Commitment
We are committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, or harm.
We are committed to:
Providing safe and positive environments across all Foundation programmes
Promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all participants
Ensuring staff and volunteers are appropriately trained and supported
Responding promptly and effectively to safeguarding concerns
Working in partnership with families, statutory agencies, and community organisations
Continuously reviewing and improving our safeguarding practices
safeguarding Policy
Our Safeguarding Policy outlines how we protect children, young people, and adults at risk, as well as the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and partner organisations in maintaining a safe environment.
Our Focus Areas
We embed safeguarding best practice across all Foundation activities, including:
Community football and sports sessions
Premier League Kicks programmes
Education and employability projects
Holiday activity and food programmes
Walking Football and health & wellbeing sessions
Disability and inclusion programmes
Matchday and stadium-based community engagement
Youth mentoring and community outreach projects
Safer Recruitment
AFC Wimbledon Foundation is committed to safer recruitment practices. Appropriate checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required, are undertaken to help ensure that those working with children and adults at risk are suitable for their roles.
Creating a Safe Culture
Safeguarding is more than a policy. It is embedded in our culture. We encourage everyone involved with AFC Wimbledon Foundation to play their part in creating an environment where concerns are taken seriously, individuals are respected, and safety and wellbeing remain our highest priorities.
reporting a concern
If you have a safeguarding concern about a participant, member of staff, volunteer, or anyone involved in AFC Wimbledon Foundation activities, we encourage you to report it as soon as possible.
Safeguarding concerns can be raised confidentially with our Safeguarding Team or reported via MyVoice – see below details on how to use our confidential reporting process.
In an emergency, or where someone is at immediate risk of harm, always contact the police on 999.
We encourage you to raise a concern if you notice:
Changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance
Worries about wellbeing, safety, or home circumstances
Something someone has said that causes concern
Online behaviour that feels unsafe
Any situation where someone may be at risk
If you’re unsure, report it. It’s always better to share a concern than to stay silent
Our Safeguarding Leadership Team
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CEO - Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL)
Phil Hastings
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designated safeguarding officer (dsl)
Cheryl Gill
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designated safeguarding officer (dsl)
Andrew May
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Trustee, Safeguarding Advocate
Paul Kilburn
community safeguarding reporting
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
If you see, hear, or sense something that worries you, you can report it directly to us through our secure community safeguarding reporting system - MyVoice.
Sharing a concern, no matter how small, helps us act early and keep people safe. You can click the link here: MyVoice or scan the QR code :
how report a concern
Our community reporting form is simple, confidential, and available at any time.
1. Access the Form
You can reach the safeguarding concern form via:
Our website
QR codes displayed around our site(s)
2. Tell us what you are worried about
The form will ask for:
What you saw, heard, or are worried about
Who the concern relates to (if known)
When it happened
• Any immediate risks
Your contact details (optional – you may report anonymously)
3. Submit securely
Your concern goes directly into the Designated Safeguarding Officers at AFC Wimbledon Foundation, where it is reviewed immediately.
What Happens Next
Once you submit a concern:
The Designated Safeguarding Officers reviews the information promptly
The level of risk is assessed
Appropriate action is taken (e.g., speaking with the child or adult involved, contacting parents/carers, or involving external agencies)
All decisions and actions are recorded securely within MyConcern (via MyVoice)
If you provided your contact details, we may reach out for more information.
Your Role Matters
By reporting concerns, you help us create a safe, supportive environment for all.
MyConcern ensures your information is handled securely, respectfully, and in line with safeguarding best practice.
Need Support?
If you would like to speak to someone to report a safeguarding concern or require further guidance, Contact the Safeguarding Lead at enquiries@afcwimbledon.org.uk
AFC Wimbledon Foundation recognises that it is good practice to reach out to other organisations whose main purpose is safeguarding. Organisations such as the NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC, The Ann Craft Trust https://www.anncrafttrust.org/ or The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit https://thecpsu.org.uk/.
Working Together to Safeguard Children (DofE 2018) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2
NSPCC Keeping Children Safe: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/ NSPCC Learning Safeguarding Resources: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/
The FA Safeguarding Resources for Parents and Participants
England Football Safeguarding Hub https://www.englandfootball.com/participate/behaviour/safeguarding The FA's central safeguarding resource, including guidance for players, parents, coaches, clubs, and volunteers.
The FA: Parents and Carers Guidance https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/section-8-parents-and-carers Practical advice for parents and carers, including welfare officer information, reporting concerns, and questions to ask your child's club.
Free FA Safeguarding Awareness Course for Parents & Carers https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/safeguarding-awareness-for-parents-and-carers/ A free online course helping parents make informed choices about safe football environments for their children.
If you're concerned about the immediate safety or welfare of a child, please contact the police on 999 or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000
your support transforms lives
Your support helps us change lives. Every pound you give brings hope to children growing up in difficult circumstances and to adults facing disadvantage and isolation across South London. It means a safe space after school, someone to talk to, a coach who believes in them, and the chance to be part of something positive. You’re not just funding a programme - you’re helping someone feel seen, valued, and capable of more. With your help, we can break down barriers and open up brighter futures. Thank you for standing with us.
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