CHILD WELLBEING & PROTECTION
Vale of Leithen FC is committed to ensuring that every child and young person involved in football can take part in a safe, positive and inclusive environment. Safeguarding, promoting wellbeing and protecting children from harm is a responsibility shared by everyone at the club.
Safeguarding Contact
Named Officer
Rob Wilson
Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer
Emergency: If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, contact Police Scotland or emergency services immediately, then inform the club's Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer.
If You Have a Concern
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. No concern should be ignored or minimised.
Recognise
Notice a concern or disclosure from a child or young person.
Record
Write down what was seen, heard or reported as soon as possible.
Report
Contact the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer on the same day.
Respond
If there is immediate danger, contact the police first.
Our Commitment
We act in the best interests of children and young people
Their rights, wishes and feelings are respected
Football should be safe, fun and inclusive for everyone
Everyone at the club shares responsibility for wellbeing and protection
Our Values
ACCOUNTABLE
We accept responsibility and take ownership of the wellbeing and protection of children in our game.
INCLUSIVE
Football is for everyone. We celebrate difference and treat everyone fairly, with dignity and respect.
APPROACHABLE
We are visible, accessible, open and caring, and we listen to children's voices.
EMPOWERING
We strive for the best outcomes for children and support them to express their views.
Downloads
Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy
Full policy document · PDF
Concern Recording Form
Coming soon
Staff & Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Coming soon
Policy Summary
Key sections from the full policy — click to expand.
Child: Anyone under the age of 18. Adult: Any individual aged 18 or over, or anyone under 18 in a position of trust. Child abuse: Any act or omission that harms a child — physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, in person or online. Safeguarding: Proactive action to minimise risks and keep children safe. Child protection: Action taken in response to a specific concern of abuse.
If a child or young person discloses abuse, stay calm, listen carefully and take them seriously. Reassure them without making promises. Avoid leading questions. Make a factual record as soon as possible and report the matter without delay to the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer. No member of staff or volunteer should investigate abuse themselves or manage the matter alone.
Bullying behaviour is never acceptable at Vale of Leithen FC and must always be challenged and reported. This includes physical, verbal, emotional and online bullying, as well as peer-on-peer harm and harassment. Any bullying concern must be reported to the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer.
Images and video of children and young people can be used positively, but consent, privacy and safe practice must always be in place. Photography or filming without explicit permission is prohibited. Any concerns about misuse of images must be reported immediately.
Communication with children and young people must be open, necessary, proportionate and never abusive or inappropriate. Staff and volunteers should use club-approved channels and must never engage in private one-to-one communication with players under 18 outside of sanctioned platforms.
Transport, accommodation, supervision and parental communication must be carefully planned for any trip away. Appropriate adult-to-child ratios must be maintained. Parental consent must be obtained, and emergency contact information must be carried at all times.