MIDDLESEX SAFEGUARDING ADULTS POLICY STATEMENT

Middlesex Cricket is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and accepts our responsibility to safeguard Adults at Risk involved at all levels of Cricket in Middlesex in accordance with legislation.*

Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

The Middlesex Safeguarding Adults Policy applies to all individuals involved in cricket.

Middlesex Cricket will encourage and support partner organisations, including Clubs, Lord Taverners and Chance to Shine to adopt and demonstrate their commitment to the principles set out in this safeguarding adult’s policy.

Legislation in England and Wales defines an ‘Adult at Risk’ as any person aged 18 years or over, who has care and support needs, who is experiencing (or at risk of) abuse, or neglect, and as a result is unable to protect themselves from the abuse, neglect, or the risk of the risk of it.

Legislation in both areas commits to putting the adult at the centre of decision making, empowering adults to make decisions for themselves with support from others where appropriate.

The aim of our Safeguarding Adults Policy is 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.

*The Care Act 2014 (England) and the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 (Wales)

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.
Middlesex Cricket 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 recognize 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 Middlesex Cricket’s Safeguarding Procedures.
Middlesex Cricket recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in Safeguarding Adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of Local and Regional Safeguarding Adults Boards.

Making Safeguarding Personal

Making safeguarding personal means that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focused. 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 organization 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 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.

Relevant Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies:

Middlesex Safeguarding Procedures
Safe Hands Policies
General Conduct Regulations

Guidance and Reference

Any concerns should be reported to the County Safeguarding Officer by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 02036 409772.

Reviewed: 30/11/2023

Next Review Date: November 2024