Derby Rugby Football Club - Safeguarding policy. AS OF- 14/10/2026

1. Policy Statement
Derby RFC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk who participate in rugby and associated club activities. We believe that everyone has the right to enjoy rugby in a safe, positive and inclusive environment free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, discrimination and harm.
Any events held on Derby RFC premises must comply with this Policy and if appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected.  Any tours, overseas or domestic, undertaken by Derby RFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and Guidance relating to tours.  
The club adopts and follows the safeguarding policies, procedures and regulations of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and relevant UK legislation.  

2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All club members
Players
Coaches
Volunteers
Match officials
Committee members
Parents and carers
Visitors and spectators

3. Principles
The club will:
Put the welfare of children and adults at risk first.
Create a safe and welcoming environment.
Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
Recruit staff and volunteers safely.
Provide safeguarding awareness and training where appropriate.
Work in partnership with statutory agencies and the RFU when concerns arise. 

4. Roles and Responsibilities
Club Committee
The committee will:
Ensure safeguarding remains a standing agenda item.
Support implementation of this policy.
Allocate adequate resources to safeguarding activities.
Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)
The Club Safeguarding Officer will:
Be the first point of contact for safeguarding matters.
Maintain safeguarding records securely.
Liaise with the RFU Safeguarding Team and local agencies.
Promote safeguarding awareness throughout the club.
Monitor compliance with RFU requirements. 

5. Safe Recruitment
The club will:
Follow RFU safer recruitment guidance.
Obtain references where appropriate.
Ensure relevant volunteers and staff undertake DBS checks where required.
Ensure individuals working in regulated activity meet RFU requirements. 

6. Code of Conduct
All members are expected to:
Act as positive role models.
Respect players, officials and opponents.
Never engage in abusive, discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour.
Maintain professional boundaries with children and young people.
Follow club policies regarding communication, transport and changing facilities.

7. Reporting Concerns
If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer.  They will then inform the CB Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Team.

 If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer, you should inform the Club Chairman and either the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.  

Any concerns about a child's or adult's welfare must be reported immediately to:
Club Safeguarding Officer:

Name: Natalie Mills 
Email: safeguarding@derbyrfc.co.uk

If a person is in immediate danger:
Call 999.

Contact Children's Services or Adult Social Care as appropriate.

Inform the Club Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

All concerns, disclosures or allegations will be taken seriously and handled confidentially. 

8. Types of Concerns
The club recognises concerns may include:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Bullying and cyberbullying
Discrimination
Grooming
Financial abuse of adults at risk
Poor practice by coaches, volunteers or club officials 

9. Online Safety
The club will:
Promote safe use of social media.
Use approved communication methods for players under 18.
Obtain parental consent where required.
Protect personal information in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
10. Photography and Video
The club will:
Seek appropriate consent for photography and video recording.
Ensure images are used appropriately.
Challenge any suspicious or inappropriate photography activity.

11. Training
The club will encourage coaches, volunteers and committee members to complete relevant RFU safeguarding training and refresh training as required. 
All members of Derby RFC who work with children in Regulated Activity must undertake an RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU Regulation 21. 


12. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually by the club committee or sooner if there are changes in legislation, RFU guidance or safeguarding practice.

Policy Approved By: 
Position: ____________________


Date: Oct 2026

Review Date: March 2027 

Other relevant documents 

Club Safeguarding Reporting Procedure.

Codes of Conduct for Players, Parents and Coaches.

Anti-Bullying Policy.

Social Media Policy.

Contact details for the RFU Safeguarding Team and local safeguarding agencies

Derby RFC Safeguarding, Welfare & Rugby Safety Statement