Report a Concern

Updated 09/03/23

If you have a safeguarding concern you MUST report it. 

Non Urgent – Report Form Here.

If you are a child and have a worry or concern click here.

Urgent/Serious/Imminent Risk – Call police, local child/adult services and BF on  07526 003030.

If you have personally experienced any form of harassment or abuse, or any behaviour that has made you feel uncomfortable we encourage you to reach out – click here for advice and guidance if you are a young person affected.

In BF we believe that the welfare of children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to preventing and protecting them from harassment and abuse. Everyone in fencing – administrator, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help.

Serious Concerns/Imminent Risk

If you have a serious concern and you believe that a child or adult at risk is at imminent risk in the first instance you must contact the Police or Children/Adult Services in your area and then contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer on the emergency 24hr safeguarding number: 07526 003030 immediately.

If you are in doubt as to whether your concern is serious, contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer, Liz Behnke for advice on 077177 40125.

If the Lead Safeguarding Officer is unavailable call the NSPCC for help, advice and support: 0808 800 5000 (sadly no longer 24/7) or  email them on [email protected].

1. All concerns where there is no imminent risk to the welfare of a person should be reported to BF by clicking here.
2. If the concern arises during an event, you should contact the designated Event Welfare Officer
3. If the concern relates to an affiliated club activity, you should contact the Club Welfare Officer
4. If none of the above apply or you are not comfortable speaking to the nominated welfare officers please contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer during normal working hours: Liz Behnke on 077177 40125.

Finally, please remember BF will support anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns that a child is at risk of, or may actually be, being abused.

BF Welfare Procedures including safeguarding guidance can be accessed by clicking here.

Helplines

Having reported a concern, you may wish to access further support.

The following helplines provide emotional and crisis support to everyone affected by harassment and abuse, mental ill health and other issues. For more helplines please see ARE YOU OK?.

Childline – https://www.childline.co.uk/ or 0800 1111

Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/

National Bullying Helpline – Information and advice about all forms of bullying (nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk) – 0300 323 0169 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

Bright Sky: a free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is also designed to be used by specialist and non-specialist practitioners and other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newtonmobile.hestia&hl=en_GB

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bright-sky/id1105880511?mt=8

Accessing Vulnerable Group Expertise

If you wish to access additional information to support vulnerable groups, the following organisations have specific expertise that you may find useful.

Activity Alliance | Disability Inclusion Sport – The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

Ann Craft Trust: Safeguarding Adults and Young People at Risk

Sporting Equals – Promoting ethnic diversity across sport and physical activity

Stonewall – Information and support for LGBT communities and their allies. Contact Stonewall’s Information Service FREEPHONE 0800 0502020 Lines are open 9:30 – 4:30 Monday to Friday

Reporting Child Abuse to the Police

Operation Hydrant have developed an animation, designed to inform victims and survivors of child abuse what happens next should they decide to report to police, to enable a more informed decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84G_1gUDM7M&feature=youtu.be

If you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online, make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors – https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

Information Sharing

All information received will be treated in confidence and only shared on a need to know basis with those individuals who will be able to manage the situation.  On occasion it may be necessary to seek advice, or inform the statutory agencies e.g. the Police or Local Authority Services. When investigating safeguarding concerns it may also be necessary and appropriate to contact those responsible for safeguarding in other organisations, such as schools and clubs.