Reporting Your Concerns About the Welfare of a Child or Young Person
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you are worried about a child, it is important that you report your concerns—no action is not an option.

Reporting to the Club Welfare Officer:

If you are worried about a child, report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.
Handling Issues of Poor Practice:

The Club Welfare Officer will either deal with the matter themselves or seek advice from the County FA (CFA) Welfare Officer.

Handling More Serious Concerns:

If the concern is more serious, such as possible child abuse, where possible, contact the CFA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Oxfordshire Children’s Social Care.

Immediate Medical Treatment:

If the child needs immediate medical treatment, take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and inform them that this is a child protection concern. Inform your Club Welfare Officer of the actions taken; they will notify the CFA Welfare Officer.

When You Cannot Contact Your Club Welfare Officer:

If you are unable to contact your Club Welfare Officer or if the matter is clearly severe, you can:
Contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly.
Contact The FA Safeguarding Team at 0800 169 1863 or Safeguarding@TheFA.com.
Contact the Police or Oxfordshire Children’s Social Care.
Call the NSPCC 24-hour Helpline for advice at 0808 800 5000, text 88858, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Oxfordshire Safeguarding Institutions
For further assistance and to report safeguarding concerns, you may contact the following institutions in Oxfordshire:

Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (OSCB): OSCB Website
Oxfordshire County Council Children's Services: Phone: 0345 050 7666
Oxfordshire Police: Emergency: 999, Non-emergency: 101
Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): Phone: 0345 050 7666
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): For allegations against adults working with children. Phone: 01865 810603, email: lado.safeguardingchildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Your vigilance and prompt action can significantly improve the safety and well-being of children and young people in our community. Thank you for your commitment to safeguarding.