If I have a safeguarding concern how do I report it?

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

If you have a concern about the welfare or safety of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult in football, you must act immediately. 

In an Emergency

• If a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

• Ensure the person is safe before doing anything else

Urgent Safeguarding Concerns in Football

Contact Staffordshire FA directly:

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): 07976 113947

• Email: safeguarding@staffordshirefa.com

• Phone (office hours): 01785 256994

When Reporting a Concern

Please provide as much detail as possible:

1. Your details – Name, role in football (if any), and contact information.

2. Who the concern is about – Full name, age, and club/organisation (if known).

3. Description of the concern – What happened, when, where, and who was involved.

4. Any actions already taken – For example, speaking to the club welfare officer or calling the police.

5. Any evidence available – Screenshots, emails, witness names, etc.

If You Are a Club or League Welfare Officer

• Contact Staffordshire FA immediately for guidance.

• Keep clear, factual written notes of what has been reported to you.

• Do not investigate the matter yourself — pass it to the appropriate safeguarding lead.

Other Ways to Report

• FA Safeguarding Team: 0800 169 1863 (Option 1, then Option 3)

• NSPCC Childline: 0800 1111

• NSPCC Helpline (for adults with concerns): 0808 800 5000

• Police: 101 for non-emergencies, 999 in an emergency

Important

• Do not promise to keep concerns confidential — explain you must pass information on to keep people safe.

• Do not delay reporting — it is better to report something that turns out to be nothing than to risk missing an opportunity to protect someone.

• If you are unsure, report it anyway.