By now each Club and League with youth or girls sections should have a named Welfare Officer. This is a mandatory requirement in order for a Club or League to affiliate from the start of the 2008 – 2009 Season.
“We have been working with the Clubs and Leagues in line with The FA’s National Game Strategy to ensure that there is a designated volunteer workforce of people who promote and oversee best practice in safeguarding children,” said Paul.
“Thank you to everyone involved."
One of the tasks given to Club and League Welfare Officers by The FA is to oversee the completion of FA Enhanced CRB Disclosures for individuals at the Club or League.
The Welfare Officer is named as the “verifier” with The FA CRB Unit, assessing who within the Club or League should be checked and to verify the CRB application form using FA guidance.
The FA has developed an online service called “Safeguarding Online”, which gives Club Secretaries and Club Welfare Officers access to the status of CRB checks at your Club.
Don’t forget… Clubs and Leagues are asked to refer any safeguarding concerns to Paul Milne, Birmingham County FA Welfare Officer who will action any serious concerns.
Cases of poor practice should also be brought to his attention but he may ask for the involvement of Clubs and Leagues in these matters as appropriate.
If there are any serious concerns reported to you out of office hours, please call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local police station.
For more details on Child Protection and Welfare issues please contact County Welfare Officer, Paul Milne Via e-mail by clicking here or telephone: 0121 357 4278 (option 1).