Last year, Leicestershire and Rutland County FA (LRCFA) were assessed by the NSPCC. The LRCFA were evaluated against The FA Safeguarding 365 framework to ensure that the County FA complies with its safeguarding responsibilities. 

NSPCC conducted both an in-depth analysis of evidence submitted to Smartsheet and a one day ‘in person’ assessment of the LRCFA, which included members of the Board and staff being interviewed as part of the process.

The NSPCC confirmed that the Safeguarding 365 criteria for the 2023/24 season had been fully met after an assessment of the following areas:

• Governance and Leadership
• Operational Delivery
• Listening to the voice of and supporting U18s
• Football Disciplinary
• Case Management
• Compliance and Monitoring

Following the assessment, the NSPCC expressed strong approval for the LRCFA’s efforts. They stated:
“We would like to acknowledge all of the work that has gone into collating the evidence to get to this point and congratulate the Board and wider staff for the continued commitment to safeguarding which was evidenced during the assessment process.”

In addition to demonstrating full compliance with the Safeguarding 365 criteria, the assessors also identified several areas of exemplary practice.

Assessment Outcome Key Achievements

• The Board is actively involved in undertaking club safeguarding visits which is impressive and supportive of the staff team. It was clear throughout the assessment that the relationship with clubs is especially important to all staff and the Board.
• The Designated Safeguarding Officer, Emma Haywood (DSO) is keen to engage with all Club Welfare Officers from both adult and under-18 clubs as well as League Welfare Officers in Continuous Professional Development and communications.
• The Young Leaders programme has been in place for over a year, with very engaged members.
• All discipline cases are on a discipline tracker, with regular updates on the status of a case which informs individuals involved about the progress of their case.
• The DSO and her line manager have monthly formal check-ins where safeguarding operational objectives and cases are reviewed.
• A project has started where 15 clubs have been identified for 1:1 support, this includes support in setting up a Youth Council, providing resources and mentoring.

Joe Dunmore, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Safeguarding Lead at the LRCFA said: “We are pleased to announce that the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA have successfully attained the Safeguarding 365 Standard, a crucial element of our organisational efforts.

“Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and both internally and externally, we are committed to ensuring the utmost safety for individuals in Leicestershire and Rutland who engage in football within our counties.”

Niki Clemo OBE, LRCFA Board Safeguarding Champion commented on the positive outcome of the safeguarding assessment. She said: “It is fantastic to read the comments made by the NSPCC assessors in their endorsement and recognition of all the hard work undertaken by the safeguarding team here in Leicestershire and Rutland CFA and what a difference this has made to grassroots football.

“It is also a very sound endorsement of all the hard work undertaken by many volunteers, particularly the Welfare Officers in the clubs. I would like to add my congratulations to Emma and the wider team for achieving this very positive outcome.”