Safeguarding Policy

NEXAGEN Cricket Academy Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy Statement

NEXAGEN Cricket Academy is committed to ensuring everyone participating in cricket does so in a safe, friendly, secure, and enjoyable environment. Everyone at NEXAGEN Cricket Academy, whether as a player, coach, official, administrator, staff member, volunteer, spectator, parent, or carer has a role to play. Individually and collectively, it is our actions, both on and off the field which can help create a positive and inclusive culture.

We will do this by:

• Having the right people in place
• Creating the right culture and environment
• Ensuring clear processes are in place for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns
• Following recognised cricket safeguarding standards and good practices

Having the Right People in Place

Whilst everyone at NEXAGEN Cricket Academy has a responsibility for Safeguarding, we also have a designated NEXAGEN Cricket Academy Safeguarding Officer who is responsible for safeguarding matters.

The NEXAGEN Cricket Academy Safeguarding Officer is:

• The first point of contact for all children, parents/carers, volunteers, and members at NEXAGEN Cricket Academy
• Responsible for ensuring that everyone working with children at NEXAGEN Cricket Academy follows appropriate safeguarding procedures
• A source of safeguarding advice for NEXAGEN Cricket Academy, coaches, staff, and members
• The main point of contact for safeguarding matters and external safeguarding organisations
• Responsible for ensuring correct reporting procedures exist for raising and managing safeguarding concerns

Creating the Right Culture and Environment

All participants in cricket, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability, have the right to enjoy the game in an environment that is safe from abuse of any kind.

NEXAGEN Cricket Academy recognises that safeguarding starts with setting high standards and promoting a positive culture which provides the best environment for participants to enjoy cricket.

We:

• Encourage all members to understand safeguarding responsibilities
• Ensure all coaches, staff, and volunteers receive suitable guidance and support
• Ensure individuals working with children are selected and appointed appropriately
• Promote a listening culture where children, parents/carers, players, and members feel confident to raise concerns
• Work together with parents/carers to provide a safe and positive cricket experience
• Ensure any external organisations working with NEXAGEN Cricket Academy follow appropriate safeguarding standards

Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

NEXAGEN Cricket Academy aims to create an environment where everyone feels confident raising concerns, no matter how small.

All concerns, suspicions, or allegations will be taken seriously and handled promptly and fairly.

NEXAGEN Cricket Academy follows the principles of:

• Responding appropriately
• Recording information confidentially
• Reporting concerns where necessary

NEXAGEN Cricket Academy understands that members are not responsible for investigating whether abuse has occurred, but they are responsible for reporting concerns promptly.

Confidential safeguarding information will only be shared with authorised individuals who need to know, including relevant safeguarding authorities where required.