Safeguarding - West Ham United FC

West Ham United Football Club Safeguarding Policy & Procedures

Policy Statement

At (hereafter referred to as "the Club"), we are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which children and adults at risk* who participate in, attend, or come into contact with our activities feel safe, valued, respected and supported. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a positive, inclusive and trusted experience, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

Our safeguarding policy reflects our legal and moral responsibilities. It sets out our commitment to preventing harm, protecting children and adults at risk, promoting positive wellbeing, and responding promptly and effectively to safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We expect everyone working for, on behalf of, or representing the Club to help create and maintain a safe culture, and we encourage everyone who engages with the Club - including participants, families, supporters, volunteers, partners and visitors - to play their part in keeping our environment safe.

Our safeguarding arrangements are informed by relevant legislation, statutory guidance, regulatory requirements and recognised best practice. We work in partnership with statutory agencies, regulatory bodies and other organisations where appropriate, recognising that safeguarding is most effective when organisations work together to protect those at risk and promote their wellbeing. We are committed to creating an open and supportive culture where everyone feels confident and empowered to raise a safeguarding concern, no matter how small it may seem or whether they are uncertain that abuse or harm has occurred.

We recognise that effective safeguarding is an ongoing process of learning and continuous improvement. We regularly review and strengthen our policies, procedures and practices to reflect changes in legislation, emerging risks and evolving best practice. We believe the true measure of our safeguarding commitment is not simply what is written in this policy, but how it is demonstrated every day through the decisions we make, the culture we create and the experiences of those who engage with the Club.

This statement provides an overview of our safeguarding commitment. Full details of our safeguarding responsibilities, procedures and reporting arrangements are contained within the accompanying Safeguarding Policy.

* Adult at risk: An adult aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support and is, or may be, at risk of abuse or neglect, and because of those needs may be unable to protect themselves. This definition reflects the principles of the Care Act 2014.

Report a safeguarding concern

If you believe that a child, young person or adult is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or adult, but they are not in immediate danger, or you would like to speak to someone about a safeguarding concern, please contact the Club's Safeguarding Team using the details below. We are here to listen, offer advice and support, and ensure that concerns are managed appropriately.

Insight into Some of Our Safeguarding Priorities

This document aims to clearly set out our safeguarding and well-being action plan, along with our long-term goals. It is intended for widespread distribution so that everyone in our organisation and beyond understands and supports our priorities.

Safeguarding is a shared duty, embedded in our daily decisions and actions—whether on matchdays, in community projects, or through our duty of care to supporters.

It influences how we support each other, connect with supporters, families, carers, partners, and community groups, and how we proactively identify and handle risks.

Safeguarding goes further than simple protection; it involves creating opportunities, encouraging positive practices, and helping individuals to grow, succeed, and explore their talents and interests.

Most importantly, this document demonstrates how we are moving beyond words and good intentions by sharing evidence, fostering accountability, and promoting shared responsibility, all of which build our safeguarding culture.