West Ham United Foundation, its Staff, Management and Board of Trustees are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where all can thrive. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk. We work collaboratively with our partners and follow robust safeguarding practices to ensure everyone is treated fairly and professionally. We are passionate about the community work we deliver and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

Joseph Lyons, West Ham United Foundation CEO

West Ham United Foundation Safeguarding Statement 

West Ham United Foundation (WHUF) is committed to ensuring that everyone involved in WHUF programmes and activities enjoy a positive and respectful environment where they are actively protected from harmful experiences. The policy is designed to encourage compliance with relevant legislation and recommended best practice. It emphasises the responsibility of all those involved in working with Children, Young People and Adults at Risk to be alert to signs of abuse and provides for a prompt and effective reporting procedure should abuse be suspected, disclosed or discovered, regardless of the setting in which the abuse has taken place.

Safeguarding Principles

WHUF recognises the following principles which underpin our work with all groups and individuals who may have additional needs for support and protection:

• It is every child and adult’s right to be protected from abuse irrespective of their age, gender identity, faith or religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, background, economic position, disability or level of ability.
• All staff and volunteers share the responsibility for the protection of children and adults at risk and will show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare.
• The additional vulnerability of disabled adults (including those with invisible disabilities, learning and communication differences) is recognised.
• Allegations of abuse or concerns about the welfare of any child or adult will be treated seriously and will be responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• WHUF recognises the responsibilities of the statutory agencies and is committed to complying with the Local Safeguarding Adult Board (SAB) procedures and the Care and Support statutory guidance (2015).
• Confidentiality will be maintained appropriately always, and the child’s and adult’s safety and welfare must be the overriding consideration when making decisions on whether to share information about them. 
• WHUF will support all children and adults involved in the Club to understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk, including the responsibility to report all concerns to the Club’s Head of Safeguarding or a Safeguarding Officer.
• WHUF ensures access to training/direct provision of learning opportunities for all staff/volunteers involved in the organisation or delivery of activities appropriate to their role to enable them to make informed and confident responses to safeguarding concerns and adult protection issues.
• All participants involved in WHUF activities have the right to be listened to with respect and heard.

Key Safeguarding contacts

Policy Documents

West Ham United Safeguarding Policy & Procedures

Support and Guidance Contacts

Disclosure and Barring Service Checks

Recruiting Ex-Offenders

Staying Safe in the Digital World

Photographing and Filming Children

Useful Organisations