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Safeguarding

Safeguarding relates to the protection of the wellbeing and human rights with an appropriate measures.

As part of their overall responsibility for safety, ground management have a further responsibility to safeguard the welfare needs of children, young persons and vulnerable adults, whether they be spectators, athletes, competitors, performers, mascots or even members of the venue staff.

As is recommended with accessibility issues, venue management and/or event organisers should seek guidance on safeguarding issues from competent persons who have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience, and, where possible, appoint a Safeguarding Officer, to draw up a Safeguarding Plan to be placed within the Operations Manual.

Safeguarding Plan

The Safeguarding Plan should take into consideration issues including:

  • Staffing
  • Ticketing strategies
  • Infants and children
  • Searching policies and procedures
  • Spectator accommodation
  • Safety management policies

When drawing up a Safeguarding Plan, venue management and/or event organisers should also be aware of their responsibilities under any relevant legislation and/or licensing conditions.

In the UK, this includes the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004 (England and Wales), the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. The Licensing Act 2003 also places a duty on venue management and/or event organisers to demonstrate, as a specific licence condition, how they will protect children against harm.

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