SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE
The England Handball Association (EHA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, talented and elite athletes, and adults at risk. We acknowledge our duty of care and ensure our safeguarding practices reflect both statutory responsibilities and government guidance, whilst encouraging best practice within the sport.
We are clear that handball is a game for everyone. We firmly believe that everyone involved has the right to enjoy the game in an environment safe from abuse and harm of any kind.
We recognise that a positive handball experience is essential to the success of the game, and we prioritise developing the right environment for all those involved ahead of individual and/or club performance.
If you would like further support and advice, please contact our Lead Safeguarding Officer on:
Apply for a DBS with England Handball
| The England Handball Association (EHA) is committed to creating and maintaining a positive sporting environment. All disclosures, incidents and concerns reported are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly in a timely manner. Where needed, the EHA will work in consultation with external and statutory agencies such as the NSPCC, Children Social Services and the Police. If you have any concerns relating to a child or adult involved in handball our online report form should be completed. |
Should you have an immediate concern about a child where their safety is at immediate risk, please contact the Police on 999.
We encourage anyone dealing with a safeguarding disclosure, incident, allegation or concern, to follow the three R’s:
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All efforts should be taken to maintain appropriate confidentiality and information only shared on a need-to-know basis.
In any case where you are unsure as to what to do, contact your Club Safeguarding Officer.
| The England Handball Association (EHA) is proud of their strong Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) network and remain grateful for their hard work in keeping children and adults at risk safe at their clubs. We are in awe of their dedication to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for those wanting to play handball, and of their commitment to the role. EHA continue to invest in their CSO network through regular meetings, training and education. If you are new to the role or would like some additional support within your club, please reach out to our Lead Safeguarding Officer. |  |
The role of the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)
It is the role of the CSO to be the person within a handball club with primary responsibility for managing and reporting concerns about children and adults at risk, and for putting into place safeguarding procedures in the club to ensure a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for all. |
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EHA recognise that the talented and elite players moving through our Performance Pathway have the right to train and compete in a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment.
Whilst we endeavour to provide fantastic experiences and reward for our players, we know that there are certain factors within elite sports that make young elite players more vulnerable to abuse and the effects of poor practice coaching. The following factors can contribute to the vulnerability of both young and adult elite athletes. The Ann Craft Trust provides more detail on these contributing factors and offer solutions to mitigate risk of abuse.
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Finding the BalanceIt can be challenging for young elite athletes to find the right balance therefore EHA’s coaches work closely with players and parents to help maintain and restore a healthy balance. We communicate openly with players and their parents, and together we create a schedule that includes training and competitions, revision and exams, as well as time for relaxing and socialising with family and friends. The CPSU offer lots of advice on how best to support talented and elite players. |  |
There are lots of organisations that exist to support children and young people with their mental health and in times of crisis. Click on the images to find out how they could support you.
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The EHA are committed to ensuring the right people are in place throughout the game. We endeavour to recruit the right people through adopting safer recruitment practices, implementing policy and procedures, issuing codes of conduct and providing high quality education and training. As part of our safer recruitment practices, we complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check for those individuals involved in regulated activity. |
What is a DBS?
A DBS Check is a way for employers check your criminal record, to help decide whether you are a suitable person to work for them. This includes deciding whether it is suitable for you to work with children or adults at risk. There are different types of DBS Checks available:- A Basic Check
- A Standard Check
- An Enhanced Check
- An Enhanced Check with Barred List
Who requires a DBS?
Anyone working in a regulated activity requires a DBS Check. Regulated activity refers to someone working unsupervised in a role such as teaching, training, instructing, caring or supervising children. If they are not performing one of these roles, they may be carrying out an ancillary role within a specific setting such as in a school, nursery or children’s home, for example.- Are performing this role more than 3 times in a 30-day period
- Could have contact with children within the establishment
- Work there for the purpose of the establishment
- Are not employed on a temporary basis
- Are not in a supervised volunteer role
The following people are identified by EHA as needing an enhanced DBS check with barred list:
- Club Safeguarding Officer (paid or volunteer)
- Coach (paid or volunteer)
What is the Update Service?
The Update Service is an online subscription that allows applicants to keep their DBS certificates up-to-date and allows employers to view an applicant’s certificate. EHA requires anyone with an EHA DBS to register with the Update Service – this can be done within 30 days after receiving your DBS certificate.Across England Handball a range of policies and procedures are in place to support our members and offer as much guidance as possible. Below is a list of our Safeguarding Policy, as well as a link to our other policies and procedures
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