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What happens when an allegation is made against you?

What happens when an allegation is made against you?. RFU Safeguarding team, Jan 2019. Introduction

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What happens when an allegation is made against you?

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  1. What happens when an allegation is made against you? RFU Safeguarding team, Jan 2019

  2. Introduction The majority of people who work or volunteer with children in rugby provide a safe and supportive environment for children. However, it is possible sometimes that the conduct of an adult might be brought into question, or might result in an allegation of harm to a child being made against them. The welfare of children in rugby is paramount and therefore all allegations that relate to the welfare of children will be treated seriously and in line with government advice in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018. This leaflet aims to explain the process which the RFU adopts in managing allegations.

  3. Taking up a position of trust Taking up a role within the Children’s Workforce comes with responsibility, and an expectation that you will uphold high standards of behaviour in and outside of the rugby environment. If you hold a position of trust you are expected to uphold the rules, ethos and core values of Rugby. You will be seen as a role model to children, and you will be expected to demonstrate your suitability to work or volunteer with children by leading through example. Appropriate Behaviour The RFU Safeguarding Policy should be used as a guide to assist you to make a judgement about your conduct. Whilst the policy does not provide an exhaustive list of dos and don’ts, it provides advice on best practice together with some examples of what is not appropriate behaviour for a person in a position of trust.

  4. Allegations or concerns If you have been involved in an incident which brings into question your suitability to work or volunteer with children, or if an allegation has been made against you, certain procedures will be followed by the RFU. You should be aware that the RFU has jurisdiction for Safeguarding matters and rugby clubs have a duty to report concerns or complaints to the RFU in every case. Failure to do so may amount to a breach of our Safeguarding Policy and could attract a sanction. The LADO Every Local Authority has a statutory responsibility to have a Designated Officer (LADO) who is responsible for co-ordinating the response to any concerns that an adult who works or volunteers with children may have harmed a child. Where certain conditions are met, the RFU has a duty to consult with the LADO and the RFU will be guided by them.

  5. What will the LADO do? The LADO will review the information provided and if necessary, they may share the information with Children’s Social Care Services and/or Police or other organisations such as schools, if appropriate. This could result in a criminal investigation, a joint police/social care investigation, or referral back to the RFU for an internal safeguarding or disciplinary investigation. If passed back to the RFU, the LADO will advise and make recommendations about how the RFU should deal with the alleged concern.

  6. Potential Outcomes Each allegation is assessed on a case-by-case basis and it is not possible to say what will happen after an allegation is made. Depending on how serious the concern is, it is possible that the matter will be investigated by Police, investigated by Social services or investigated by the RFU. There are a range of options open to the RFU when we take the lead in an investigation. If an allegation has been made against you and is substantiated the RFU may respond by issuing a formal warning to you; making a requirement for you to undergo further training; or in serious cases may remove you from working with children in rugby. If Police or Social Care take the lead in an investigation, the RFU will wait for that organisation to conclude its processes before taking any action of its own. Sometimes, allegations take a long time to investigate and where it is believed that there is a legitimate safeguarding need, the RFU might impose an Interim Bar restricting your involvement in children’s rugby on a temporary basis pending the outcome of an investigation. An interim Bar is a neutral, precautionary measure, intended to safeguard the interests of all parties during a period of investigation.  The Bar is not a penalty and implies no assumption of guilt. In the long term, if an allegation is substantiated, it is possible that the RFU will impose an Indefinite Bar restricting your involvement in rugby. If you are removed from working or volunteering with children indefinitely, it is possible that the RFU may also refer you to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

  7. Allegation is made against an adult, or a concern is raised relating to conduct in their personal life Report to Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) CSO reports to CB Safeguarding Manager/RFU RFU will triage the incoming information Threshold is met for LADO referral Concern does not meet threshold for LADO referral If there is doubt, the RFU will consult with the LADO LADO will assess if individual has : Harmed or may have harmed a child Committed an offence against or related to a child Behaved in a way that indicates he/she may pose a risk of harm to children Behaved in a way in their personal life which raises a safeguarding concern RFU coordinates an investigation. Findings may be presented to the RFU Referral Management Group (RMG) before deciding on an outcome LADO will liaise with Police, Children’s Social Care Services or any other relevant party Or Case is referred back to the RFU for internal investigation Some cases may be referred back to the club for action under RFU guidance

  8. Support for individuals who are the subject of an allegation We understand that it can be difficult for you if someone raises a concern about your conduct. It can have an impact on a number of areas of your life. It is therefore appropriate that you are supported through the process. The RFU can facilitate this by liaising with your club. Where required, the RFU can also signpost to external support agencies. Useful contacts RFU Safeguarding team Safeguarding@therfu.com Safeguarding Case Manager 020 8831 7479 Safeguarding Case Officer 020 8831 7480

  9. Useful Links RFU Safeguarding Policy https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/safeguarding/ RFU Regulation 21 https://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/General/General/01/32/72/80/RFURegulation21_English.pdf Working together to Safeguard Children: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2

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