Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Statement of Intent

ADL Sports Management ("ADL") is committed to creating a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for all children and young people under 18 years of age who participate in our international sports scholarships, pathways, showcases, trials, and development programmes. We acknowledge that a child's welfare is always the paramount consideration. Every child, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background, has the right to equal protection from all types of harm, abuse, and exploitation.

Core Principles

• —Paramount Welfare - the best interests and safety of the child guide all company operations, travel plans, and partner agreements.
• —Shared Responsibility - safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff, consultants, scouts, host coaches, and partner institutions must adhere to this policy.
• —Zero Tolerance - ADL maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying, harassment, abuse, or poor practice.
• —Active Partnership - we work closely with parents, carers, host universities/academies, and national sports governing bodies to uphold strict safeguarding standards.

Key Contacts

• —Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - primary contact for safeguarding concerns, risk assessments, and police/agency referrals.
• —Deputy Safeguarding Officer - secondary contact and support for international travel arrangements.
• —NSPCC Helpline - 24/7 independent advice for child protection concerns: 0808 800 5000.

1. Safer Recruitment & Staff Vetting

All staff, scouts, and representatives working with under-18s undergo enhanced criminal record checks (e.g. DBS checks in the UK or international equivalents). ADL conducts formal identity checks, interviews, and verified reference checks prior to deployment.

2. International Travel & Supervision

• —Parental Consent - unaccompanied minor travel requires formal, written consent from all parties with legal parental responsibility, alongside clear In Loco Parentis medical authorisation forms.
• —Ratios & Accommodations - staff-to-participant ratios strictly mirror governing body recommendations. Room-sharing between adults and minors is strictly prohibited under any circumstance.
• —Travel Communication - ADL provides dedicated line-of-contact channels for parents during travel, showcase tours, and trials abroad.

3. Digital Communication & Social Media

Staff and partner coaches must not communicate with under-18 participants via personal social media or direct private messaging. All digital correspondence must be conducted through official business emails or include parents/carers in copy.

4. Code of Conduct for Staff & Partners

• —Treat every young person with dignity, fairness, and respect.
• —Avoid one-on-one, unobserved situations with minors.
• —Never engage in rough physical play, inappropriate language, or sexually suggestive comments.
• —Never consume alcohol or drugs while responsible for supervising young participants.

Reporting a Concern

• —If there are signs of immediate danger or medical urgency, call emergency services (police/ambulance) and seek medical attention straight away.
• —Otherwise, document the facts - date, time, location, observers, direct quotes.
• —Report to ADL's Designated Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours.
• —The DSL evaluates the report and coordinates any referral with social care, host agencies, or police as needed.

Policy Review & Governance

This policy is formally reviewed annually by the ADL Board of Directors, or immediately following any significant regulatory change, operational restructuring, or safeguarding incident.