Safeguarding Statement
The Club recognises its moral and legal responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and adults at risk and will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and Adults at risk are respected and valued.
- All individuals, regardless of gender, race, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, and religious or political beliefs, have equal right to protection from abuse, exploitation and neglect.
- All individuals have the right to participate, enjoy and develop through sport, in a safe and inclusive environment.
- All staff have a responsibility to report and to act on any suspicion or disclosure where a child/Adult at risk is at risk of harm.
Key Contacts
The Senior Safeguarding Manager is John Cove (MK Dons Director and Chair of MK Dons Sport and Education Trust) - Tel: 01908 252950 Email: safeguarding@mkdons.com
The Academy designated Safeguarding Officer is Danuta Brophy – Tel: 07387 296103 Email: danuta.brophy@mkdons.com
Lead staff for Safeguarding are responsible for the day to day safeguarding with in their areas.
- The Academy Manager is Ben Smith - Email: ben.smith@mkdons.com
- The Academy Head of Player Care is Christian Loftus – Tel: 07584 828433 Email: christian.loftus@mkdons.com
- The Academy Head of Coaching is Stephen Payne - Tel: 07834 463172 Email: stephen.payne@mkdons.com
- The MK Dons Head of Administration is Martin Harris – Tel: 01908 622956 Email: martin.harris@mkdons.com
- The MK Dons Sport and Education Chief Executive is Maralyn Smith. Tel: 07584706247 Email: maralyn.smith@mkdonsset.com
- Each area of the business also has a team of Designated Safeguarding Officers who work alongside the Lead Safeguarding staff to drive operational best practice.
If You Have a Concern...
Reporting and escalation procedure: If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child or adult at risk on one of our activities, trust you instinct and take immediate action:
- In the first instance, speak with the person in charge of supervising the activity who will share your concern to a member of the Safeguarding Team.
- If you cannot speak with someone at the time, contact a member of the safeguarding team via phone (contact details listed above) or the safeguarding referral email address safeguarding@mkdons.com.
- A member of the team will respond to your email and advise on the next best course of action.
- Please note that your concern will be managed sensitively and information will only be shared if it is necessary to ensure the safety of a child or adult at risk.
If the concern requires an immediate police, social work or health response:
- Police / Ambulance / Fire: Call 999 for report an emergency
- Police (non-emergency): Call 101 to report a crime to local police.
- NHS: Call 111 when you need medical help fast.
Club Policies
- Safeguarding Children
- Safeguarding Adults
- Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Allegations against staff and volunteers
- Safer Recruitment
MK Dons SET policies
- Safeguarding Children
- Safeguarding Adults
- Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Allegations against staff and volunteers
- Safer Recruitment
For independent advice and support
- NSPCC football helpline: 0800 023 2642 operating Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am to 6pm.
- The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) can also be contacted by calling 0808 801 0331 or by visiting their website.
| Who | Organisation | Description | Contact Number |
Website |
| Helplines for children and young people (up to the age of 18) | ChildLine | Childline is a free, private and confidential place for you to be you. Whatever your worry, you can get the help you need in the way you want it. Online and on the phone, 24/7, Childline is here to listen, talk things through and give you the information you need, whatever life throws at you. |
Call 0800 1111 (24 hours/free) | childline.org.uk |
| Adults concerned about a child | NSPCC | If you are worried about a child and need advice or information. The NSPCC helpline is a place adults can contact by phone or online to get advice or share their concerns about a child. Trained helpline counsellors can provide expert help, advice and support 24/7. The service is free and you can remain anonymous. |
Call 0808 800 5000 (24 hours/free) | |
| Emotional support (for both children and adults) | Samaritans | Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. Talk to us any time you like in your own way and off the record, about whatever’s getting to you. |
Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (24 hours/free) |
Find your nearest branch at Samaritans.org |
| Affected by crime | Victim Support | Victim Support provides free, confidential advice and practical help to anyone affected by any crime, no matter how long ago it took place, or whether it was reported to the police or not. |
Call 08 08 16 89 111 (Mon-Fri 8pm-8am. Weekends 24 hour service/free) |
victimsupport.org.uk |
| Older adults | The Silver Line | The Silver Line Helpline is the only national, free and confidential helpline for lonely and isolated older people; offering information, advice and friendship. | Call 0800 4 70 80 90 (24 hours/free) | thesilverline.org.uk |
| Adults with learning disabilities | Respond | Supports children and adults with learning difficulties, and their families / carers affected by trauma and abuse. | Call 0808 808 0700 (Mon-Fri, 1.30pm-5pm/free) | respond.org.uk |
| Adults with sensory impairment | Action for Blind People | Practical help and support for blind people and people with visual impairments/difficulties. | Call 0303 123 9999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) | actionforblindpeople.org.uk |
| Adults with sensory impairment | Deafblind | Services and practical help for deafblind people. | Call 0800 132 320 (24 hours) | deafblind.org.uk |
| Adults with mental health problems | Mind | Help for people with mental health concerns. | Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) | mind.org.uk |
| Adults affected by dementia | Alzheimer's Society | Help for people with dementia and their family, friends and carers. | Call 0300 222 1122 |
