Safety Is
Non-Negotiable
The safety of every young person in our care is our absolute first priority. It informs every decision we make — from who we hire, to how we design our venues, to how we run our sessions.
Contact Safeguarding TeamSafeguarding concerns? Contact our safeguarding team immediately: safeguarding@player-ready.co.uk • 0117 463 3150
Our Safeguarding Framework
A comprehensive approach to keeping young people safe.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Every Player Ready venue has a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) on site during all sessions. Our DSLs hold Level 3 safeguarding qualifications and complete annual refresher training. They are the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern.
Enhanced DBS Checks
All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks with barred list checks before they are permitted to work with young people. DBS certificates are renewed regularly, and we subscribe to the DBS Update Service for ongoing monitoring.
Safer Recruitment
Our recruitment process follows statutory guidance. Every candidate undergoes identity verification, right to work checks, at least two professional references, and a structured interview that includes safeguarding-focused questions. Gaps in employment history are always explored.
Staff Training
All staff complete safeguarding training before their first session with a student. This includes child protection, online safety, Prevent duty awareness, and recognising signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Training is refreshed annually.
Online Safety
For online sessions, we use secure video platforms with screen sharing so mentors can monitor activity. Students' online environments are supervised throughout. We educate students about online safety as part of our digital skills curriculum.
Venue Safety
All venues undergo regular health and safety assessments. Risk assessments are maintained for every activity. Fire safety procedures are tested regularly. Visitors are signed in and supervised. No unsupervised access to students.
Reporting Procedures
What happens when a safeguarding concern is identified.
Immediate Response
If a child is in immediate danger, we contact the police (999) or local authority children's services immediately. The child's safety always comes first.
Record & Report
All concerns are recorded in writing by the person who identified them, using the child's own words where possible. Records are factual, dated, and signed.
DSL Assessment
The Designated Safeguarding Lead assesses the concern and decides on the appropriate course of action — which may include a referral to children's social care, MASH, or the police.
Referral & Follow-Up
Where a referral is made, we follow up within 24 hours if we haven't received confirmation. We cooperate fully with any multi-agency investigation.
Commissioner Notification
The referring school or local authority is notified of safeguarding incidents in accordance with our information-sharing agreements and statutory requirements.
Our Policies
Our safeguarding policy is aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children. It is reviewed annually and updated whenever statutory guidance changes.
We also maintain policies covering: child protection, online safety, anti-bullying, whistleblowing, complaints, data protection, health and safety, fire safety, first aid, and lone working.
All policies are available to commissioners, parents, and regulatory bodies on request. Contact safeguarding@player-ready.co.uk to request copies.
Questions About Safeguarding?
We welcome scrutiny. If you have questions about our safeguarding arrangements, please get in touch.