Our Commitment to a safer matchday.
We will ensure that our spectators, volunteers, players, staff, participants, parents, carers, and all our supporters understand that we are fully committed to creating safe environments for everyone, where we take reports of incidents, allegations or concerns seriously and respond in an effective and timely manner.
We fully recognise our responsibility to ensure children, young people and adults at risk are safeguarded and protected from harm.
Sale Sharks recognise that safeguarding is the shared responsibility of everyone across our Club and we work tirelessly to ensure that our staff are the right people, in the right roles. Sale Sharks will do this through our robust recruitment process which will include appropriate checks, training, and ongoing monitoring.
Reporting Incidents
If a child or adult is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, please dial 999.
If the matter is urgent; (injured child or adult at risk or they are in immediate harm/danger), please contact the police, ambulance service or local children’s social services.
Please provide details of any referral made in this manner ( time date and to whom reported, with reference number of name of person ) to Sale Sharks Head of Safeguarding so we can follow it up with the relevant agency.
Reporting email address for advice and non-urgent concern
safeguardingreporting@salesharks.com
Sale Sharks safeguarding Team will respond to the email as soon as possible. Please note that during busy periods this may take longer than normal. We aim to respond with 24 hours.
We recognise that people may be unsure if a matter is urgent, and we do not wish you to investigate or question further; therefore, we urge people to report matters and let the decision as to severity of incident be decided by a trained safeguarding officer.
If you’re worried about a child , even if you’re unsure and you are unable to contact designated safeguarding officers from Sale Sharks ; please seek advice and support from the NSPCC helpline help@nspcc.org.uk tel. no. 0808 800 500
Advice and Support
The below charities and organisations, are places that offer help and advice.
- Childline – ChildLine are a free, private, and confidential service where you can talk about anything. You can call them anytime on 0800 1111.
- NSPCC – The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children are the UK’s leading children’s charity. They have a helpline you can call, which is free and confidential, on 0808 800 5000 or, if you’re under 18, 0800 1111
- Bullying UK – If you’re suffering from Bullying, and would like support on what to do, you can call their free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222
- Young Minds – Are the UK’s leading charity for young people’s mental health. Whether you want to understand more about how you’re feeling or want to find ways to feel better, they can help.
- Think U Know – Is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline. If you want advice about staying safe when you’re on a phone, tablet, or computer, you can visit the Think U Know website
- Stonewall – Are a registered company who stand for the rights of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere.
Carol Baker – Safeguarding Lead
A former policewoman from Leigh who has dedicated over two decades of her life to safeguarding thousands of children playing rugby – Carol is on hand to help with all aspects of safeguarding involving Sale Sharks.
Carol’s family have always been rugby fanatics; with one son playing at county level, and the other in the England Under 16’s team. With both her husband and sons involved in the sport, she took an active interest, making a huge commitment 22 years ago to protect and safeguard children who wanted to play the sport.
In August 1992, she signed up to act as her local club’s Safeguarding Officer, responsible for the welfare of all of its members. Since then she has gone on to offer even more help as a Rugby Football Union Safeguarding Tutor, teaching courses about how to safeguard young players from across Lancashire and, since 2004, providing guidance and support to those carrying out Safeguarding roles in other clubs in her local area. Her work enables thousands of people to pursue their dreams of playing the sport.
Get in Touch