At Ballon Dor Football Academy, we prioritise ethical behaviour and foster a safe environment for everyone. This policy encourages all members of our Academy community – staff, parents, players, and volunteers – to report any concerns about potential wrongdoing or risks of harm.

Raising Concerns about Potential Wrongdoing

Whistleblowing allows you to report any suspected wrongdoing or situations that may cause harm related to Ballon Dor Football Academy's activities.

Reportable Concerns:

While we can't list everything, here are some examples of what you might report:

• Safeguarding Concerns: The welfare or safety of a child is at risk.

• Breaches of Policy: A violation of Ballon Dor's policies, such as safeguarding procedures or financial regulations.

• Misconduct: Dishonesty, fraud, or other unethical behaviour.

• Discrimination or Bullying: Behaviour that creates a hostile or unsafe environment.

• Health and Safety Issues: Risks that could cause injury or illness.

Remember:

• You can have some of the answers or proof.

• We encourage you to report any concerns, even if you need clarification on whether they fall under these specific examples.

Reporting Your Concerns

We encourage you to report any concerns you have most comfortably. Here are some options:

Directly to Officers:

• Speak Up: If you feel comfortable doing so, you can report your concern directly to our officers: Nina Carter 07884881513 or Neil Coombs 07476485115.

• Email: For general inquiries, you can send an email to our support team at support@ballondorfootballacademy.com

You have the right to bring a colleague or union representative to any meeting about your concern for support. Please note: Anyone accompanying you must respect the confidentiality of your disclosure and any subsequent investigation.

Confidentiality and Support

We understand that reporting a concern can be difficult, and we appreciate your courage in coming forward. We are committed to protecting your confidentiality throughout the process.

• You can anonymously report if you prefer.

• If you reveal your identity, we will only disclose it to those who need to know so we can investigate your concern.

• We will discuss situations where confidentiality might be limited, such as a legal requirement to provide information.

We are here to support you throughout the process. We can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

External Disclosures

This policy is a safe and effective way to raise concerns internally. However, we understand that you may feel compelled to report a problem to an external body in rare cases.

You have the legal right to make a disclosure directly to a relevant authority, such as a regulator or law enforcement agency, without facing any penalty from Ballon Dor Football Academy.

If you consider making an external disclosure, we strongly encourage you to seek independent legal advice to understand your options and potential next steps.

Protection and Support for Those Raising Concerns

At Ballon Dor Football Academy, we value open communication and protect those who raise concerns in good faith. Under this policy, we will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a problem, even if the concern is later unfounded.

If you believe you have been penalised or mistreated for raising a concern, please report it immediately to the Head of Skills and Safeguarding. If unresolved, you can formally raise the issue using our Grievance Procedure.

We will treat your identity confidentially throughout the process unless there is a legal requirement to disclose it. We encourage you to report concerns honestly and accurately. Making deliberately false or malicious allegations may result in disciplinary action.

Diversity and Inclusion at Ballon Dor Football Academy

At Ballon Dor Football Academy, we celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone involved with our Academy, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, ability, or any other factor.

Our Commitment:

• Fairness: We strive to be a fair employer, volunteer organisation, and service provider. Everyone deserves equal opportunity to participate in our programs, and we treat them respectfully.

• Diversity: We value the richness that diversity brings to our Academy community. We actively promote inclusion and celebrate each individual's unique experiences and perspectives.

• Respectful Environment: We foster a culture of respect for all. We expect everyone – staff, coaches, players, volunteers, and parents – to treat each other with dignity and courtesy.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Policy:

Our comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Policy outlines our commitment to fairness and the expected behaviours of all members of the Academy community.