The new online RFU Safeguarding Referral Form is now live! Many thanks to those of you who tested this out for us.
The online form replaces the PDF and allows individuals to report concerns securely via computer, tablet, or smartphone – ultimately, it is an easier and quicker way to report concerns to the RFU Safeguarding Team. From a club/CB perspective, although the method of reporting has changed from PDF to an online form, it’s business as usual!
How does the online RFU Safeguarding Referral Form work?
- Anyone can submit a concern via the RFU Safeguarding Referral Form on the Sharing Concerns webpage.
- We receive notification of a submission, and a member of the Team responds within 24 working hours. The concern is reviewed/triaged to the relevant case owner, or referred on to other departments (e.g., Player Welfare or Discipline) if it does not require safeguarding input.
- As usual, CBSMs will continue to be informed of safeguarding concerns received relevant to share and we will be in touch where clubs may need your additional support (e.g., managing Code of Conduct/Poor Practice matters). You are encouraged to check in monthly with Kath for a run-through of any concerns.
What does this mean for me as a CBSM/Assistant?
- As per Regulation 21, all concerns must be reported to the RFU Safeguarding Team – if you are contacted for advice on a concern from your clubs, please direct them to complete the online form. For transparency, please ensure you inform us that you have done so – if you direct someone to the online form and they do not complete, then we may be none the wiser.
- In the main, it is not for yourself as CBSM to complete the online form but there might be instances where you need to (e.g., receiving an anonymous concern).
What do I need to promote this?
- We will be promoting this nationally via CGU (11/02), RFU Safeguarding Twitter, Safeguarding Bulletin, so anything you can do to direct your CSOs and clubs to this is appreciated.
- Please promote the online form via your local networks (e.g., CSO WhatsApp groups) and update CB websites.
We recognise that there will be a period of transition and may still receive PDF referrals where CSOs are not aware of the changes. The PDF form is embedded within several documents and training, so we will be working across this next period to implement these changes.
Thanks for your ongoing support and if you have any questions on the online form or process, please contact safeguarding@rfu.com.
Kind regards
RFU Safeguarding Team
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