WRU Game Locker

As the national governing body for Welsh Rugby, the WRU has a wide leadership, governance and on occasion, enforcement role, which ensures that rugby in Wales is able to flourish, through the provision of safe, inclusive environments that prioritise individual rights and dignity, and address inappropriate activity.

This position is most evident in our response to Safeguarding, where we have met our legal and moral obligations holistically, highlighting the ways in which we can all contribute to protecting those potentially subject of harm; children and adults at risk. Our procedures seek to prevent such harm, whilst supporting the recognition of, and effective response to, any cases that do unfortunately occur.

POLICY STATEMENT

The WRU is committed to ensuring that everyone in Wales, irrespective of their age, race, religion or belief,disability, gender identity or sexual orientation, has equality of opportunity and can participate in our national game in a safe, enjoyable and inclusive manner. In doing so, we recognise the principle that the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount.

The WRU acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults and is fully committed to ensuring that safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and promotes best practice. The WRU will develop robust policies and procedures that minimise the risk of children, young people and adults experiencing abuse within Welsh Rugby.

Safeguarding is the principle of protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm or any form of abuse, maltreatment or neglect, whilst promoting their welfare to ensure that they feel safe, empowered and able to develop to be at their best.

Safeguarding is a collective duty; it requires everyone across the game to take responsibility for ensuring that we prevent any potential safeguarding risks before they happen. Where incidents do occur, it’s important that everyone is able to recognise the safeguarding risk and understand the need to intervene where serious immediate risk exists. All safeguarding incidents should be reported through the correct channels.

The WRU take the lead role for safeguarding within Welsh rugby, mandating all affiliated clubs and other relevant bodies to adopt and implement the WRU’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, and ensure that there is:

• appropriate safeguarding training and awareness provided to staff and volunteers, to be able to recognise and respond to concerns in line with the Six R’s.

• an effective mechanism to report safeguarding concerns.

• an effective and comprehensive investigative, case management response delivered by skilled and experienced staff.

• a robust plan in place delivered by appropriately skilled staff to investigate concerns and manage caseload effectively.

• independent oversight of safeguarding and misconduct cases, with relevant matters being referred to independent panels for determination.

Click the icons to access the full WRU Safeguarding Policy and the abbreviated version of the WRU Safeguarding Policy