Club Governance

1. Governance & Leadership

The club operates under a formal constitution that defines its purpose, decision‑making structure, and accountability arrangements. The club is overseen by an elected Management Committee, including a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and FA‑appointed Welfare Officer. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, recorded, and reviewed annually.

The Committee meets regularly to oversee strategy, compliance, financial stewardship, and safeguarding responsibilities.

2. Safeguarding & Welfare

Safeguarding is a core priority. The club has adopted and actively applies:

• The FA Safeguarding Adults Policy
• Codes of Conduct for players, coaches, parents, spectators, and officials

A trained Club Welfare Officer is in post and acts as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns. Clear reporting and escalation procedures are in place, including referral routes to the County FA and statutory agencies where required.

3. Equality, Inclusion & Behaviour

The club is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and respectful football opportunities for all participants. An Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy is in place, supported by:

• Anti‑bullying principles
• Clear behavioural expectations
• A zero‑tolerance approach to discrimination or abuse

All participants and volunteers are required to agree to the relevant Codes of Conduct.

4. Financial Management & Transparency

The club operates robust financial controls to ensure transparency and accountability. These include:

• A designated Treasurer
• Committee oversight of expenditure
• Annual financial reporting to members
• Clear processes for handling income, grants, and subscriptions

Funds are used solely to further the objectives of the club and the development of football.

5. Health, Safety & Risk Management

The club maintains appropriate Health & Safety policies, risk assessments, and first‑aid arrangements for training and match activity. Accidents and incidents are formally recorded, reviewed, and acted upon.

6. Data Protection & GDPR

The club complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data is:

• Collected for legitimate club purposes only
• Stored securely
• Accessed on a need‑to‑know basis
• Retained and disposed of in line with documented retention rules

Privacy notices are provided to players, parents, and volunteers.

7. Volunteers & Workforce

All coaches and relevant volunteers:

• Are safely recruited
• Hold appropriate DBS checks where required
• Meet FA eligibility standards
• Are supported through induction and ongoing development

Volunteer welfare and clear escalation processes are in place.

8. Review & Continuous Improvement

Governance arrangements, policies, and procedures are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fit for purpose, compliant, and aligned with best practice and FA guidance.