Safeguarding & EDI

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At Minds United, we take safeguarding seriously. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone who takes part in our sessions, whether you are a member, player, volunteer, coach, or visitor.

Our safeguarding team ensures that all activities are run to the highest standards of safety and welfare. We encourage anyone with a safeguarding concern — about yourself or someone else — to contact us immediately.

Safeguarding Contacts

• Tyrone Spence – Safeguarding Officer
  📞  02080507953
  📧  safeguarding@mindsunitedsc.com
   
• Nathan –HR Officer
  📞  02080507953
  📧 hr@mindsunitedsc.com
   

If you have a safeguarding concern during one of our sessions or events, please speak to a member of staff or volunteer immediately.

Our Safeguarding Policies

We have clear policies in place to protect everyone involved in our activities, including:

• Adult Safeguarding Policy
   
• Safeguarding Procedures for Staff and Volunteers
   
• Code of Conduct for Coaches, Staff, and Participants
   
• Whistleblowing & Speak Up Policy
   

Copies of these policies can be requested by emailing safeguarding@mindsunitedsc.com

Minds United believes in the power of sport to bring people together and create positive change. Based in the heart of London, we serve a vibrant and diverse community, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued.

• Celebrating Diversity – We embrace the wide range of backgrounds, cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences that our members bring to our club.
   
• Equal Opportunities – We are committed to providing fair access to all our activities, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
   
• Championing Inclusion – We aim to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
   
• Accessibility – We work to make our activities and facilities as accessible as possible, adapting where needed to support people with disabilities or additional needs.
   
• Mental Health Awareness – As a mental health–led organisation, we place wellbeing at the centre of everything we do, offering peer support and signposting to further help when needed.
   
• Continuous Improvement – We regularly review our practices, listen to feedback, and adapt to ensure we are providing the most inclusive and welcoming environment possible.
   

We encourage all partners, funders, and participants to join us in creating a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable community.

Copies of our company policies can be requested by emailing hr@mindsunitedsc.com

This policy sets out the actions Minds United Sports Club CIC may take when members, staff, or visitors breach the Club’s rules or Code of Conduct. It is designed to ensure that all participants can enjoy a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

• We aim to be fair and consistent in all disciplinary matters.
   
• We always prioritise safety and respect.
   
• Our goal is to support positive participation and encourage members to return responsibly after sanctions.
   
• In serious cases, we may report incidents to the relevant authorities.
   

Examples:

• Rude comments
   
• Not following codes of practises
   
• Minor disruption / arguing with staff
   

Outcome:
⚠️ Warning → 1–2 week suspension if repeated

Examples:

• Persistent arguing with staff
   
• Repeated disruption
   
• Ignoring safety rules
   
• Disrespect towards others
   

Outcome:
⏸️ 1–4 week suspension

Examples:

• Fighting / physical aggression
   
• Threats or abuse
   
• Bullying or discrimination
   
• Damaging property
   

Outcome:
🚷 4–12 week suspension (longer if needed)

Examples:

• Serious violence or assault
   
• Weapons, drugs, or alcohol on site
   
• Attending while intoxicated
   
• Theft or sabotage
   
• Repeated harassment
   

Outcome:
❌ Indefinite or permanent exclusion
⚖️ May be reported to authorities

Members have the right to appeal against any suspension or exclusion. Appeals must be made in writing via email to hr@mindsunitedsc.com within 14 days of the decision. Appeals will be reviewed by the Club’s management team, whose decision is final.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains fair, effective, and consistent with Minds United’s values.

Minds United Sports Club CIC is committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive services and creating a safe, respectful environment for all participants, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
We value feedback and view complaints as an opportunity to improve the way we work.

This policy sets out our commitment to handling complaints fairly, promptly, and transparently.

• Ensure everyone knows how to raise a concern or complaint.
  
  
• Provide a clear and accessible process for dealing with complaints.
  
  
• Resolve issues quickly, fairly, and consistently.
  
  
• Learn from complaints to improve our services and prevent recurrence.
  

This policy applies to:

• Participants and their families/carers
  
  
• Staff, volunteers, and directors
  
  
• Partner organisations, funders, and members of the public
  
  

It covers complaints about:

• Service delivery
  
  
• Conduct of staff, volunteers, or other participants
  
  
• Decisions made by Minds United Sports Club CIC
  
  
• Health, safety, or safeguarding concerns
  
  

• Accessibility: We will make it easy to raise a complaint and offer support where needed.
  
  
• Timeliness: We will respond within the timeframes stated in our Complaints Procedure.
  
  
• Fairness: We will investigate complaints impartially and respect confidentiality.
  
  
• Protection: Complainants will not face discrimination or victimisation for raising a complaint.
  
  
• Learning: We will review complaints regularly and use them to improve our services.
  
  

• Staff & Volunteers: Must be aware of the Complaints Procedure and support individuals who wish to make a complaint.
  
  
• Managers: Responsible for investigating complaints and ensuring timely resolution.
  
  
• Directors: Provide oversight, handle appeals, and review complaint trends for governance and quality improvement.
  
  

• Complaints Procedure – step-by-step guide to making and resolving complaints
• Safeguarding Policies – for concerns involving abuse, neglect, or risk of harm
• Data Protection Policy – how we handle personal data during complaint investigations

Copies of these documents can be requested via email to hr@mindsunitedsc.com