Policy Last Reviewed: January 2026 | Next Review Due: January 2027

Our Duty of Care.

Cricket Matters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals who engage with our services.

We work with children (under 18) and adults, including Adults at Risk, and we recognise our responsibility to act in accordance with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and associated Welsh safeguarding guidance.

For the purposes of this policy, Adults at Risk refers to adults who have needs for care and support and who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding is not treated as a separate process. It is embedded into how decisions are made, how sessions are delivered, and how professional boundaries are maintained at all times.

Scope of This Policy.

This safeguarding policy applies to:

• All in-person and remote services provided by Cricket Matters
• Injury assessments, performance assessments, and rehabilitation sessions
• Coaching, training, and advisory work involving junior and adult cricketers
• Any individual representing or delivering services on behalf of Cricket Matters

Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP).

The Designated Safeguarding Person for Cricket Matters is:

James Breese
Founder & Performance System Architect
Email: [email protected]

James Breese holds an Enhanced DBS check through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and has completed ECB Safe Hands safeguarding training, aligned with national safeguarding standards for cricket environments in England and Wales.

As DSP, he is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns
• Taking appropriate action in line with Welsh safeguarding procedures
• Liaising with cricket governing bodies and statutory authorities when required

Safeguarding in a Clinical & Performance Environment.

Cricket Matters operates at the intersection of sports coaching, physical performance, and hands-on assessment. This requires additional safeguarding clarity and structure.

Physical Contact & Consent.

All physical assessment and treatment follows an Explain – Ask – Perform approach:

• The purpose of any physical contact is explained clearly in advance
• Verbal consent is obtained before contact
• Contact is limited strictly to clinical or performance-related necessity

Consent is ongoing and may be withdrawn at any time.

Chaperone Policy.

Under 18s:

A parent, legal guardian, or approved chaperone must be present in the room for all in-person assessments and treatments involving minors.

Adults:

Any adult has the right to request a chaperone. Where a second practitioner is required, this must be requested in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Professional Boundaries.

Cricket Matters maintains clear professional boundaries at all times.

• Physical contact is limited to assessment and treatment needs
• Language, behaviour, and communication remain professional
• Sessions are documented and conducted transparently
• No closed-door or unsupervised situations with minors occur

Safer Recruitment & Vetting.

Anyone delivering services on behalf of Cricket Matters is expected to meet appropriate safeguarding standards.

This includes:

• Enhanced DBS clearance (where applicable)
• Relevant safeguarding training
• Agreement to operate within defined professional and ethical boundaries

Recognising and Reporting Concerns.

Cricket Matters has a duty to act if there are concerns about the welfare of a child or an Adult at Risk.

Concerns may relate to:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Inappropriate behaviour or boundary violations

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where safeguarding concerns exist. Information will be shared with relevant authorities where required to protect individuals from harm.

All safeguarding records are stored securely and processed in accordance with the UK GDPR and Cricket Matters’ Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

How to Raise a Concern.

If you have a safeguarding concern:

1. Contact the Designated Safeguarding Person – Email: [email protected]
2. Cricket Governing Bodies
   • ECB Safeguarding Team
   • Cricket Wales Safeguarding Officer
3. Statutory Authorities (Wales)
   • Local Authority Social Services (via MASH)
   • Police (non-emergency): 101
   • Police (emergency): 999

Whistleblowing.

Cricket Matters encourages an open and accountable culture.

Any staff member, contractor, or practitioner working within or alongside Cricket Matters is encouraged to raise concerns about safeguarding practice, professional conduct, or the clinic environment without fear of reprisal.

Concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

Commitment to Review.

This safeguarding policy is reviewed at least annually and updated in line with:

• Changes to Welsh safeguarding legislation
• Governing body requirements
• Practice developments within Cricket Matters

Our Position.

Safeguarding is not about policies alone.

It is about clarity, responsibility, and accountability — the same principles that underpin how Cricket Matters approaches performance, injury, and long-term development.

Useful Safeguarding Resources.

Cricket Wales Safeguarding
Wales Safeguarding Procedures 
ECB Safe Hands Safeguarding Policy