This page provides information on BF’s role in cases where a safeguarding concern has been raised directly with the authorities OR has been raised to BF and is of a potential criminal nature OR cases where Children or Adult Services. In all these cases BF is required to report to the statutory authorities.
(More information on cases where the concern has not been raised to the authorities)
Most people who work or volunteer in fencing provide safe and supportive environments for children or adults at risk. However, sometimes the conduct of an individual might be brought into question or might result in an allegation of harm or abuse of a child being made against them.
The welfare of children and adults at risk in fencing is paramount and all allegations that relate to their welfare will be treated seriously, in line with government advice, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and the British Fencing Safeguarding Policy.
Where allegations meet a certain ‘threshold level’, BF is required to report them to the authorities and take action under their guidance. Data protection law allows BF to share information to safeguard people.
This page is intended to provide information about how this process works for anyone who has has concerns raised about them which involve the authorities. It is also useful information for anyone supporting that person or anyone else involved in the process.
Why can't BF tell me what are the allegations and who has made them?
When a case is reported directly to the authorities BF is not always given this information.
If BF receives an allegation directly which meets the threshold for referral to the authorities we pass that information to them and await their instructions.
Where cases are referred to the authorities, BF can only share information that we have permission from the authorities to share.
Once the authorities have concluded their processes, BF may pursue their own safeguarding procedure and as part of this concerns will be shared in the appropriate way and time.
Why aren't BF investigating?
For allegations that meet threshold reporting levels, BF led investigations can only take place where we have confirmation that the authorities are not investigating or pursuing any case. (This can mean that for example they are choosing not to investigate or that they have concluded their investigation and will not be pursuing further action.)
Sometimes a BF led investigation may start with allegations which initially do not meet threshold levels for referral but as part of the investigation further information may come to light which means the allegations do meet threshold levels. At this point the BF led investigation is suspended, and the information is handed over to the authorities and BF wait for further instruction.
Sometimes during a BF led investigation, someone (other than BF) may choose to make a report directly to the authorities. Once BF become aware of this the BF led investigation is then suspended, and, if requested by the authorities, the results of the investigation so far may be handed over to the authorities.
How long will investigations take?
BF has no control over authorities. This includes the time that they may take to decide whether to pursue a matter or to investigate it. This is the same for both the police and Children/Adult Services.
BF also has no control over how much information the authorities will choose to share with us on the status of a matter, and our experience is that times can vary greatly depending on who is investigating and what they are investigating.
Therefore BF cannot provide any information on timescale.
During this time BF will only typically only act on instruction from the police, Children/Adult services or the Local Authority Designated Officer (or Home Nation equivalent), and will not start (or continue) any BF led investigation.
BF will reach out on a regular basis to the authorities to try to ascertain where the investigation is and whether there is any change in the guidance over restrictions.
However, it must be noted, if the police are investigating, normally British Fencing will not be kept up to date with proceedings until there is an outcome. Therefore, we will be able to provide little in the way of updates on their investigation.
Why have (without prejudice) temporary restrictions been put in place?
Where the statutory authorities are involved, any without prejudice restriction put in place by BF will be led by guidance from:
1. The Police
2. The Local Authority Designated Officer (or Home Nation equivalent)
BF will reach out on a regular basis to the authorities to try to ascertain progress. Where appropriate BF will share progress with the person concerned. This is particularly relevant if there is any change in the guidance over BF restrictions that are in place.
The authorities may also put in place other (non fencing related) restrictions which they will communicate directly with the person concerned.
The process is very distressing and negatively affecting me, what help is out there?
BF recognises that having a concern or allegation raised against you regarding your behaviour towards children or adults at risk can be distressing.
BF has no control over the speed at which the authorities make decisions in regards to allegations or how long investigations take and that delays in these areas can negatively impact everyone involved.
If a concern or allegation is raised against you, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the BF Safeguarding Policy , as well as this area of the website, to gain an understanding of the process. BF also recognises that circumstances such as these can cause feelings of anxiety, and if you feel your mental health is being affected, please make use of the resources listed on the Are You OK section of our website.
If the authorities have concluded their investigation with no action what happens next?
Once BF has received confirmation that the authorities have concluded their involvement BF may choose to pursue further safeguarding or disciplinary investigations or procedures.
It is important to recognise that BF disciplinary and safeguarding procedures work to different thresholds to the police.
As part of the next steps any remaining restrictions will be reviewed and where appropriate guidance sought from the LADO (see below).
What is the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)?
Where certain conditions are met, British Fencing must consult with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). This may be for children or adults at risk and BF will work in conjunction with them.
Every Local Authority in England and some in Wales has a LADO who is responsible for coordinating the response to any concerns that an adult who works or volunteers with children or adults at risk may have harmed them or may pose a risk to them. They do not have investigatory powers.
The LADO will review the information provided and, if necessary, share the information with other organisations including Children/Adult Services, schools and/or Police. This review could result in a criminal investigation, a joint police/ social care investigation, or referral back to BF for an internal safeguarding or disciplinary investigation.
During a police or joint police/social care investigations the LADO may advise BF on any temporary without prejudice restrictions.
If the case is passed back to British Fencing, the LADO will advise and make recommendations about how British Fencing should deal with the alleged concern.
It is extremely important to note that the outcome of any process managed by either the LADO or British Fencing is based on the civil threshold of ‘balance of probability’, which is different to the criminal threshold of ‘beyond all reasonable doubt’. Therefore, the findings of the police may differ from the findings of the LADO or British Fencing.