Report a Concern

Last updated: 8th July 2025

BF believes that the welfare of children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to preventing and protecting them from harassment and abuse.  Everyone in fencing – administrator, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help.

If you have a safeguarding concern, you MUST report it using the Non Urgent – Report Form.

If you are a child and have a worry or concern, please use this form. If you have personally experienced any form of harassment or abuse, or any behaviour that has made you feel uncomfortable we encourage you to reach out – there is advice and guidance available if you are a young person who has been affected.

Serious Concerns/Imminent Risk

If you have a serious concern and you believe that a child or adult at risk is at imminent risk, in the first instance you must contact the Police or Children/Adult Services in your area and then contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer on the emergency 24hr safeguarding number: 07526 003030 immediately.

If you are in doubt as to whether your concern is serious, contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer, Liz Behnke for advice on 077177 40125.

If the Lead Safeguarding Officer is unavailable, call the NSPCC for help, advice and support: 0808 800 5000 (sadly no longer 24/7) or email them on [email protected].

1. All concerns where there is no imminent risk to the welfare of a person should be reported to BF by using our non urgent report form.
2. If the concern arises during an event, you should contact the designated Event Welfare Officer
3. If the concern relates to an affiliated club activity, you should contact the Club Welfare Officer
4. If none of the above apply or you are not comfortable speaking to the nominated welfare officers, please contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer during normal working hours on 077177 40125
5. Finally, please remember BF will support anyone who, in good faith, reports their concerns that a child or adult at risk is potentially or actually being abused.

Please see BF’s Welfare Procedures, including safeguarding guidance for more information

Helplines

Having reported a concern, you may wish to access further support.

The following helplines provide emotional and crisis support to everyone affected by harassment and abuse, mental ill health and other issues.

Childline or 0800 1111

Hub of Hope 

National Bullying Helpline – Information and advice about all forms of bullying- 0300 323 0169 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

Bright Sky: a free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is also designed to be used by specialist and non-specialist practitioners and other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent.   The Bright Sky app is available using the followng links:

• • Android
  • Apple

BF’s ARE YOU OK? webpage has more helplines

Accessing Vulnerable Group Expertise

If you wish to access additional information to support vulnerable groups, the following organisations have specific expertise that you may find useful.

Activity Alliance | Disability Inclusion Sport – The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

Ann Craft Trust: Safeguarding Adults and Young People at Risk

Sporting Equals – Promoting ethnic diversity across sport and physical activity

Stonewall – Information and support for LGBT communities and their allies. Contact Stonewall’s Information Service FREEPHONE 0800 0502020 Lines are open 9:30 – 4:30 Monday to Friday

Reporting Child Abuse to the Police

Operation Hydrant have developed an animation, designed to inform victims and survivors of child abuse what happens next should they decide to report to police, to enable a more informed decision.

If you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online, make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors –

Information Sharing

All information received will be treated in confidence and only shared on a need to know basis with those individuals who will be able to manage the situation.  On occasion it may be necessary to seek advice, or inform the statutory agencies e.g. the Police or Local Authority Services. When investigating safeguarding concerns it may also be necessary and appropriate to contact those responsible for safeguarding in other organisations, such as schools and clubs.