Between the 29th December 2018 and 17th January 2019, Herefordshire County FA were independently assessed against The Football Association Safeguarding Operating Standard for season 2018/2019.

In the opinion of the assessors, Herefordshire County Football Association has embedded safeguarding into its governance structures and operational practices. The assessors commented:

"Herefordshire Football Association acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and consider it in all aspects of the business. Jonathan, Anna and the entire team should be congratulated on this achievement."

The  HFA has made some changes in staff and processes which have assisted in ensuring safeguarding has been embedded into youth football in the County. The HFA have initiated a safeguarding conference within the county which has attracted staff from other sports and included testimony from survivors of abuse. Feedback for this event was very positive and a good example of what a smaller county can achieve with other local sporting organisations. For any queries related to safeguarding in football please get in touch.