Fnatic Group | Safeguarding Policy
Introduction
Fnatic regularly connects or engages with children, young people and adults at risk. We talk with them online, through social media and community platforms; we meet them in person at gaming events, tournaments and bootcamps; and, as we increase our digital product range, they share their data with us.
The welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount to Fnatic, and to the esports ecosystem as a whole. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that we engage with and care for we must keep them safe and operate in a way that protects them. We are responsible for, and are committing to, safeguarding, and we will lead esports in the standard of care and risk management for children, young people and adults at risk.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is an umbrella term which refers to the process of ensuring the health and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk. In this regard, safeguarding forms part of Fnatic’s commitment to further performance in esports.
We are committed to preventing the abuse, bullying, harm, harassment and neglect of children, young people and adults at risk through our 'five R approach':
- we act with due consideration towards the rights of children and adults at risk who interact with Fnatic (and their parents and guardians)
- we accept responsibility to children and adults at risk who interact with Fnatic
- we create an atmosphere of respect for self and others. This includes encouraging those under our care to be mindful of their physical and mental health - for example, by eating healthy foods, maintaining a work-life balance, sleeping a sufficient number of hours, and maintaining healthy relationships
- we encourage reporting of safeguarding concerns, and will respond proactively to reports we receive
- we address risks (for example, in physical and digital environments we control) which, if left uncontrolled, might result in harm to the health or development of children, young people or adults at risk
What is a child/ adult at risk?
Fnatic considers any person under 18 years of age to be a child.
An adult at risk is any person who is:
- aged 18 years or over and
- at risk of abuse or neglect because of their needs for care and support
Our policies
Fnatic has two safeguarding policies: our 'Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy' and our 'Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy' (together, the Policies).
The function of the Policies is to:
- outline safeguarding risks facing children, young people and adults at risk
- state Fnatic’s approach in relation to safeguarding
- assign responsibility for safeguarding processes within Fnatic
- assist in the proactive management of safeguarding risks
- guide and protect Fnatic’s staff and contractors if a safeguarding incident occurs
How you can help
If you become aware of a safeguarding issue involving Fnatic or a member of the Fnatic team, please inform us immediately via safeguarding@fnatic.com. You are not obligated to share your name or personal details with us, but doing so will help us update you as to our response.
Who do the Policies apply to?
The Policies promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that Fnatic engages with or who are otherwise under Fnatic’s care.
How can I identify an adult at risk?
Adults at risk are those who are at risk of abuse or neglect due to either personal characteristics (eg. disability or special educational needs) or their circumstances (eg. socio-economic factors and living conditions).
Identifying an adult at risk may require you to account for various factors and assess an adult’s situation as a whole. You should consult Fnatic’s Core Safeguarding Team (via safeguarding@fnatic.com) if you need advice on this issue.
How do I report a safeguarding incident concerning a child, young person or adult at risk under Fnatic’s care?
Email safeguarding@fnatic.com, or visit https://fna.tc/whistleblowing.
Can / should I report an incident that is not specifically mentioned in the Policies?
Yes. If you’re aware of any harm caused to a person for whom Fnatic is responsible - or even if you suspect harm may have occurred, but you’re not 100% sure - it’s vital that you tell us about it.
Where can I read more about safeguarding?
These leading UK-based charities provide detailed information, training and resources regarding safeguarding:
Safeguarding is an evolving issue in esports. Fnatic Group is committed to learn from stakeholders in safeguarding - including safeguarding professionals in traditional sport, parents, coaches, investors - capture their perspectives and evolve its approach. We welcome your feedback and queries regarding the Policies and our commitment to safeguarding via safeguarding@fnatic.com.
