The RFU is committed to developing a culture where it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns about any unacceptable practice, behaviour, wrongdoing or misconduct.

Recognising that, through loyalty or fear of repercussion, people may be reluctant to voice worries, this policy has been created to encourage members of the game to speak up, knowing that they will be supported and their concerns will be handled sensitively.

Speaking up will enable concerns to be investigated and dealt with for the benefit of all involved and for that of the wider game.

Anyone making a disclosure can be confident that the matter will be handled appropriately and with an appropriate level of confidentiality.

Scope of the policy

This is a game-wide policy open to everyone in the professional and community game in England.

It enables anyone to raise concerns through channels that they are comfortable with and gives all parties the opportunity to resolve a concern and for any necessary action to be taken.

This policy should NOT be used for any matters presenting an immediate threat to life or property.

For emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities or call the relevant emergency phone number.

Neither should it be used for:

• Grievances or whistleblowing relating to your employment ordinarily dealt with under your employer’s grievance or whistleblowing policies. The RFU’s policies are available to its employees on the RFU intranet. If you are not an RFU employee, please refer to your employer’s policies.
• Contractual or personal disputes, including contractual disputes with agents and clubs.
• Issues relating to club memberships or other internal club disputes, which should be raised with and managed by the club.

How to speak up

Hopefully, you can raise concerns with your coach, line manager or someone in your club.

However, where a matter is more serious, you feel that your concerns have not been addressed, or you prefer not to raise it with your coach, line manager, or club then different alternatives exist, depending on your involvement and role within the game.

You can submit your concerns via the SPEAK UP REPORTING FORM

You can also report your concerns by email to SpeakUp@RFU.com

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