Safeguarding at risk adults & children

1. Policy Statement

Llyn Brenig Sailing Club is committed to safeguarding children and at risk adults taking part in its activities from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying.

We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of the child are paramount and that any participant, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, has a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.

Llyn Brenig Sailing Club takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through safe recruitment, appropriate operating procedures and training, it offers a safe and fun environment to children and at risk adults taking part in its events and activities.

For the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child. Our Code of Conduct and Good Practice Guidelines apply equally to the care of at risk adults as defined here (see page 5).

All members of the Club should be aware of the policy.

2. Club Welfare Officer

The Club Welfare Officer is Andrew Roberts (andrew.roberts@llynbrenigsc.org.uk , 07837 302615).

2.1 Code of Practice & Procedures

The Club follows the Royal Yachting Association safeguarding policies, most recently revised in 2020.

2.2 Recruitment of Our Volunteers

All Club volunteers whose role brings them into regular contact with young people will be asked to provide references. A self-declaration form will be requested for all current volunteers involved in coaching and training.

The Club Welfare Officer and Training Principal will have Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure (DBS) checks with a record of clearance retained by the Club Honorary Secretary. The Club Welfare Officer and the Training Principal are authorised to request future volunteers apply for DBS checks.

Refer to Section 4 of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidelines [PDF].

Our policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders for voluntary roles is here.

Our handling of confidential information related to volunteer recruitment is here.

2.3 How We Ensure Safety & Welfare

All members of the Club should follow the good practice guidelines outlined here and agree to abide by the Club Code of Conduct and the RYA Racing Charter contained in the Racing Rules of Sailing. Those working or volunteering with young people should be aware of the guidance on recognising abuse (see RYA Appendix A – What is abuse? [PDF]).

Adults are requested not to enter the showers and changing rooms at times when children are changing before or after junior/youth training or racing. If this is unavoidable it is advised that they are accompanied by another adult.

The Club will seek written consent from parents/carers before taking photos or video of a child at an event or training session or publishing such images. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography or filming. If the Club publishes images of children, no identifying information other than names will be included. Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the inappropriate use of images should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer.

Refer to Section 5 of the RYA Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines [PDF].

2.4 How We Handle Concerns, Reports or Allegations

Anyone who is concerned about a young member’s or participant’s welfare, either outside the sport or within the Club, should inform the Club Welfare Officer immediately, in strict confidence. The Club Welfare Officer will follow the procedures set out in Flowcharts 1 and 2 (pages 24 and 25) of the RYA Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines.

Any member of the Club failing to comply with the Safeguarding policy or any relevant Codes of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action under section 16 of the Club Constitution.

Refer to Section 6 of the RYA Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines [PDF].