SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

Introduction/Purpose/Outcome

1.1 This policy seeks to ensure that Skegness Triathlon Club (STC) undertakes its responsibilities with regard to protection of children and vulnerable adults whilst participating in any activities organised by the club, whilst it is accepted that STC does not operate a children’s/youth section, it is acknowledged for the purposes of this policy that members will come into contact with children and vulnerable adults through a variety of events and interclub activities. This policy statement is in line with government guidelines (2013) and the British Triathlon Federation safeguarding policy.

1.2 STC proactively aims to provide an inclusive, positive and safe experience for its members irrespective of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.

1.3 STC pledges to continually seek ways to improve the safety and wellbeing of all members participating in triathlon training. By doing this, STC recognises that all of its members have a shared responsibility to raise any concerns related with safeguarding.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 A Child is anyone who has not reached his or her 18th birthday. ‘Children’ therefore means children and young people throughout. The fact a child has reached 16 years of age, living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital or in custody, does not change his or her status or entitlement to protection under the Children Act 1989.

2.2 Children with a disability may be more vulnerable and at greater risk of all forms of abuse. The presence of multiple disabilities increases the risk of both abuse and neglect. Some of the common factors that can lead to increased vulnerability include social isolation, communication and learning difficulties or disability, lack of understanding of boundaries, need for assistance with personal care and more likely target for bullying and abuse. Children with disabilities have the same rights to protection as any other child and clubs working with these children need to be especially alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and have strategies in place to ensure all children are able to raise concerns.

2.3 The definition of a vulnerable adult is set out in the government recommendation ‘No Secrets’ (2009) and ‘The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act’ (2006) It refers to adults who are at risk from learning disability or mental health issues as well as adults who are at risk due to specific circumstances they may find themselves in, e.g. sexual or racial discrimination, domestic abuse, sexual or commercial use, forced arranged marriages etc.

2.4 STC is aware of the need for policies to apply to all members, regardless of age as well as the coaches, volunteers and guests who engage with the club.

2.5 Abuse is defined as a “Violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person/s”. The main forms of abuse are:

Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, restraint.
Sexual abuse – rape, sexual assault, sexual acts without consent or pressured into consent.
Psychological abuse – emotional abuse, threats, humiliation, intimidation, coercion, isolation, harassment.
Financial abuse – theft, fraud, exploitation.
Neglect and acts of omission – ignoring medical needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social and educational needs.
Discriminatory abuse – racist, sexual, disability.

3.0 Procedures

3.1 As part of our safeguarding policy, STC will ensure:

Safe recruiting and vetting of all coaches.
Clear codes of conduct.
Clarity about rules and regulations.
Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation (where necessary).
A transparent complaints procedure.
Access to external help and support for the complainant and others involved.
Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.

3.1 STC acknowledges and adheres to the guidance in the British Triathlon’s guide for coaches ‘Safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults’, and we recommend that this is read by all coaches and parents, a copy is available by contacting BTF or STC coaches.

3.2 All coaches, committee members and parents should be aware of the clubs contact procedures should the need to report or raise a safeguarding concern arise; Any person with information of a disclosure, allegation or suspicion about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, be it poor practice or possible abuse, should report this immediately and as appropriate to any member of the STC Committee.

3.3 A designated welfare officer is available for support if concerns are raised. A formal meeting with the complainant and others involved may be appropriate to determine the course of action. If deemed necessary, further escalation or the signposting to outside support (e.g. Samaritans, Citizen’s Advice etc.) will be offered in order to resolve the situation and ensure safety of all parties involved.

3.4 If there is genuine threat to safety or there is/has been a criminal offence, STC has a legal obligation to inform agencies which will provide expert support and appropriate follow-up. If immediate risk of harm is identified, consent is not required and best interests must take priority.

3.5 STC has a duty of care to the alleged victim and accused. It is not the responsibility of STC or any of its individuals to interview, investigate or determine outcomes in cases of abuse. It is a moral and legal obligation for STC to refer such matters to relevant agencies. This may include the police or other statutory agencies, of which no consent will be obtained for sharing such information.

3.6 Not all matters of concern will require a formal approach. Often mediation and discussion is all that is required. It is also recognised that concerns can be raised whereby no further action is necessary. In these cases, the welfare officer will provide a confidential statement of the circumstances, discussion and outcome that will be held on file. This will be kept for the purpose that if any further complaints arise concerning the same person/people, STC will have all the information to make a decision regarding course of action. The recorded information will be stored appropriately and not made public.

3.7 The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in STC. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in exclusion from the club.

4.0 Monitoring

4.1 The policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:

Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils and British Triathlon.
As a result of any other significant change or event.

5.0 Useful Contacts

STC Welfare Officer: Paul Ogden: paulogden_1@hotmail.com
British Triathlon’s Lead Child Protection Officer (LSO): 01509 226 159.
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
NPSCC: Textphone service 0808 100 1033
Childline: 0800 1111
Childline: Textphone service 0800 400 222
MENCAP: 0808 808 1111
Lincolnshire Police: 101