Safeguarding
Medley Sailing Club is committed to safeguarding children 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 child, 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.
Medley Sailing Club takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate operating procedures it offers a safe and fun environment to children 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.
Government guidance makes it clear that ‘Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility’. All adults should contribute to the club’s overall duty of care, be aware of their club’s safeguarding policy, and know what to do if they are concerned about a young person.
Club welfare officer
Owen Williams
Email: commodore.medleysailingclub@gmail.com
Good practice
All members of the Club should follow the Good Practice Guidelines and agree to abide by the Club Code of Conduct and the RYA Racing Charter contained in the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Adults are requested not to enter the showers and changing rooms at times when children are changing. 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 publishing such images. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/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.
Concerns
Anyone who is concerned about a young member’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 below. Any member of the Club failing to comply with the Safeguarding policy or any relevant Codes of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.
Concern about the behaviour of someone at a club identified
Does the child require immediate medical attention?
If yes, call ambulance and inform doctor there is a child protection concern, then proceed to step 2
If no, proceed to step 2
Report concerns to club welfare officer who will:
Complete referral form as soon as possible
Report to RYA Safeguarding Manager (It is important that concerns are reported to the RYA, especially if the person involved holds RYA instructor/coach qualifications. The RYA may be aware of other incidents involving the same individual, indicating a pattern of behaviour).
Where urgent concerns and RYA SM not available, refer immediately to Children’s Social Care/Police and copy report form to them within 48 hours
Proceed to step 3
RYA Safeguarding Manager refers case to RYA Case Management Group, which decides on action to be taken:
If alleged minor poor practice, proceed to step 4
If alleged serious poor practice or child abuse, proceed to step 5
Referred back to club with advice on process to be followed:
Complaints procedure
Disciplinary procedure
No further action
Possible outcomes:
No case to answer
Complaint resolved between parties
Training/mentoring agreed
Disciplinary sanction
If more significant concerns emerge, refer to RYA Safeguarding Manager - back to step 3
If appealed, refer back to RYA Safeguarding Manager - back to step 3
Else proceed to step 6
Possible processes:
Social Care child protection investigation
Police investigation
Investigation under disciplinary procedure – including possible temporary suspension
RYA’s investigation pends outcome of Social Care/Police investigation. Possible outcomes:
No case to answer
Less serious – referred to complaints procedure
Club or RYA disciplinary procedure – sanctions
Civil proceedings
Criminal proceedings
Referral to Disclosure & Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland
If appealed, refer back to RYA Safeguarding Manager - back to step 3
Else proceed to step 6
RYA Safeguarding Manager informed of final outcome and RYA/Club review practices
