Safeguarding Policy

Stone Fencing Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and British Fencing requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Stone Fencing Club in a safe and child centred environment
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in fencing or outside of the activity

Stone Fencing Club acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Stone Fencing Club will:

  • promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
  • ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
  • ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
  • ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
  • prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
  • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
  • follow up on reports of safeguarding concerns promptly and according to due process

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Stone Fencing Club. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then 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 Fencing
  • as a result of any other significant change or event

How to report a safeguarding concern

Club members who have a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding should report it immediately to the Welfare Officer. If the club member does not feel comfortable reporting to their Welfare Officer (for example if they feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern) they may report to any other appropriate club member. For example, this could be a member of the Stone Fencing Club committee.

Response

Stone Fencing Club will follow up safeguarding reports and concerns according to policy and procedure, and legal and statutory obligations.

Stone Fencing Club will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to club members found in breach of policy.

Stone Fencing Club will offer support to survivors of harm caused by the club or associated personnel, regardless of whether a formal internal response is carried out (such as an internal investigation). Decisions regarding support will be led by the survivor.

Confidentiality

It is essential that confidentiality in maintained at all stages of the process when dealing with safeguarding concerns. Information relating to the concern and subsequent case management should be shared on a need to know basis only, and should be kept secure at all times.

Related policies and procedures

This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies and procedures, including:

  • supervision of young people at the club
  • safe events at the club
  • away trips
  • transporting young people
  • sharing of information
  • image consent
  • use of social media

Contact details

Name: Katey Goodwin, Welfare Officer, Stone Fencing Club

Phone: 01782 502131

Email: jandkgoodwin@talktalk.net

(Last reviewed March 2019)