Welfare and Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

Stour Sailing Club Welfare and Safeguarding Policy Statement
Stour Sailing Club (SSC) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all Club members and visitors whilst on Club premises. SSC actively encourages respect, kindness, and empathy in all interactions and will take immediate and appropriate action to address any concerns and/or issues.

SSC recognises that safety and welfare is paramount and that everyone, whatever their age, gender, disability, culture, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, social status or sexual identity, have an equal right to participation in Club activities and to protection from discrimination, exploitation, bullying, intimidation and abuse.

SSC has a zero-tolerance towards any behaviour or action that threatens the well-being or dignity of our members and visitors. Every individual is valued and deserves to feel safe and respected within our Club.

SSC will:

  • Promote and uphold a culture of appropriate behaviour by all, and mutual respect for everyone on Club premises
  • Ensure that activities and events are run to the highest practicable safety standards.
  • Respond swiftly and appropriately to any concerns or complaints about bullying, intimidation, standards of practice and suspected or actual exploitation or abuse.
  • Apply appropriate levels of scrutiny in the approval of Club members and the selection of Club volunteers in the allocation of Club roles and responsibilities.
  • Regularly review Club policy, practice and procedure to learn lessons, incorporate improvements and adopt latest best practice.
    (As defined in the Children Act 1989, for the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child.)

Safe Practice

SSC does not offer any organised sail training or other water based coaching activities to any members. However, the Club does run racing events (e.g. annual Regatta, etc) and also allows My Blue Pass – mybluepass.org.uk – (RYA Recognised Training Centre) to run their training activities using the Club’s premises and waterside facilities.

In all cases SSC will work to ensure safe and appropriate practices in all organised coaching/training events. This includes:

  • Ensuring that all safety craft and equipment are properly maintained.
  • Running activities and events that follow recognized safety protocols.
  • Providing clear instructions and supervision during all activities, particularly those involving young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Ensuring external organisations using Club facilities for training/coaching events have appropriate safeguarding policies and welfare contacts that are shared with SSC.

The Welfare Officer (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

SSC will ensure that there is an RYA registered Welfare Officer whose contact details are readily available to all members and visitors. Contact details will be available on the Club Notice Board, as well as on the SSC Website and Sailing Club Manager system.

The Welfare Officer is responsible for:

  • Maintaining up-to-date Safeguarding Policy and Procedure which is updated at least annually (or more frequently if required by legislation or regulations) and approved SSC Management Committee.
  • Ensuring that Committee members and other Club volunteers are aware of and understand the policy and procedures through appropriate induction and training sessions.
  • Advise on the implementation of Safe Recruitment procedures and maintain secure records of supporting documentation.

Should any Club member or visitor have any concerns, or feel in need of support or advice, the Welfare Officer will:

  • Be the first point of contact and maintain confidentiality in all cases.
  • Decide on and implement the appropriate action in accordance with the approved SSC policies and procedures, particularly the SSC Grievance Policy and Procedure
  • Seek the advice and support of the SSC Management Committee when necessary.

The nature and severity of concerns raised may vary. The Welfare Officer will use their experience and judgement with the support and advice of the SSC Management Committee, if required, to decide on an appropriate course of action in accordance with statutory obligations and the approved procedures. All concerns raised must be taken seriously and treated confidentially.

As a Club we recognise that anyone could be defined at risk at different points in our lives, for example, due to illness, bereavement, and mental health issues, and may need help and support.

If a concern is raised that a Club member or visitor may be being abused outside Club premises, it is not the Welfare Officer’s responsibility to investigate further but it is their responsibility and legal obligation to report them to the appropriate statutory authorities as an upmost priority.

Documentation is important, records should be made of what has been seen, heard, or reported with times dates and names using the attached Referral Form. Confidentiality is equally important so care should be taken to ensure that any records made are kept secure and only shared with those who need to know in accordance with statutory obligations and the approved procedures and the matter should not be discussed with anyone else inside or outside of the organisation.

Annual Safeguarding Report to the Management Committee

The Welfare Officer, will create and present an annual report to the SSC Committee detailing any safeguarding issues that have arisen and recommending any actions to be taken, e.g. suggested amendments to policy or procedures.