Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Date of last review: March 2021
Approved at GC:
Drafted by Zoe Starbuck-Jones

Policy Statement

West Kirby Sailing Club is committed to safeguarding, from physical, sexual or emotional harm,
neglect or bullying, children taking part in its activities. We recognise that the safety, welfare and
needs of the child are paramount and that all children, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion
or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, have a right to protection from
discrimination and abuse. (See Appendix A)
For the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child. All
members of the Club should be aware of the policy. Many of the safeguarding principles in these
guidelines also apply to vulnerable adults or adults at risk (Care Act 2014), but the categories of
abuse and the statutory procedures to be followed in the case of a concern are different.
Therefore, there is an additional document Safeguarding Adults which can also be found in the
WKSC office.

Club Welfare Officer
The Club Welfare Officer is Jane Thomas
Phone: 0151 625 5579
E-mail: safeguarding@wksc.org.uk
Staff and Volunteers

West Kirby Sailing Club
Sandy Lane West Kirby Wirral CH48 3HZ
Telephone 0151 625 5579
Email office@wksc.org.uk
Website https://members.wksc.org.uk/
VAT Registered Number 165 1166 75

All Club staff and volunteers whose role brings them into regular contact with young people will be
asked to provide references and will be asked to complete the RYA online safeguarding
awareness course Safe and Fun (unless they can provide evidence of alternative training). The
Club Welfare Officer and those regularly instructing, coaching or supervising young people will
also be asked to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure, with Barred List check if
appropriate.

Good Practice

A. General guidelines
All members of the Club should follow the good practice guidelines Minimising Risk (Page 3) of
this document 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 Appendix A).

B. Changing Rooms
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.

C. Photographs and Media
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/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.

D. Heath and safety around the club grounds
Parents/carers and/or adults responsible for children should ensure that children are appropriately
supervised around the club grounds.

Concerns

Anyone who is concerned about a young members or participants welfare, either outside the
sport or within WKSC, should inform the Club Welfare Officer immediately, in strict confidence.
The Club Welfare Officer will follow procedures outlined by the RYA filling in a Child Protection
Referral Form (Appendix C) then contact and report to the RYAs Safeguarding and Equality
Manager Katie Loucaides, (tel. 023 8060 4104, e-mail safeguarding@rya.org.uk) within 48 hours.
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 Club Rule 19.

Last updated 20:06 on 1 October 2024