Windmill Angling Club Safeguarding Policy
Club Welfare Officer: Craig Watson-Parke
Telephone/WhatsApp: 07967 410556
Email: craigwatsonparke@gmail.com
1. Introduction
Windmill Angling Club is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all children/vulnerable individuals who are members of our club. This policy outlines the procedures in place to safeguard children participating in our angling activities, including the annual “Juniors” fishing match. The Club Welfare Officer (CWO), Craig Watson-Parke, is responsible for overseeing safeguarding matters on behalf of our club.
2. Definitions
Child: Any person under the age of 18 years.
Vulnerable Individual: Any person, regardless of age, who is in a position of dependency, unable to protect himself/herself, or at higher risk of harm due to physical or mental conditions.
Regulated Activity: Activities that involve certain close contact with children or adults at risk.
CWO (Club Welfare Officer): The designated individual responsible for safeguarding matters within Windmill Angling Club.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check: A criminal background check to ensure individuals working with children do not have a history of relevant criminal offences.
3. Regulated Activity
All activities involving children or vulnerable individuals at Windmill Angling Club, including participation in fishing matches, are considered regulated activities. All children/vulnerable individuals participating in these activities must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
4. Pre-Appointment Checks
Before any volunteer or employee carries out any regulated activity on behalf of Windmill Angling Club, the following checks will be conducted:
4.1. References
Written references must be requested from all volunteers and employees who will be working with children. These references will be independently verified to ensure the individuals’ suitability to work with children.
4.2. DBS Checks
DBS checks will be undertaken on all volunteers and employees who are carrying out regulated activities. These checks will be completed prior to their appointment or undertaking any regulated activity. The results of the DBS checks will be considered in determining their suitability to work with children.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
5.1. Reporting Concerns
Any concerns or suspicions of abuse or inappropriate behaviour towards children must be reported immediately to the CWO, Craig Watson-Parke. All members of Windmill Angling Club are encouraged to speak up if they have concerns. Windmill Angling Club will ensure that all reports are taken seriously, treated confidentially, and responded to promptly following established procedures. Any appropriate actions will be taken to address and resolve concerns, including seeking guidance from relevant authorities if necessary.
5.2. Investigations
In the event that a volunteer or employee is under investigation for abuse, whether prior to or while working for Windmill Angling Club, the CWO will take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the children/vulnerable individuals. This may include suspending the individual from regulated activities pending the outcome of the investigation.
6. Training and Awareness
Windmill Angling Club will provide training and awareness programs to all volunteers and employees involved in regulated activities, ensuring they are aware of safeguarding policies and procedures.
7. Communication and Promotion
This Safeguarding Policy will be communicated to all members and made publicly available on the club’s website. Promotional materials will also highlight our commitment to child/vulnerable individuals safeguarding. Regular awareness campaigns, posters, and informational materials that we are made aware of will be made available to staff, volunteers, and individuals in contact with children and vulnerable individuals.
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary with evolving best practices, legal requirements, and changes in organisational structure to ensure it remains in compliance with UK safeguarding regulations and reflects the best interests of the children/vulnerable individuals in our care.
9. Conclusion
Windmill Angling Club is dedicated to creating a safe and secure environment for children and vulnerable individuals participating in our activities. The Club Welfare Officer will be the point of contact for all safeguarding matters, and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to protect the welfare of the children/vulnerable individuals under our care.