Safeguarding Policy

Introduction:

Ipswich Skating Club is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities. The club recognizes its responsibility to protect all members, especially those who are under 18 years of age or who may be considered vulnerable, from harm, abuse, or exploitation. This Safeguarding Policy outlines the steps the club takes to protect the well-being of its members and ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.

Policy Statement:

Ipswich Skating Club is fully committed to:

  • Promoting the welfare, health, and human rights of children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in its activities.
  • Preventing the physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, neglect, and exploitation of members.
  • Ensuring that all staff, coaches, volunteers, and officials act in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
  • Providing a clear procedure for reporting concerns about safeguarding issues and ensuring that all concerns are dealt with in a timely, appropriate, and confidential manner.

Scope of the Policy:

This policy applies to all members, coaches, volunteers, staff, and any other individuals involved in Ipswich Skating Club’s activities, including training sessions, competitions, and events. It covers children, young people, and vulnerable adults under the care or supervision of the club.

1. Safeguarding Principles:

Ipswich Skating Club is committed to the following safeguarding principles:

  • The welfare of the child/vulnerable adult is paramount.
  • All children, young people, and vulnerable adults have the right to enjoy skating in a safe environment.
  • All allegations of abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
  • All coaches, staff, and volunteers will be required to undergo appropriate background checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK).
  • We will ensure that all those in positions of responsibility are trained to understand safeguarding issues and how to act in cases of concern.

2. Definitions of Abuse:

Abuse can take many forms. These include:

  • Physical Abuse: The deliberate use of physical force that causes injury or harm to the individual (e.g., hitting, slapping, or pushing).
  • Sexual Abuse: Any behavior or activity that involves the exploitation of a person for sexual purposes, including inappropriate touching, exposure, or sexual exploitation.
  • Emotional Abuse: The persistent emotional maltreatment of an individual that may cause severe anxiety, depression, or damage to self-esteem.
  • Neglect: The failure to provide adequate care, protection, or attention to the needs of an individual.
  • Bullying and Harassment: Any form of intentional or repeated mistreatment, including verbal, physical, or emotional abuse or exclusion.
  • Cyberbullying: Bullying that takes place over digital platforms, such as social media or text messaging.

3. Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Ipswich Skating Club has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to be the primary point of contact for safeguarding issues. The DSO is responsible for overseeing safeguarding policies and procedures, managing concerns or incidents of abuse, and liaising with external agencies when required.
  • Coaches and Volunteers: All coaches, staff, and volunteers have a responsibility to:
    • Promote the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults.
    • Be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect and report any concerns promptly.
    • Treat all members with respect and fairness, creating a positive environment.
    • Follow the Club’s code of conduct and safeguarding procedures at all times.

4. Recruitment and Training:

Ipswich Skating Club will ensure that:

  • All coaches, volunteers, and staff undergo thorough recruitment processes, including background checks (e.g., Enhanced DBS checks) and reference checks, where appropriate.
  • New recruits are made aware of the club’s safeguarding policies and the importance of safeguarding in sport.
  • All staff and volunteers involved with children and vulnerable adults complete safeguarding training and ongoing updates to stay informed of best practices and changes in legislation.

5. Reporting Concerns:

If you have any concerns about the safety or well-being of a young person or vulnerable adult in the club, you should:

  1. Report your concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or another Club official if the DSO is unavailable.
  2. If the concern is about the DSO or the individual is not available, report the issue to the Club Chair or another trusted member of the committee.
  3. All concerns should be reported as soon as possible, and will be treated confidentially and professionally.

If you believe a child or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm, call emergency services (999 in the UK) immediately.

6. Dealing with Allegations:

Ipswich Skating Club takes all allegations of abuse seriously. Any concern, whether about physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior, will be addressed promptly. The process for dealing with allegations is as follows:

  1. Initial Assessment: The DSO or relevant Club official will assess the concern and determine whether further action is required.
  2. Confidentiality: The identity of those involved will be kept confidential, and any information will only be shared on a “need-to-know” basis.
  3. Investigation: If the concern warrants an investigation, the Club will work with external agencies, such as the police or social services, if appropriate.
  4. Support: Victims of abuse or neglect will be provided with appropriate support, including counseling and access to advocacy services.

Important Note: If there is an immediate risk of harm, the Club will not hesitate to report the situation to external authorities and will work in collaboration with them.

7. Code of Conduct:

Ipswich Skating Club expects all members, staff, coaches, and volunteers to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

  • Treat all members with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or ability.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and relationships with members, ensuring there is no inappropriate physical, verbal, or emotional contact.
  • Refrain from using abusive language or engaging in any form of discriminatory behavior.
  • Be a positive role model for young people and vulnerable adults by demonstrating good behavior and sportsmanship.
  • Always act in the best interests of the children or vulnerable adults in your care.

8. Club Procedures for Safe Activities:

Ipswich Skating Club will ensure that:

  • All training sessions, competitions, and events are organized with safeguarding in mind.
  • Where appropriate, there will be two adults present during activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
  • Risk assessments are conducted regularly for activities, and the Club adheres to safety protocols.

9. Review of Policy:

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains up-to-date and effective. Any changes to safeguarding legislation or best practices will be reflected in the policy, and all members will be informed accordingly.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safeguarding or need to report a safeguarding issue, please contact:

  • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Nicky Pemberton
  • Email: npemberton@skateipswich.com
  • Club Chair: Thomas Fell
  • Email: tfell@skateipswich.com

This policy aims to provide a clear framework for the safeguarding of all members of Ipswich Skating Club and to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved in the Club’s activities. By upholding these principles, we are working to create a culture of care and respect where all individuals are protected from harm.

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