Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy Isle of Ely Rowing Club

Policy reviewed: 10th March 2025, updated 26th August 2025
Next review: 10th March 2026

Introduction:

Isle of Ely Rowing Club is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for all participants. This safeguarding policy outlines the club’s approach to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of all individuals involved in its activities. This policy applies to all club members, coaches, volunteers, and officials.

Key Principles:

  1. The Welfare of Participants:
    The welfare of children and adults participating in club activities is paramount. The club will take all reasonable steps to ensure their safety, well-being, and protection from harm.
  2. Promoting an Inclusive Environment:
    The club is committed to promoting an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic background.
  3. Prevention and Vigilance:
    The club will take proactive measures to prevent harm and safeguard participants. This includes appropriate recruitment and training of staff and volunteers, implementing codes of conduct, and providing clear reporting procedures.
  4. Confidentiality:
    Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, shared only with those who need to know for the purpose of safeguarding the individual.
  5. Compliance with Legislation:
    The club will comply with all relevant legislation and statutory guidance relating to safeguarding, including but not limited to the Safeguarding Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Types of Abuse:

Isle of Ely Rowing Club is committed to protecting participants from all forms of abuse. The following are the types of abuse that this policy addresses:

  1. Physical Abuse:
  2. Sexual Abuse:
  3. Emotional or Psychological Abuse:
  4. Neglect:
  5. Bullying:
  6. Harmful Practices:

Roles and Responsibilities:

  1. Club Management:
    The club’s management committee holds overall responsibility for safeguarding and will ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
  2. Club Welfare Officer (CWO):
    The club will appoint a Club Welfare Officer who will take the lead on all safeguarding matters. The CWO will be appropriately trained and will act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  3. Coaches and Volunteers:
    All coaches and volunteers working with children and adults will undergo appropriate safeguarding training and DBS checks where required. They will be responsible for promoting the welfare and safety of participants and for reporting any concerns to the CWO.
  4. Participants and Parents/Guardians:
    Participants and their parents/guardians are encouraged to raise any safeguarding concerns they may have with the club’s Club Welfare Officer. They should also familiarise themselves with the club’s codes of conduct and reporting procedures.

Reporting Procedures:

Club and emergency contact details are at the bottom of this page

  1. Initial Reporting:
    Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the club’s Welfare Officer as soon as possible either face-to-face or via email. In cases of emergency or immediate risk, the relevant authorities should be contacted first.
  2. Concerns Regarding CWO:
    If the concern relates to the conduct of the CWO, it should be reported directly to the club’s management committee.
  3. Club’s Response:
    The club will take all reports of safeguarding concerns seriously and will follow appropriate procedures in line with statutory guidance and legislation as set out by British Rowing. You may obtain copies of the British Rowing Child Protection policy here.

Review and Monitoring:

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually by the club’s management committee to ensure that it remains current and effective. Any updates or amendments will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

Codes of Conduct:

The club acknowledges the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive environment. Adhering to the club’s Codes of Conduct is fundamental in creating a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety for all members, participants, coaches, and volunteers. All individuals involved in club activities must follow these codes to ensure a positive, professional atmosphere where safeguarding is prioritised.

Conclusion:

Isle of Ely Rowing Club is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to promoting the welfare and protection of children involved in our activities. By working together and adhering to the principles outlined in this policy, we can ensure that our club remains a positive and inclusive place for everyone.

Isle of Ely Rowing Club Contact Details

Name Contact
Club Welfare Officer welfare@elyrowingclub.org.uk
Chair chair@elyrowingclub.org.uk
Lead Coaches captain@elyrowingclub.org.uk

Emergency Contact Information:

  • Children’s Social Care Services (Telephone): 0345 045 5203
  • Children’s Social Care Services (Out of Hours): 01733 234724
  • Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire Service): 999

Automated External Defibrillator (AED):

Helplines:

Message to Children and Young People:

If you are, or believe you are being abused in any way, including harassment or bullying, you should speak to your coach, Welfare Officer, or any adult you feel comfortable talking to. Your well-being and safety are our primary concern, and we want to support you in any way we can.