Policy Statement

Creda Red House Angling Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and young people taking part in club activities. The welfare of every child is our highest priority.

The Club has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of inappropriate behaviour.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• Club committee members
• Bailiffs and volunteers
• Coaches and event organisers
• Junior/Juvenile members
• Parents and guardians of Junior/Juvenile members
• Parents and guardians of Adult members aged 17-18
• Any Adult attending or participating in club activities

Definition of a Child

For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18 years.

Responsibilities

The Club Committee will:

• Promote the welfare of children at all times.
• Ensure this policy is available to all members.
• Deal promptly and appropriately with any safeguarding concerns.
• Review this policy annually.

All adults involved with the Club are expected to:

• Treat children fairly, with dignity and respect.
• Act as positive role models.
• Put the welfare of children first.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Never ignore concerns or allegations.

Good Practice

Adults should always:

• Respect the rights, wishes and feelings of children.
• Encourage safe and enjoyable participation.
• Obtain parental consent where appropriate.
• Ensure activities take place in a safe environment.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.

Inappropriate Behaviour

The following will not be tolerated:

• Bullying or intimidation.
• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
• Racist, sexist or discriminatory behaviour.
• Swearing or abusive language directed at children.
• Grooming or inappropriate communication.
• Physical punishment.
• Taking photographs of children without parental permission.

Any member found engaging in inappropriate behaviour may face disciplinary action, including suspension or permanent removal from the Club.

Supervision

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult unless participating in an organised Club event where alternative arrangements have been clearly communicated.

Parents and guardians remain responsible for their children at all times unless the Club has specifically agreed otherwise in writing. (This also includes 17-18 year old Adult members)

Photography

Photographs may be taken for Club promotion only where appropriate consent has been obtained from a parent or guardian. Publication of these photographs will be with the consent of the child and parent/guardian.

Children will never be identified by full name alongside photographs.

Reporting Concerns

If anyone believes a child is at immediate risk of harm:

• Contact the Police by calling 999.
• Where appropriate, contact your local authority children’s services.

Any safeguarding concerns relating to Club activities should be reported immediately to the Club Committee and local safeguarding team/police.

All concerns will be treated seriously and acted upon appropriately.

Confidentiality

Information regarding safeguarding concerns will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect a child or comply with legal requirements.

Recruitment of Volunteers

Should the need arise where Club volunteers have regular responsibility for children without parents or guardians present, the Club will consider whether an appropriate DBS check is required in line with current legislation and guidance.

Online Communication

Club social media and messaging platforms should be used responsibly.

Adults should not send private messages to junior members, a parent or guardian should always be included.

Equality

The Club is committed to ensuring every child is treated equally regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, or background.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Club Committee or sooner if legislation or guidance changes.

 

Approved by:            Creda Red House Angling Club Committee

Date Approved:        13/07/2026

Review Date:            12/07/2027

Creda Red House Angling Club
Safeguarding Procedures