Abbeydale Archers
Behind Beauchief Hall
Beauchief Abbey Lane
Sheffield
S8 7BA
Safeguarding Policy Statement
Please find below the Safeguarding Policy statement, which we, Abbeydale Archers, are required to issue under the club Articles of Law and Archery GB rules:
ABBEYDALE ARCHERS acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and ARCHERYGB Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (January 2016) requirements and NSPCC Child Protection in Sport.
In addition, Abbeydale Archers acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard adult club members and complies with best practice and ARCHERYGB Policy and procedures for Safeguarding Adults (January 2018).
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Abbeydale Archers in a safe and child centred environment are protected from abuse whilst participating in archery or outside of the activity. Abbeydale Archers acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy Abbeydale Archers will
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation (see Appendix I).
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Abbeydale Archers. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Procedures
Abbeydale Archers has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination, harassment, inappropriate photography and other unwanted behaviours.
Any safeguarding concerns should be brought to the attention of the club Safeguarding Officers (SOs) as soon as possible. These concerns may then be recorded using The Archery GB incident report form which can given by the SOs. Serious concerns or allegations of serious misconduct will be referred immediately to the appropriate authorities (for example, YAA, South Yorkshire Constabulary and/or Archery GB National Safeguarding Officers) as deemed appropriate by the SOs. Contact details for the SOs and the YAA CPO will be published on the club website, on posters in all club facilities.
All other concerns and allegations eg behaviour and discipline, will be investigated and recorded by the club Chair, and S.O if required, according to the club or YAA discipline policy. Wherever possible, minor complaints will be resolved informally, with the involvement of a mediator where necessary. If any complaint cannot be resolved informally to the satisfaction of all parties, the Chair may convene an independent Disciplinary Committee to consider imposing a warning or sanction. In cases of extreme or repeated misconduct this could mean suspension of membership or even permanent expulsion from Abbeydale Archers (See Disciplinary Policy).
Monitoring
This policy was adapted from the NSPCC April 2017 Child Protection sample policy.
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils and Kent Archery Association and Archery GB
- changes in Abbeydale Archers club organisation or arrangements
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
Links
Archery GB Codes of Conduct: http://www.archerygb.org/support/services/safeguarding/
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit: https://thecpsu.org.uk
Abbeydale Archers Safeguarding Policy Appendix I, attached
Approved by Abbeydale Archers Committee: March 2021
Signed: S. Keen (Club Chair) Date: 04/03/2021
| This policy was written: | It was reviewed: | This policy is due for renewal: |
| May 2019 | March 2023 | March 2025 |
Safeguarding Officer: J. Sharples
March 2021