Safeguarding

Mynydd Riding Club Safeguarding Children Policy 2023

Our statement

Our organisation 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 The British Horse Society Safeguarding Policy Riding Club fully adopts the BHS Safeguarding Policy (Children and Young People) requirements.

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 participating in Mynydd Riding Club activities and sport in a safe and child centred environment
are protected from abuse whilst participating in Riding with the club or outside of the activity at club events.

Our Policy

What we’ll do

As part of our safeguarding policy, we will:

promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people

value, listen to and respect children

ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation allowing them to participate in a fun, safe environment and in an atmosphere of fair play.

adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for volunteers

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

provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently

ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or 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

record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance [more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office]

prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting instructors and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made for those who have responsibility for unaccompanied children

appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people who is supported by the entire committee in carrying out safeguarding procedural duties

make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they

have a concern

To maintain high standards of behaviours and good practice through compliance with BRC Official Rules and the BEF Codes of Conduct produced for instructors, coaches, parents/guardians, junior members, BRC Officials and volunteers

The policy and procedures are mandatory for everyone involved with Mynydd Riding Club. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from Mynydd Riding Club.

The Role of the Safeguarding Officer

Mynydd Riding Club will appoint a Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) The role of the CSO is:

• Work with others in the club to ensure a positive child-centred environment

• Ensure that their club is aware of The British Horse Society’s safeguarding policies, procedures and guidelines

• Ensure parents/children are aware of the policy and procedures

• Receive queries and offer support regarding safeguarding concerns

• Undertake training as necessary

• Promote training to club and centre support staff, members and volunteers

• Assist the club or centre to ensure that codes of conduct are in place for club staff, volunteers, coaches, young people and parents

• Ensure confidentiality is maintained and information is only shared on a ‘’need to know’’ basis

• Respond to any allegations or complaints made from within your club/centre

• Communicate with centre or club management and The BHS Safeguarding team regarding concerns

• Maintain contact details for local children’s social care and the police

It is not the role of the CSO to be a Child Protection expert or to determine whether or not a serious incident has taken place, rather to record the details and seek guidance if necessary.

Communication

Mynydd Riding Club will make its Safeguarding Policy and Procedures available to all officials, volunteers, junior members and their parents/guardians and it will appear in full on the Mynydd Riding Club website.

Mynydd Riding Club will circulate to all new members and their parents/guardians if they are under 18, the name and number of the Club Safeguarding Officer.

All individuals involved with Mynydd Riding Club, no matter what role they participate in, must adhere to the Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

All individuals involved with Mynydd Riding Club must all sign to agree to uphold the Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

Training

Instructors/coaches, officials and volunteers working with children may like to undertake the BEF approved safeguarding training (or recognised equivalent) course within the last 3 years. Ideally refresher training should be completed every three years via either the BEF approved online training portal or a further face to face course. As a minimum the CSO must attend the required Safeguarding Training Course.

Criminal Record checks

Instructors/coaches, officials and volunteers working with children at Mynydd Riding Club may be required to hold a current certificate through the Disclosure and Barring Service, Disclosure Scotland or Access NI as appropriate. Certificates must be renewed every three years. Please see the guidance documents below.

Monitoring

This 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 Partnership, Sports Wales, BHS, BRC and the BEF

• As a result of any other significant change or event.

Contact details

Our Safeguarding/Welfare Officer

Name: Alison Davison

Tel: 07939086350

Email: seren1377@outlook.com

Find our signed copy here: