Wheels And Wheelchairs Safeguarding Policy

 Wheels And Wheelchairs Safeguarding Policy, Written 2023, revised July 2024

Note: The terms ‘child’ and ‘young person’ describe any person under the age of 18.

References to ‘parents’ should be read as parents and carers inclusively.

Our Statement

Wheels And Wheelchairs acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice 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 sport at Wheels And Wheelchairs in a safe and child-centred environment

  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in wheelchair skating or outside of the activity

We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children, young people with learning disabilities, 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.

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

  • 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 volunteers through supervision and support so that all 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

  • prevent the deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting volunteers carefully

  • appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people

  • share information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their parents via our website

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

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted for everyone involved in Wheels And Wheelchairs. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in exclusion from the organisation.

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 a result of any other significant change or event.

This policy was last reviewed on 16 July 2024.

www.wheelsandwheelchairs.co.uk