If you have selected the mobile or non-css viewing style by mistake, please select this link to jump back to the default view and start again.

Welfare

Welfare

Safeguarding Policy

 

WELFARE OFFICERS

The club has an appointed British Fencing trained Welfare Officer:

Abi Mansfield (Seacourt Fencing Club) via email seacourt@southhampshirefencing.co.uk (using WELFARE as the subject of the email) or telephone number 07806828047

British Fencing Equality and Safeguarding Manager: Liz Behnke – Telephone number 077177 40125 – For urgent issues please call 07526 003030

CLUB WELFARE

The welfare of all our members is central to Seacourt Fencing Club and the club adopts the BF Welfare policies and guidelines

These policies can be found online at https://www.britishfencing.com/policy-zone/welfare-policies-guidelines/

UNDERPINNING PRINCIPLES

Seacourt Fencing Club has adopted the following underpinning principles as part of our Welfare Policy:

  • All within fencing, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability have the right to be protected.
  • All participating in sport have the right to do so in a safe environment.
  • Adults working within fencing will provide a safe, positive and fun fencing experience for all people.
  • Adults, volunteers, coaches and referees will understand and be supported in their roles and responsibilities with regard to the duty of care for all people.
  • Individuals will receive support through education and training to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage welfare issues.
  • Seacourt Fencing Club assures all that it will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith reports a concern pertaining to concerns/ allegations of abuse or poor practice
  • Seacourt Fencing Club recognises its responsibilities in respect of child and vulnerable adult welfare and protection and is committed to complying with all relevant guidance.

RESPONDING TO CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBLE ABUSE

If you have concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, you should do the following:

  • stay calm – ensure they are safe and feels safe
  • listen to them, be careful not to ask any questions that might be considered leading. If you have to ask questions then limit them to those that ask them to describe, tell or explain what happened, and only use these if absolutely necessary
  • show and tell them that you are taking what they say seriously, reassure them and stress that they are not to blame
  • be honest and explain that you will have to tell someone else to help with the situation
  • make a note of what they have said either at the time, or as soon as possible after the event using their words. If you are offering an opinion, ensure that this is clearly identified in your report.. Remember to date and time it and sign it
  • maintain confidentiality – only tell others if it will help protect the child
  • tell the Club’s Welfare Officer as soon as possible

You should not:

  • rush into actions that may be inappropriate
  • make promises you cannot keep
  • take sole responsibility – you must report it to the Welfare Officer so you can begin to protect the child and gain support for yourself

If the Welfare Officer is not available and your concerns are urgent then you should speak to the Club Coach if appropriate or contact British Fencing’s Safeguarding Hotline on 07526 003030 email equality@britishfencing.com.

If you are concerned about the immediately safety of a child and action needs to be taken urgently then you should contact the Police by dialing 999.

Please remember it is not your responsibility to decide whether or not a child is being abused, but to take action if you have concerns. You have a legal and moral obligation to do so. Once an allegation is received, it will be dealt with in accordance with British Fencing’s Disciplinary, Grievance and Safeguarding policies.