Bridlington Squash Welfare and Safeguarding Policy.

  1. Policy Statement

Bridlington Squash is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all members, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We believe everyone involved in our sport has the right to enjoy squash free from abuse, harm, and neglect.

We recognise our duty of care and acknowledge our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all participants by protecting them from all forms of abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all members, players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents/carers, and visitors involved with Bridlington Squash.

  1. Aims
  • To promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
  • To ensure everyone understands their responsibilities in respect of safeguarding.
  • To provide appropriate guidance for dealing with safeguarding concerns.
  • To support and protect those who report concerns in good faith.
  1. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children and vulnerable adults in England, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • The Care Act 2014
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Equality Act 2010
  1. Responsibilities

5.1 Bridlington Squash Committee

  • Ensure this policy is communicated, understood, and reviewed annually.
  • Appoint a Welfare Officer to act as the first point of contact for safeguarding issues.

5.2 Welfare Officer

  • Handle and report any safeguarding concerns in line with this policy.
  • Promote safeguarding awareness within the club.
  • Liaise with relevant statutory agencies or the England Squash Safeguarding Team when necessary.

5.3 Coaches and Volunteers

  • Complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
  • Always act in the best interests of the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
  • Report any concerns or disclosures to the Welfare Officer.

5.4 Members and Parents/Carers

  • Support the club in creating a safe environment.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns or inappropriate behaviour.
  1. Safer Recruitment

Bridlington Squash will take all reasonable steps to ensure that staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults by:

  • Requesting DBS checks where applicable.
  • Seeking references and conducting informal interviews for volunteer roles.
  • Ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are included in role descriptions.
  1. Reporting Concerns

Any member who has a concern about the welfare of a child or adult at risk must report it to the Club Welfare Officer immediately. If the Welfare Officer is not available or the concern involves them, it should be reported directly to:

  • England Squash Safeguarding Team
  • Or, in emergencies, to the Police or Local Authority Children's/Adult Services.

All concerns will be taken seriously, and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with this policy and national guidance.

  1. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and with discretion. Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect a child or vulnerable adult.

  1. Code of Conduct

Bridlington Squash expects all individuals to:

  • Prioritise the welfare of children and adults at risk.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • Treat all members with respect and dignity.
  • Never engage in or tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination.

Separate codes of conduct may be provided for:

  • Coaches
  • Junior members
  • Parents/guardians
  • Volunteers
  1. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or safeguarding incidents. Any updates will be communicated to members.

Key Contacts

Welfare & Safeguarding Officer:
Name: Mandy Miller
Email: mrsmandymiller@me.com
Phone: 07776 207711

England Squash Safeguarding Team:
Website: https://www.englandsquash.com/safeguarding
Email: safeguarding@englandsquash.com
Tel: 0161 438 4302

Local Authority Safeguarding:
East Riding of Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership
Tel: 01482 395500 (Children)
01482 396940 (Adults)

Report a Welfare or Safeguarding Issue

© BSL 2018