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Children, Young People and Adults
Safeguarding Policy INTRODUCTION Whilst children and young people are participating in golf activities in our care, Woodlands golf club (The Club) has a responsibility to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The Club recognises the policies of the National Governing bodies, as set in out in the “England Golf Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures”. The policy and supporting procedures set out a framework to fulfil our commitment to good practice and the protection of children in our care. KEY PRINCIPLES • The welfare of children is paramount. • A child is defined by law in England and Wales as a person under the age of 18 years. • All children, regardless of their Age, Race, Religion or Belief, Disability, Gender identity or Sexual Orientation, have the right to protection from abuse. • All concerns and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. • All children have the right to be safe. • All children have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. • The Club will work with children, their parents/carers and external organisations to safeguard the welfare of children participating in golf. • We recognise the authority of the statutory agencies and are committed to complying with Local Safeguarding Children Board Guidelines (LSCB), Working Together under the Children Act 2004, and any legislation and statutory guidance that supersedes these. • The Club is committed to working in partnership with other key UK Golf Bodies to continually improve and to promote safeguarding initiatives across the sport. • The Club owes a legal duty of care to children on their premises or engaged in their activities. That duty is to take reasonable care to ensure their reasonable safety and the duty is higher than it would be for adults. OBJECTIVES The Club aims to: • Provide a safe environment for children and young people participating in golfing activities and try to ensure that they enjoy the experience. • Ensure robust systems are in place to manage any concerns or allegations. • Support adults (staff, volunteers, PGA Professionals, coaches, members and visitors) to understand their roles and responsibilities with regard to their duty of care and protection of children. • Provide appropriate level training, support and resources for staff, volunteers & coaches to make informed and confident responses to specific safeguarding issues and fulfil their role effectively. • Ensure that children and their parents/carers are informed and consulted and, where appropriate, fully involved in decisions that affect them. • Reassure parents and carers that all children and young people will receive the best care possible whilst participating in club activities and communicate Policy and Procedure to them through website/letter/consents. RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION The Club will seek to promote the principles of safeguarding children by: • Reviewing their policy and procedures every three years or whenever there is a major change in legislation. Guidance from England Golf will be sought as part of the review process. • Conducting a risk assessment of club activities with regard to safeguarding and take appropriate action to address the identified issues within suitable timescales. • Using appropriate recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of volunteers and staff working with children and young people in line with guidance from England Golf. • Following National Governing Body (NGB) procedures to report concerns and allegations about the behaviour of adults and ensuring that all staff, volunteers, parents and children are aware of these procedures. • Directing staff, volunteers & coaches to appropriate safeguarding training and learning opportunities, where this is appropriate to their role. Safeguarding Adults Policy Introduction is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in golf. Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who: Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and; Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and; As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect. Principles in relation to adults at risk The Care and Support Statutory Guidance Section 14.13 sets out the following six key principles which underpin all adult safeguarding work: Empowerment: People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent. Prevention: It is better to take action before harm occurs. Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need. Partnership: Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse. Accountability: Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. Making safeguarding personal is the concept that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focused. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice and control. As well as improving quality of life, well-being and safety. Wherever possible discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) state that every individual has the right to make their own decisions and provides the framework for this to happen. In addition WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB recognises the following principles which underpin our work with all groups and individuals who may have additional needs for support and protection: It is every adult’s right to be protected from abuse irrespective of their age, gender identity, faith or religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, background, economic position, marital status, disability or level of ability. All staff and volunteers share the responsibility for the protection of adults at risk and will show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare. The additional vulnerability of disabled adults (including those with invisible disabilities, learning and communication differences) is recognised. Allegations of abuse or concerns about the welfare of any adult will be treated seriously and will be responded to swiftly and appropriately. WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adults Boards. Confidentiality will be maintained appropriately at all times and the adult’s safety and welfare must be the overriding consideration when making decisions on whether or not to share information about them. will support all adults to understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding and protecting adults at risk, including the responsibility to report all concerns in line with safeguarding adults policy and procedures. All participants involved in golfing activities have the right to be listened to with respect and to be heard. Guidance and legislation The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the UK and legislation and Government Guidance and have been developed to complement the Safeguarding Adults Boards policy and procedures, and take the following into consideration: The Care Act 2014 The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment ) Act 2012 The Equality Act 2010 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Mental Capacity Act 2005 Sexual Offences Act 2003 The Human Rights Act 1998 The Data Protection Act 2018 Responsibilities and implementation will seek to promote the principles of safeguarding by: Reviewing policy and procedures every three years or whenever there is a major change in legislation. Giving guidance on appropriate recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of volunteers and staff working with vulnerable groups. Following procedures to report welfare concerns and allegations about the behaviour of adults and ensure that all staff, volunteers, parents and participants, including children, are aware of these procedures. Directing club staff, volunteers & coaches to appropriate safeguarding training and learning opportunities, where this is appropriate to their role. Safeguarding Adults Policy Contents Safeguarding Policy Statement 2 Procedures: Complaints, concerns and allegations 4
Signs and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect6
Supporting Documents Safeguarding Adults Flowchart 10 Capacity – Guidance on Making Decisions 11 Incident Report Form 13 Guidance on Types of Harm 15 Guidance on Consent and Information Sharing 17 Safeguarding Adults Policy WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in golf. Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:
Principles in relation to adults at risk: The Care and Support Statutory Guidance Section 14.13 sets out the following six key principles which underpin all adult safeguarding work:
Making safeguarding personal is the concept that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focused. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice and control. As well as improving quality of life, well-being and safety. Wherever possible discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) state that every individual has the right to make their own decisions and provides the framework for this to happen. In addition WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB recognises the following principles which underpin our work with all groups and individuals who may have additional needs for support and protection:
Guidance and legislation The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the UK and legislation and Government Guidance and have been developed to complement the Safeguarding Adults Boards policy and procedures, and take the following into consideration:
Responsibilities and implementation WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB will seek to promote the principles of safeguarding by:
As a player, parent, carer, member of staff or volunteer you may be concerned about the welfare of an adult, become aware that abuse or poor practice is taking place, suspect abuse or poor practice may be occurring or be told about something that may be abuse or poor practice. These concerns should be brought to the attention of the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer without delay.
1.4WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB will work with England Golf, counties and other external agencies to take appropriate action where concerns relate to potential abuse or serious poor practice. WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB disciplinary procedures will be applied and followed where possible. Safeguarding adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability. WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB supports an environment where staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the public are encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns. Anyone who reports a legitimate concern to the organisation (even if their concerns subsequently appear to be unfounded) will be supported. All concerns will be taken seriously.
2. Responding to disclosure of abuse 2.1If an adult indicates that they are being abused the person receiving the information should:
3. Signs and indicators of abuse and neglect 3.1Abuse can take place in any context. Abuse may be inflicted by anyone. Players, members, staff, volunteers or coaches may suspect that an adult is being abused or neglected outside of the club setting. There are many signs and indicators that may suggest someone is being abused or neglected, these include but are not limited to:
4. Consent
In such circumstances, it is important to keep a careful record of the decision-making process and guidance should be sought from the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer. Legal advice will be sought where appropriate. If the decision is to take action without the adult’s consent, then unless it is unsafe to do so, the adult should be informed that this is being done and of the reasons why. 5. Useful Contacts England Golf Useful Contacts Name, Address, Number and email Lead Safeguarding Officer England Golf National Golf Centre The Broadway Woodhall Spa Lincolnshire LN10 6PU 01526 351824 [email protected] Local Contacts Gloucestershire County Council – Safeguarding Adults Julie Bishop 01275888211 Gloucestershire County Council-Social Care-Emergency Duty Team Care Connect 01934888801 National Contacts Ann Craft Trust - Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity www.anncrafttrust.org 0115 951 5400 Ann-Craft [email protected] Samaritans 01522 782333 Safeguarding Adults Flowchart What to do if you have a concern about an adult? Remember It is not your duty to investigate concerns about an adult but do not ignore them – talk to the adult if possible and get in touch with someone within your organisation or the local authority for advice. * If for any reason a Club Welfare Officer is not in post or is unavailable a principle of least delay is important. Please contact the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB Capacity – Guidance on Making Decisions The issue of capacity or decision making is a key one in safeguarding adults. It is useful for organisations to have an overview of the concept of capacity. We make many decisions every day, often without realising. We make so many decisions that it’s easy to take this ability for granted. But some people are only able to make some decisions, and a small number of people cannot make any decisions. Being unable to make a decision is called “lacking capacity”. To make a decision we need to:
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) states that every individual has the right to make their own decisions and provides the framework for this to happen. The MCA is about making sure that people over the age of 16 have the support they need to make as many decisions as possible. The MCA also protects people who need family, friends, or paid support staff to make decisions for them because they lack capacity to make specific decisions. Our ability to make decisions can change over the course of a day. Here are some examples that demonstrate how the timing of a question can affect the response:
The MCA recognises that capacity is decision-specific, so no one will be labelled as entirely lacking capacity. The MCA also recognises that decisions can be about big life-changing events, such as where to live, but equally about small events, such as what to wear on a cold day. To help you to understand the MCA, consider the following five points: 1.Assume that people are able to make decisions, unless it is shown that they are not. If you have concerns about a person’s level of understanding, you should check this with them, and if applicable, with the people supporting them. 2.Give people as much support as they need to make decisions. You may be involved in this – you might need to think about the way you communicate or provide information, and you may be asked your opinion. 3.People have the right to make unwise decisions. The important thing is that they understand the implications. If they understand the implications, consider how risks might be minimised. 4.If someone is not able to make a decision, then the person helping them must only make decisions in their “best interests”. This means that the decision must be what is best for the person, not for anyone else. If someone was making a decision on your behalf, you would want it to reflect the decision you would make if you were able to. 5.Find the least restrictive way of doing what needs to be done. Remember
Incident Report Form Recorder’s Name: Address: Post Code: Telephone No: Name of Identified Adult: Address: Post Code: Telephone No: Complainant’s Name: Address: Post Code: Telephone No: Details of the allegations: [include: date; time; location; and nature of the incident.] Additional information: [include: witnesses; corroborative statements; etc.] Have you discussed your concerns with the adult? What are their views? England Golf Safeguarding department notified (01526 351824) Case Number (if allocated): Name of person spoken to: Date: Time: Action taken: Date: Time: Signature of Recorder: Signature of Complainant: Data protection: England Golf Safeguarding Department may use the information in this form (together with other information they obtain as a result of any investigation) to investigate the alleged incident and to take whatever action is deemed appropriate, in accordance with their Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures. Strict confidentiality will be maintained and information will only be shared on a “need to know” basis in the interests of safeguarding. This may involve disclosing certain information to a number of organisations and individuals including relevant clubs and County bodies, individuals that are the subject of an investigation and/or Statutory agencies such as the Police and Adult Social Care. WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB Guidance on types of harm The Care Act 2014 recognises 10 categories of abuse that may be experienced by adults. Self-neglect This covers a wide range of behaviour: neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. Modern Slavery This encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Domestic Abuse This includes psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse perpetrated by anyone within a person’s family. It also includes so called 'honour' based violence. Discriminatory Discrimination is abuse which centres on a difference or perceived difference particularly with respect to race, gender or disability or any of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act. Organisational This includes neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation. Physical This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions. Sexual This includes rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting. Financial or material This includes theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. Neglect/Acts of omission This includes ignoring medical or physical care needs, failing to provide access to appropriate health social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating. Emotional or psychological This includes threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive Not included in the Care Act 2014 but also relevant to safeguarding adults in sport and physical activity: Cyber Bullying Cyberbullying occurs when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online or repeatedly picks on another person through emails or text messages, or uses online forums with the intention of harming, damaging, humiliating or isolating another person. It can be used to carry out many different types of bullying (such as racist bullying, homophobic bullying, or bullying related to special educational needs and disabilities) but instead of the perpetrator carrying out the bullying face-to-face, they use technology as a means to do it. Forced marriage This is a term used to describe a marriage in which one or both of the parties are married without their consent or against their will. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent to the assistance of a third party in identifying a spouse. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 make it a criminal offence to force someone to marry. Mate Crime A ‘mate crime’ is when vulnerable people are befriended by members of the community who go on to exploit and take advantage of them. It may not be an illegal act but still has a negative effect on the individual. Mate Crime is carried out by someone the adult knows and often happens in private. In recent years there have been a number of Serious Case Reviews relating to people with a learning disability who were murdered or seriously harmed by people who purported to be their friend. Radicalisation The aim of radicalisation is to attract people to their reasoning, inspire new recruits and embed their extreme views and persuade vulnerable individuals of the legitimacy of their cause. This may be direct through a relationship, or through social media. WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB Consent and Information Sharing Workers and volunteers within sports and physical activity organisations should always share safeguarding concerns in line with their organisation’s policy, usually with their safeguarding lead or welfare officer in the first instance, except in emergency situations. As long as it does not increase the risk to the individual, the worker or volunteer should explain to them that it is their duty to share their concern with their safeguarding lead or welfare officer. The safeguarding lead or welfare officer will then consider the situation and plan the actions that need to be taken, in conjunction with the adult at risk and in line with the organisation’s policy and procedures and local safeguarding adults board policy and procedures. To make an adult safeguarding referral you need to call the local safeguarding adults team. This may be part of a MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub). A conversation can be had with the safeguarding adults team without disclosing the identity of the person in the first instance. If it is thought that a referral needs to be made to the safeguarding adults team, consent should be sought where possible from the adult at risk. Individuals may not give their consent to the sharing of safeguarding information with the safeguarding adults team for a number of reasons. Reassurance, appropriate support and revisiting the issues at another time may help to change their view on whether it is best to share information. If they still do not consent, then their wishes should usually be respected. However, there are circumstances where information can be shared without consent such as when the adult does not have the capacity to consent, it is in the public interest because it may affect other people or a serious crime has been committed. This should always be discussed with your safeguarding lead and the local authority safeguarding adults team. If someone does not want you to share information outside of the organisation or you do not have consent to share the information, ask yourself the following questions:
When sharing information there are seven Golden Rules that should always be followed.
Is something worrying you? Do you need someone to talk to? Speak to your club welfare officer Club Welfare Officers Name: Jane Knipe Email address: [email protected] Telephone Number: 01454 619319 Alternatively, you can speak to someone at ChildLine 0800 1111 | NSPCC 0808 800 5000 | England Golf 01526 351851 Welfare Officers The Welfare Officer for WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB is:
If the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer is not available and a delay cannot be justified then seek advice from the local County Council Safeguarding Adults Team or County Council Social Care-Emergency Duty Team. |
Golf should be fun!
You should feel safe and enjoy your sport
Is something worrying you?
Do you need someone to talk to?
Speak to your club welfare officer
Club Welfare Officers Name:
Jane Knipe
Email address:
[email protected]
Telephone Number:
01454 619319
Alternatively, you can speak to someone at
ChildLine 0800 1111 | NSPCC 0808 800 5000 | England Golf 01526 351851