Welfare – Richmond Canoe Club

Richmond Canoe Club is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy canoeing in a safe environment where they are welcomed, supported, encouraged and protected from any form of poor practice, abuse and neglect.

Should you have any concerns or questions about welfare please contact the Welfare Officers (Vanessa Impey, Michael Grant, John Gibbs) at welfare@richmondcanoe.club or complete our Listening to Young Paddlers form (can also be used by parents or adult members).

If you or someone else needs immediate medical attention or you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm or danger, call emergency services for the police or ambulance (999 or 112) immediately.

Richmond Canoe Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults with vulnerabilities and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Britsh Canoeing requirements.

Richmond Canoe Club recognises that the welfare and interests of children and adults with vulnerabilities are paramount in all circumstances.

Richmond Canoe Club aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Richmond Canoe Club in a safe and supportive environment.

Richmond Canoe Club acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, and adults with vulnerabilities can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Richmond Canoe Club will promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults with vulnerabilities.

Richmond Canoe Club will 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, young people and adults with vulnerabilities.

Richmond Canoe Club will ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern

Richmond Canoe Club will ensure that ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.

Richmond Canoe Club will ensure that robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation and will prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.

Richmond Canoe Club’s policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Richmond Canoe Club. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

The 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 Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership, or British Canoeing, as a result of any other significant change or event.