Safeguarding

Introduction

Penrith Canoe Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of all its members. All members should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club Code of Conduct.

We believe that taking part in Paddlesport should be a positive and enjoyable part of adults’ and children's lives and to achieve this, have the following procedures: 

Requirements For All Volunteers

  1. Club coaches and volunteers should follow Paddle UK’s(PUK) Paddler’s Code https://paddlerscode.info
  2. All Club coaches, helpers and officials should read and adhere to PUK safeguarding policies https://paddleuk.org.uk/safeguarding-policies/  These include :-

P1 Safeguarding Children Policy

P2 Whistleblowing policy

P3 Anti Bullying Policy

P4 Disclosure Policy

P6 Safeguarding Adults policy

P7 Safer recruitment of volunteers policy

Safeguarding Procedure

  1. The Club will ensure that anyone in the club, working with young people or vulnerable adults undertake a DBS screening procedure. 
  2. All Club Coaches (& members) are made aware annually of the Club Code/s of Conduct for :-
  3. All members (issued with joining instructions) Club Code of Conduct
  4. Coaches referees & committee members Coaches Code of Conduct
  5. Any paddler who coaches for the Club should be a member of PUK. The club will encourage and support helpers to gain qualifications and ensure coaches stay up to date with PUK CPD requirements.
  6. Club Coaches & Volunteers should NOT:
  • Meet with a child or vulnerable adult in their own time, in their own home or other place. 
  • Ask overly personal questions, including those about age or appearance (unless specifically related to a work project, in which case it must be documented.)
  • Send/give out material that could be considered offensive, which includes digital material or social media sites.
  • Suggest or imply a personal relationship could develop.
  • Take an aggressive or bullying tone.
  • Have physical contact.
  • Offer or accept personal gifts.
  • Travel alone with a young and/or vulnerable person unless part of their contracted role and  sufficient risk assessment is in place.

Requirements for all club members

The Club will notify annually, all members, that if they have any concerns they can contact:-

  1. (club welfare officer), whose role it is to deal with any issues concerning Child Protection and Harassment, and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, Anyone with concerns with respect to Abuse or Harassment should contact the welfare officer. 
  2. Any committee member they feel comfortable speaking to
  3. the Paddle UK Safeguarding Team: 

They can reach the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Joy Johnson) at 0115 8655354 or via email at safeguarding@paddleuk.org.uk.

  1. The NSPCC whistleblowing advice line at 0800 028 0285 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

All Club members are made aware annually of the Club Code/s of Conduct for :-

  1. All members (issued with joining instructions) Club Code of Conduct
  2. Coaches referees & committee members Coaches Code of Conduct

Travelling away to tournaments

  • Parents / guardians of all youth members (under 18) should complete a consent form  for young people travelling away to tournaments, so parents / adult in charge have communication with club organisers.
  • No adult should be giving a lift to a single unrelated youth. Ie Should not be alone with them.
  • A risk assessment should be carried out for the venue, including emergency procedures, while travelling or at the venue.

Welfare Officer’s Role  (Currently Kirstine Bailey)

  • Act discreetly, but do not offer confidentiality to anyone reporting a concern. Make sure they are aware you may have to contact other authorities.
  • Listen, then consult. Do not give immediate answers, without seeking advice.
  • Record facts, dates & times, not just opinions, from the person reporting the issue on the forms: Adult safeguarding report form or  Children's safeguarding reporting form 
  • Ensure all coaches, referees and committee members are DBS checked
  • Ensure all volunteers complete relevant PUK safeguarding training as part of PUK standards for deployment
  • Obtain any Medical details of concern for paddlers and make them known to coaches, where deemed appropriate and/or necessary. 
  • Liaise with PUK safeguarding lead with any concerns that have been reported.
  • Follow PUK safeguarding procedure for any safeguarding issue brought to them. 
  • Liaise with local authority designated officer, email  LADO@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for any safeguarding issues they are made aware of, about members, occurring outside the club.

Policy Review

The Club will next review this Policy by 26/05/2026

Signed: Kirstine Bailie, Date: 26/05/2026

Role in Club: Welfare & Safeguarding Officer, and Youth Coordinator

Welfare & Safeguarding Officer: Kirstine Bailie
Additional role: Youth Coordinator
Signature: Digitally signed
Approved: 26 June 2026
Next review: 26 June 2027
 

Page was last updated 17th September 2026 by chris.archer.