Safeguarding

We take Safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults very seriously at the Club. Our Safeguarding Policy can be viewed here, and is reproduced below.

North Downs Archery Club Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

North Downs Archery Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for everyone who takes part in archery at our club. This includes children, young people, and adults at risk.

Our approach follows the safeguarding policies, procedures, and good‑practice guidance published by Archery GB.

This document summarises how our club puts those principles into practice. It is designed to be simple, clear, and easy for members and prospective members to understand. For full details, refer to Archery GB’s safeguarding policies and guides.

2. Our Commitment

We commit to:

  • Creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and supported.
  • Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously and responding promptly and appropriately.
  • Following Archery GB’s safeguarding policies, including those relating to children, young people, and adults at risk.
  • Ensuring all committee members, volunteers and coaches understand their responsibilities and follow good practice.
  • Promoting a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

3. Key Principles

Our safeguarding approach is based on the principles set out by Archery GB and the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit:

Welfare first: The safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults at risk always come before sporting goals.

Inclusive practice: Everyone has the right to enjoy archery free from discrimination, bullying, or abuse.

Shared responsibility: All members, volunteers, parents, and coaches play a role in keeping our club safe.

Clear reporting: Concerns must be reported quickly and handled appropriately.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Safeguarding Officer (CPO)

Our Club Safeguarding Officer (Child Protection Officer, CPO) is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern.

CPO Name: Andrew D

CPO Contact Email: safeguarding@northdownsarcheryclub.org.uk

The CPO ensures our club follows Archery GB’s safeguarding requirements, supports members, and liaises with Archery GB’s safeguarding team when needed.

Club Chair

Our Club Chair is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern, where the CPO is unavailable, or is the subject of the concern.

Chair Name: Rob F

Chair Contact Email: chair@northdownsarcheryclub.org.uk

The Chair enables an escalation point within the club for any safeguarding issues.

Coaches and Volunteers

All coaches and volunteers must:

  • Follow Archery GB’s safeguarding policies and good‑practice guidance.
  • Complete safeguarding training as required by Archery GB.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and act as positive role models.
  • Report any concerns immediately.
Parents and Carers

Parents and carers should:

  • Support their child’s involvement in archery.
  • Share relevant information with the club to help us safeguard their child.
  • Raise concerns promptly if something doesn’t feel right.
All Members

Every member is expected to:

  • Treat others with respect.
  • Follow club rules and Archery GB’s codes of conduct.
  • Report concerns about their own safety or the safety of others.

5. Safe Practice at the Club

To maintain a safe environment, we will:

  • Ensure appropriate supervision ratios for junior sessions.
  • Use safe recruitment procedures for coaches and volunteers, including DBS checks where required.
  • Promote good practice in coaching, communication, and behaviour.
  • All committee members will undertake basic safeguarding training.
  • All coaches and volunteers will undertake comprehensive safeguarding training.
  • Ensure activities are planned with safety and wellbeing in mind.
  • Support inclusion and make reasonable adjustments for members with additional needs.

6. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, bullying, or grooming.

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or adult at risk:

  1. Report it immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer (CPO).
  2. If the CPO is unavailable or the concern involves them, contact the committee Chair.
  3. If the CPO and the Chair are unavailable, or the concern involves them, contact Archery GB’s safeguarding team directly here: https://archerygb.org/about/safeguarding/report-a-concern.
  4. If someone is at immediate risk, call the police or emergency services.

We will always handle concerns sensitively, confidentially, and in line with Archery GB’s procedures.

7. Links to Archery GB Policies

Our club adopts and follows all Archery GB safeguarding policies and guidance, including:

  • Safeguarding Policies & Guides
  • Safeguarding Children and Young People Good Practice Guidance
  • Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures
  • Safeguarding training, reporting procedures, and DBS guidance

These documents can be found at: https://archerygb.org/about/safeguarding/safeguarding-policies-and-guides

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, and if Archery GB updates its safeguarding requirements.