If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child in golf, or outside the sport, or concerns about the behaviour or practice of a coach or organiser, or anyone else involved in the sport, talk to our governance team on 01526 351824 or email safeguarding@englandgolf.org.

If you have immediate concerns about the welfare of any child or adult, contact the police on 101 or ring the NSPCC 24-hour free helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Concerns might include:

* Bullying of children by their peers or by adults
* Individuals exploiting their position to gain access to children
* Placing unrealistic performance expectations on children
* Lacking awareness of the needs for safeguarding
* Poor planning

Grange-over-Sands Golf Club members, coaches and independent operatives are responsible for ensuring that everyone they work with is protected from abuse and has a positive experience during coaching sessions and playing Golf. It is a requirement of The Club that all coaches and members follow the club’s policies.

The Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, Government guidance, England Golf and complies with best practice requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

• Have a positive and enjoyable experience at The Club in a safe and child centred environment.
• Are protected from abuse whilst participating in sessions and playing on the course
• The Club acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, 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 The Club will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
• 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 and young people.
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and provide support to the individual/s who raise or disclose their concern.
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored. (Responsibility of the Clubs Welfare Officer.)
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay by the Club Welfare Officer and Management team.

Monitoring

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 the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK and partner organisations.
• As a result of any other significant change or event.

(October 2022)