SAFEGUARDING

Welcome to all newcomers, we are very pleased that you have decided to join us. It is very important that you please note the following:-

Portslade Bowls Club is required, like all the other organisations in the UK, to be in compliance with the law regarding the ‘safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults’ whether they are on club premises or else travelling to and from away games. In addition to all legal requirements, the Club endeavours to operate within the guidelines regarding safety which are issued by Bowls England, our governing body.

The Club’s Safeguarding Policy is covered in the Club’s Constitution, a copy of which is kept in the Club’s pavilion. You may ask the Club Secretary for a copy.

A Safeguarding Officer (SO) has been appointed by the Committee who will ensure compliance of the requirements stated in that Policy. Please feel able to discuss any concerns which you may have at any time whilst you are with the Club; please do speak to the Safety Officer and mutually agree with him/her what the next step should be.

Any Club member who is likely to come into contact with children and/or vulnerable adults on a regular basis, eg those who run our beginners’ sessions, will be vetted by the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service. It is also our Club’s policy to ask the coaches to undertake the appropriate Safeguarding course(s).

Currently we have no members under 18 years, however should anyone under 18 years of age request to join then the Safety Officer may wish to discuss with the parents/guardian their child’s medical records and provide the SO with emergency contact numbers. The Club Captain will always advise parents of the travel arrangements to an away game if transport is being provided by another club member.

Regarding the Club’s social activities, food is often supplied by members that have been prepared in their own kitchens. The Club cannot provide any information about the ingredients used, especially food allergens nor make any comment about the cleanliness of the premises where the food was prepared. Food is eaten at your own risk!

The committee requires everyone to be aware of the Safety Officer’s function and thus give their full support in the successful implementation of the Club’s safeguarding policy.

Portslade Bowls Club is inclusive and wants its members and visitors to feel welcomed and comfortable when at the club. Should anyone make you feel less than easy, do please let the Safeguarding Officer know so that the situation can be addressed appropriately.

If you have any queries or questions, please do contact the Safeguarding Officer, John Green on jeg.hove@hotmail.co.uk or telephone, in confidence 01273 561779.