Q. What does Safeguarding mean?
A. Safeguarding is a relatively new term which is broader than ‘child protection’ as it also includes prevention. Safeguarding has been defined as:
- All agencies working with children, young people and their families taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised; and
- Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, all agencies taking appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies.
Having safeguards in place within an organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of children but also it enhances the confidence of trustees, staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the general public. Safeguarding children is beneficial to an organisation in many ways – protecting its reputation, helping to effectively meet its objectives and protecting its finances.
For the purposes of child protection legislation the term ‘child’ refers to anyone up to the age of 18 years.
Q. Who needs to complete a DBS check?
A DBS check is just one way of making sure that you have the right people in place. You can find out more about good recruitment by visiting the DBS Website.
If you regularly work with Young children or Vulnerable Adults, you will need a DBS check. This is everyone who helps out in your club that has regular contact with children (More than three times a month is current legislation).
All Afloat offers every volunteer a free Enhanced DBS Check. The process is quick and simple.
Q. How do I apply for a DBS check?
Your Club Welfare Officer will request your application on your behalf from RYA Cymru Wales. If you are the CWO then you can request your clubs DBS application forms by calling 023 8060 4104 or e-mail DBS or visit the government website.
Q. Can a Club Welfare Officer verify the DBS form of a relative?
A. No. If this is the case the form should be verified by either the Club Chair or Secretary. The form should be returned with a letter, preferable on headed club notepaper, accompanying it to verify they have seen your ID.
Q. Who verifies the Club Welfare Officer’s DBS?
A. In this case the form should be verified by either the Club Chair or Secretary. The form should be returned with a letter, preferable on headed club notepaper, accompanying it to verify they have seen your ID.
Q. How do I become a Club Welfare Officer for my club?
Please contact your Regional Development Officer at RYA Cymru Wales and you will be provided with all of the necessary information.
Q. What should I do if I have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child?
You should carefully record all relevant facts and details and then report your concern to the RYA Safeguarding Unit. All Afloat Incident Report Form
If a child tells you that they are being abused, you should listen carefully. Tell them that you will have to tell someone about the problem, and that you will try to see if someone can help.
Do not begin to ask detailed questions about the concern, and don’t begin an investigation.
You should report your concern to your Club Welfare Officer. If you need urgent advice, contact Phil Tilley, All Afloat Trustee 07801876613 or the RYA’s Safeguarding and Equality Manager is Jackie Reid, tel. 023 8060 4104, e-mail safeguarding@rya.org.uk
Q. What are my child protection responsibilities if I work with children?
You have a duty of care toward any children that you work with. This means that you must take reasonable steps to protect those children from harm.
To do this, you should ensure that you plan and carry out your activities in line with RYA Cymru Wales guidance. You should also ensure that any other adults involved in your activities are properly recruited and vetted.
If you work in a club, you should also encourage the club to put in place safeguarding measures to support all of the activities taking place at the club.
