Welfare

Welfare & Safeguarding

Our Commitment

Kingston Athletic Club and Polytechnic Harriers is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all our members. We believe that everyone has the right to participate in athletics free from abuse, harassment, discrimination and poor practice.

As an England Athletics affiliated club, we follow all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the welfare and protection of children, young people and adults at risk within our sport.

Key Contacts

Club Welfare Officer: Liz Richardson
Email: welfare@kingstonandpoly.org

If you have any welfare concerns or safeguarding issues, please contact Liz directly. All concerns will be treated confidentially and handled appropriately.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting people's health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. In athletics, this includes:

  • Physical abuse - causing physical harm or injury
  • Sexual abuse - forcing or enticing inappropriate sexual activity
  • Emotional abuse - persistent emotional maltreatment
  • Neglect - failure to meet basic physical or psychological needs
  • Bullying - repeated behaviour intended to hurt or intimidate
  • Discrimination - unfair treatment based on protected characteristics

Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about the welfare of any club member, please:

  1. Speak to our Club Welfare Officer - Liz Richardson at welfare@kingstonandpoly.org
  2. Contact England Athletics - safeguarding@englandathletics.org or 0121 713 8450
  3. In emergencies - contact the police on 999 or local authority children's services

Anonymous Reporting

You can also report concerns anonymously through:

Club Policies

Our club operates under the following key policies:

Child Protection Policy

We follow England Athletics' Child Protection Policy and Procedures, ensuring all children and young people under 18 are protected from harm.

Adult Safeguarding Policy

We are committed to safeguarding adults at risk, including those with disabilities, mental health conditions, or other vulnerabilities.

Code of Conduct

All members, coaches, volunteers and officials must follow England Athletics & UKA Code of Conducts, which set out the expected standards of behaviour.

Recruitment and Training

  • All coaches and volunteers working with young people undergo appropriate background checks
  • Regular safeguarding training is provided to relevant personnel

Safe Recruitment

The club ensures safe recruitment practices including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all coaches and volunteers working with children and adults at risk
  • Completion of safeguarding training courses
  • Regular review and renewal of checks and training
  • Strict adherence to England Athletics Pathways

Training and Education

Safeguarding Training

All club officials, coaches and volunteers complete appropriate safeguarding training including:

  • Time to Listen - Basic safeguarding awareness (all volunteers)
  • Good Practice and Safeguarding Workshop - For those in positions of responsibility

Coaching Qualifications

Our coaches hold appropriate England Athletics coaching qualifications.

Creating a Positive Environment

We promote positive experiences by:

  • Encouraging open communication between athletes, parents and coaches
  • Providing clear guidance on appropriate behaviour
  • Celebrating achievements and effort, not just results
  • Maintaining professional boundaries

Photography and Social Media

The club follows strict guidelines regarding:

  • Appropriate use of images in club communications
  • Safe social media practices
  • Protection of personal information

Support and Resources

For Young People

  • Childline: 0800 1111 - Free, confidential support
  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

For Adults

  • Samaritans: 116 123 - Free, confidential emotional support
  • Adult Safeguarding: Contact your local authority

For Parents and Carers

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

England Athletics Resources

As an affiliated ClubMark club, we follow England Athletics safeguarding guidance:

Review and Updates

Our safeguarding policies are reviewed annually or following any significant incidents or changes in legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement in our safeguarding practices.

Remember: If you are concerned about a child or adult's immediate safety, contact the police on 999.

For all other welfare concerns, contact our Club Welfare Officer Liz Richardson at welfare@kingstonandpoly.org

 
 

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