Safeguarding Children

Safeguarding Children

Policy

There has been an increasing awareness over recent years that some individuals who want to harm and abuse children will use charitable organisations, such as Riding for the Disabled, as a vehicle to gain access to children.

The Riding for Disabled Association (RDA) and South Bucks RDA (SBRDA) fully accepts their legal and moral obligation to protect children in the course of its work and it is our policy to make every reasonable safeguard to protect those who are involved in any aspect of our work.

In pursuit of this SBRDA is committed to ensuring that:

  • The welfare of children is paramount,
  • All children are able to participate in a fun and safe environment,
  • All children have the right to protection from physical, sexual and emotional harm and from neglect and bullying,
  • All reasonable and practical steps are taken to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment; respecting children’s rights, wishes and feelings,
  • All suspicions and allegations of poor practise or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately,
  • All trustees, employees and volunteers have a responsibility to report any concerns with regards to child protection matters. It is the responsibility of experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place, but it is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns,
  • The SBRDA designated trustee as Group Safeguarding Officer is Theresa Drake (email: theresa.drake@southbucksrda.org )
  •  The Safeguarding Officer and other relevant staff/volunteers receive appropriate training and guidance on child protection.

Therefore, we have minimum standards in place :

  • The SBRDA policy is in line with the RDAUK’s requirements
  • The designated Safeguarding Officer is: Theresa Drake (theresa.drake@southbucksrdsa.org)
  • SBRDA has a safe recruitment process in place including staff/volunteer applications forms, the collection of two references and disclosure checks at the appropriate level for anyone aged 16 or over who is involved in RDA sessions. These are renewed every 3 years
  • SBRDA has a clear and robust procedure for responding and reporting indicators or allegations of abuse or poor practice
  • Ensure all Safeguarding Officers and Coaches attend a recognised safeguarding workshop with refresher training taken every 3 years.

As defined in the Children Act 1989, for the purpose of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered a child. All organisations, which provide for children, should be able to demonstrate the existence, implementation and effectiveness of child protection policies.

The policies and procedures apply to everyone within SBRDA, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, including trustees, committee members, contractors and participants. Everyone should be aware of the child protection procedures and best practices and ensure that they are implemented.

 

Trustees 2021