Updated November 2025

Weymouth Rowing Club is dedicated to promoting the well-being and development of all our members. Our Welfare Policy is designed to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to thrive both on and off the water. We believe that a holistic approach to welfare is essential for fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their full potential.

It is everyone's responsibility to safeguard children and 'adults at risk' from the risk of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. At WRC, we are committed to reminding everyone of their role in safeguarding and encouraging the welfare of each other. Our goal is to create a safe environment for all members to participate in sports activities confidently and securely.

WRC adheres to the Cornish Pilot Gig Association's (CPGA) Safeguarding Policy. A copy of this policy can be found by visiting the policy area of the CPGA website via this link: Policies / Safeguarding Policy.

 

Reporting Procedure

• Initial Point of Contact for Safeguarding Concerns:

  • Tanya Budd - Club Welfare Officer

    • Email: welfare@weymouthrowing.org.uk

    • Phone/In-Person: You can also contact the Welfare Officer by phone or approach them in person. A poster with their photo and contact details is on display in the Rowing Shed.

  • If there is a concern about the Club Welfare Officer, please contact: trustees@weymouthrowing.org.uk

• Third-Party Agencies:

  • Concern about a Child – Family Support & Advice Line:

    • 01305 228558 (office hours)

    • 01305 221000 (out of hours emergencies)

  • Concern about an Adult – Dorset Safeguarding Adults Board:

    • 01305 221016 (office hours)

    • 01305 221000 (out of hours emergencies)

  • Concern Regarding an Adult Who Works With a Child: This should be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):

    • 01305 221122 (office hours)

    • 01305 228558 (out of hours emergencies)

  • Immediate Danger: Call 999

 

All action is taken in line with the following guidance:

• Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership - BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership

• Working Together to Safeguard Children – Guidance published by HM Government – 2023: Working together to safeguard children - GOV.UK

• What to do if you're worried a child is being abused – Government Guidance - DfES 31553

• Child abuse concerns: guide for practitioners - GOV.UK

 

Key Principles of Safeguarding

• The welfare of a child or vulnerable adult is, and must always be, paramount.

• All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm.

• All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.

• Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

• Safeguarding involves sharing relevant information responsibly to protect individuals at risk, balancing the need to share with the right to confidentiality. It is essential to share information with the right people at the right time to ensure effective safeguarding practices.

 

Good Practice at WRC

The club welfare officer will attend CPGA Safeguarding updates and training where appropriate and possible. The club welfare officer will attend the South West Sport Welfare Forums where possible. The Club Welfare Officer will keep the committee and trustees informed of any welfare issues or concerns.

WRC's aspiration is for every Coxswain and Coach working with Juniors and / or the Under 25's to have a current and clear DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) with child-workforce or enhanced level of check.

The Club Welfare Officer will maintain an up-to-date list of coxswains and coaches working with the Juniors and Under 25's. This document will include the individual's name, email address, date of birth, DBS status and certificate expiry date.

A list of coxswains and coaches (i.e. level 2 coxn's) is available to be seen by all club members on ROWter.

DBS certificates will be reviewed by the Club Welfare Officer, and any concerns will be raised to the committee and trustees.

The Club Welfare Officer will request individuals on this list to complete a DBS renewal. This request will go out ideally three months prior to certificate expiry. The welfare officer will inform the committee, trustees and team captains if the DBS certificates lapse, if there are delays with obtaining certificates, or if there are any changes to the clearance status on the returned certificates.

In situations such as events or school rowing activities, if a Coxswain or Coach does not have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and they are working with children (under 18) or vulnerable adults, it is mandatory to have another adult present in the pilot gig. This additional adult can either be part of the crew or occupy the pilot seat to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Coxswains and Coaches will be reminded to be vigilant for signs of safeguarding concerns and encouraged to report anything that just 'doesn't feel quite right'. No matter how big or small.

Coxswains and Coaches are reminded to not put themselves in a position open to misinterpretation, such as not being alone with a child or vulnerable person, especially in the toilets/changing rooms or confined spaces such as the rowing shed or vehicle.

Coxswains and Coaches are reminded to not contact any child or vulnerable adult by direct communication. All communications should go via the parent/guardian. Ideally, a 'safe' app such as Spond should be used. The use of group What's App messaging opens up access to personal phone numbers of whoever is within the group, should this be a mix of adults (coaches), parents / guardians and children, there is a weakness in the safety of the communication system.

Good safeguarding practices should be adopted for all club activities, be it on the water, at 'away' events / sports fixtures or social events.

Parents / guardians must be reminded of their duty to ensure the safety and welfare of their child(ren). It would be advisable for the parent/guardian to attend all events or sign temporary guardianship to another responsible trusted adult. This might include another parent/guardian or a coach/coxswain. The individual must be aware of the responsibilities they are taking on and have full medical authorisation and parental consent.

Any events held on WRC premises must comply with this Policy, and if appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed, and circulated to those affected.