Any club registered with Welsh Gymnastics have a responsibility and role to play in keeping everyone within their environment safe. People should know what the club has in place to keep people safe and what to do if they have any concerns.
A key part of delivering a safe sport is about being proactive and spreading the message about keeping children safe and building a culture of always acting in the best interest of all children.
Some of the ways the clubs can keep people safe:
1.Having policies and procedures in place for safeguarding and protecting Children and adults.
All registered clubs are bound by the Welsh Gymnastics policies and are also required to have clear procedures of how they are implemented within the club. These procedures should be readily available for all members and easy to understand. All registered members are bound by the codes of conduct, membership rules and the complaints and disciplinary procedures which can be found here.
2.Have a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer
It is a requirement for all registered clubs to have a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer in place that is renewed each year. The Officer must be appropriately trained about a active part of the club. More information about recruiting, implementing and supporting the role of the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer can be found here.
3.Safe Recruitment
It is the clubs responsibility to ensure that everyone within their environment has completed where required the appropriate criminal records check, safeguarding training and completed the clubs inductions to ensure they are fully aware of the requirements within the club. More information about Criminal records checks here / training requirements here / safe recruitment policy here.
4.Support for clubs
Support is available for clubs from a number of sources, the Welsh Gymnastics staff either your dedicated club development officer or the safeguarding team. Alternatively registered clubs are able to access advice from DAS law – 01179330617 (you will need to have your club registration number to access this support).
DAS law also provide a free independent counselling helpline for members over the age of 18 on 01179432121.
Role of the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, however, to support the clubs and gymnasts there is a mandatory requirement for all registered clubs to have an appointed Club Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer. The Club Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer details must be promoted and easily accessible to all the club members. Whilst minimum requirement is to have one, depending the on the size and frequency of the club it may be good practice to have more than one.
Role of a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer
Policies and Guidance
Our sport is supported by policies and guidance to ensure a safe and positive experience for all involved.
Policies and Guidance
Training, Development and Signposting
Any member of our organisation working with children, young people or adults at risk who meet the eligibility criteria are required to complete a criminal record check and our recognised safeguarding training. Please follow to find out more about the training, development and support available.
Training, Development and Signposting