Safeguarding policy statement

Note: The terms ‘child’, ‘children’ and ‘young person’ describe any person under the age of 18. 

Our statement

Our organisation acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. It is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and British Horseback Archery Association requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children: 

• have a positive and enjoyable experience at Cotteswold Mounted Archers in a safe and child-centred environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in horseback archery or outside of the activity. 

We acknowledge that some children, including deaf and disabled children or those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.   

Our policy

What we’ll do

 As part of our safeguarding policy we will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• value, listen to and respect children 
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
• adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for all members
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• provide effective management so that all members know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently 
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of all incidents or concerns, from lower-level concerns and poor practice to more serious abuse, 
• provide support to the individual(s) who raise or report the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance [more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office] 
• appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people, a deputy and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding 
• make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Cotteswold Mounted Archers. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• as required by UK sports councils and the BHAA
• as a result of any other significant change or event.

This policy was last reviewed on 26/04/2025 

Signed ………………HBarnes

Helen Barnes

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Signed ………………MWilliams

Maria Williams

Chair

Contact details 

In a safeguarding emergency,
where a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.