SAFEGUARDING,
PROTECTION POLICY
AND CODE OF CONDUCT
EDGEHILL GLIDING CENTRE has a strong ethos of SAFEGUARDING with well-defined Policies and Procedures to ensure that, when at the gliding site and participating in gliding activities, a child’s learning activity will be conducted within a welcoming environment and a culture of safety.
Children of almost any age who meet the physical constraints of a glider, i.e. minimum/maximum weight (for balance) and minimum/maximum height (to be able to see out) are most welcome to join the Club and learn to fly – they can legally fly solo when they are 14, so long as they have completed and passed the appropriate training syllabus and the parents/carers are in agreement.
Importantly, the Club recognises that the welfare of children, young people, the disabled and those from minority groups is paramount and that they have equal rights of protection.
The Club has a duty of care when members of these groups are in our charge and the Club will do everything that we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst members of these groups attend our activities.
SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION - POLICY,
GUIDANCE AND PROCEDURES
All members and prospective members, and especially parents/carers of children, young people, the disabled and those from minority groups wishing to join the Club, are strongly encouraged to download and read the Club’s Safeguarding & Protection – Policy, Guidance & Procedures manual accessible from: https://www.edgehillgliding.com/policies.
Importantly, the document offers clear guidance on Safeguarding measures that the membership employs each and every day to make the gliding experience fun in a friendly, safe and welcoming environment.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Club has developed and published an informal Code of Conduct within the Safeguarding & Protection – Policy, Guidance & Procedures Manual. This articulates the Club’s commitment to provide a learning environment and experience in which the watchword throughout is “safety”.
In return, the Code identifies the Club’s expectations of the parents/carers, as well as the novice aviator, to ensure that the latter derives nothing short of fun, pleasure and enjoyment from gliding.
ALL ADULT MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Treat all children, young people, the disabled and those from minority groups with respect and dignity
Ensure that the welfare and safety of such aviators is paramount at all times
Always act in a professional way and not accept bullying, swearing or other disruptive behaviour
Liaise openly with parents & carers
Only use physical contact if absolutely necessary
Make activities FUN and ENJOYABLE
Avoid being alone with children
It is recognised that, due to the nature of the club’s activities, instructors (who have been Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checked) cannot meet the requirement to avoid being alone with the novice when instructing in 2-seat aircraft
Listen to, and act upon, any disclosures/allegations/concerns of abuse
WHEN THERE ARE CONCERNS about the welfare of any member, all adults in our organisation are expected to share those concerns, without delay, with one of the Club’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Officers.
THE CLUB WILL:
Carefully recruit & select all adults, whether paid or voluntary
Ensure that all instructors and others who may be involved in the unsupervised training of children, young people, the disabled and those from minority groups participate in DBS checks
Respond to concerns and allegations appropriately
The SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION OFFICERS are responsible for:
Monitoring & recording concerns
Making referrals, where appropriate, to social care services/other agencies without delay
Liaison with other agencies
Arranging SAFEGUARDING awareness training for all members
CONFIDENTIALITY:
In cases of complaints/disclosure of abuse from children, young people, the disabled, parents and carers, all members are required to share the information with a Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer.
In general, all personal information may be disclosed to social services or to the police if a member’s health and welfare needs protecting, or when a crime has or may have been committed.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer: Martin Walsh (childprotection@edgehillgliding.com)