Safeguarding Protocol of Mawgan Porth Surf Lifesaving Club

1. Our Safeguarding Policy

This policy applies to all members of Mawgan Porth Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)

The purposes of this policy are:

• to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who are involved with Mawgan Porth SLSC.  This includes children, young people and adults.
• to provide volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

Mawgan Porth SLSC believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind.  We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them and promotes their welfare.

Please also see Safeguarding Protocols for brief references to safeguarding responsibilities for club members

2. Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children and vulnerable adults, namely:

• Children Act 1989
• United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Children Act 2004
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Care Act 2014
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2015
• Health and Social Care Act 2008
• Other relevant government guidance on safeguarding children.

3. Our commitment to child welfare

We recognise that:

• the welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989
• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
• the rights, wishes and feelings of children, young people, vulnerable adults and their families will be respected and listened to.
• those people in positions of responsibility within the club will work in accordance with the interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults and follow this policy.
• all helpers have an enhanced DBS check or international equivalent.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• valuing them, helping them, listening to and respecting them
• adopting a code of conduct for staff, teachers and volunteers: see Appendix 1
• developing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures: see Appendix 2
• providing a copy of this policy to staff, teachers and volunteers who have access to children.
• Principles of safer recruitment will be adhered to through recruiting staff, teachers and volunteers safely: see Appendix 3
• requiring all members to agree to abide by this policy
• sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

4. Recognition of abuse and/or neglect:

If, through our work, a child or adult discloses that they are being abused or harmed, then it is our duty to follow the safeguarding procedures of the Mawgan Porth SLSC and the Local Safeguarding Procedures of the area within which you are working.  Likewise, if you observe a child being hurt or harmed while carrying out your work, you are required to following the safeguarding procedures). Within the MAWGAN PORTH SLSC Institutional Summer School at Bryanston, the Designated Safeguarding Lead is Dr Sarah Mundy, Facilities Manager.

To be clear about what constitutes abuse and neglect the following definitions are provided:

• Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child/vulnerable adult.

• Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child/vulnerable adult such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on their emotional development and well-being. It may involve conveying to them that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. 

With children, and vulnerable individuals, emotional abuse may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on a person. These may include interactions that are beyond the person’s capabilities, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the person participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. This may relate to institutional abuse, and it is the duty of any employee or associate with the practice to report any care settings that employ punitive or disempowering methods. In the first instance this will be to the safeguarding lead most appropriate unless the person is deemed to be in immediate danger and then the person must take immediate action as described. It may involve serious bullying, causing the person to frequently feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children and vulnerable adults which can occur in any context. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child or vulnerable adult though it may occur alone.

• Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child, young person or vulnerable adult to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape or buggery or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children/vulnerable adults in looking at, or in the production of, sexual online images, watching sexual activities, or encouraging them to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

• Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health and/or development. 

In respect to children, neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)

• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger.
• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers).
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Further information on the signs and symptoms of abuse is available from the NSPCC.   

5. Essential standards to safeguard adults at risk of harm and abuse

The CQC has published under Section 23 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 a guide to compliance called Essential standards of quality and safety (CQC, 2009b).  One section deals in particular with safeguarding adults from abuse. 

In summary, the provider is responsible for:

• Prevention: take action to identify and prevent abuse from happening in a service.
• Appropriate response: respond appropriately when it is suspected that abuse has occurred or is at risk of occurring.
• Guidance: ensure that government and local guidance about safeguarding people from abuse is accessible to all staff and put into practice.
• Restraint: make sure that the use of restraint is always appropriate, reasonable, proportionate and justifiable to that individual.
• De-escalation: only use de-escalation or restraint in a way that respects dignity and protects human rights, and where possible respects the preferences of people
• Diversity and safeguarding: understand how diversity, beliefs and values of people who use services may influence the identification, prevention and response to safeguarding concerns.
• Protection of other people: protect others from the negative effects of any behaviour by people who use services.
• Deprivation of liberty: where applicable, only use Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) when it is in the best interests of the person who uses the service and in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In addition, the guidance states that, in order to safeguard people, providers need to consider effective leadership, personalised care, promotion of rights and choices
• (CQC, 2009b, Outcome 7).
• Please see the NHS guidance on spotting signs and symptoms of abuse in vulnerable adults.  

6. What this policy covers:

This policy will provide you with information on the process if there is a safeguarding concern. It contains:

• What to do if there is a safeguarding concern
• What to do if a child or adult discloses abuse
• Consulting about your concern
• Making a referral 
• Allegations against adults who work with children
• Confidentiality 

7. What to do if there is a safeguarding concern

Immediate action to ensure safety:

Immediate action may be necessary at any stage in involvement with children and families or vulnerable adults.

• If emergency medical attention is required this can be secured by calling an ambulance (dial 999) or taking a child/adult to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
• If a child is in immediate danger the police should be contacted (dial 999) as they alone have the power to remove a child immediately if protection is necessary, via their powers to use Police Protection.

8. What to do if a child or adult discloses abuse 

A child, young person or vulnerable adult may seek you out to share information about abuse or neglect, or talk spontaneously individually or in groups when you are present.  In these situations, you must:

• Listen carefully to them. DO NOT directly question them to gather further information.
• Give them time and attention.
• Allow them to give a spontaneous account; do not stop them if freely recalling significant events.
• Make an accurate record of the information you have been given taking care to record the timing, setting and people present, their presentation as well as what was said.  Do not throw this away as it may later be needed as evidence.
• Use the child’s/adult’s own words where possible.
• Explain that you cannot promise not to speak to others about the information they have shared – do not offer false confidentiality.
• Reassure them that:
  • they have done the right thing in telling you
  • they have not done anything wrong
• Tell them what you are going to do next and explain that you will need to get help to keep him/her safe.
• DO NOT ask them to repeat their account of events to anyone.

It is good practice to be as open and honest as possible with parents/carers about any concerns. However, you MUST NOT discuss your concerns with parents/carers in the following circumstances, as this might place the child/adult or yourself at immediate risk:

• where sexual abuse or sexual exploitation is suspected
• where organised or multiple abuse is suspected (complex, organised or multiple abuse)
• where fabricated or induced illness is suspected 
• where female genital mutilation (FGM) is the concern  
• in cases of suspected forced marriage

Historical Abuse 

Often abuse is disclosed significantly after it has occurred; this could be down to many factors for example, grooming, fear of retribution or control by the abuser. Should this occur, we would expect you to follow the guidelines above and contact the relevant designated person within the Club as there may still be risk that the perpetrator has continuing access to children and vulnerable adults.  

9. Consulting about your concern

Your observations of a child or vulnerable adult, or information you have received, may be concerning even though the person has not spoken to you directly. 

It is good practice to ask a child or vulnerable adult why they are upset or how a cut or bruise was caused, or respond to a child wanting to talk to you. This practice can help clarify vague concerns and result in appropriate action. This will need to take into account the communication methods and abilities of the person.

If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult you must share your concerns.  You should talk to Carrie Lawson who is the Designated Lead for Safeguarding. 

You should consult with your local Children’s Social Care Duty & Investigation Team in the area where the child resides, in the following circumstances:

• when you remain unsure after internal consultation as to whether child protection concerns exist
• when there is disagreement as to whether child protection concerns exist
• when you are unable to consult promptly or at all with your designated internal contact for child protection

Consultation is not the same as making a referral but should enable a decision to be made as to whether a referral to Children’s Social Care or the Police should progress.

10. Making a referral

A referral involves giving Children’s Social Care or the Police information about concerns relating to an individual or family in order that enquiries can be undertaken by the appropriate agency followed by any necessary action.

Parents/carers should be informed if a referral is being made, except in the circumstances outlined in section 8.

However, inability to inform parents for any reason should not prevent a referral being made. It would then become a joint decision with Children’s Social Care about how and when the parents should be approached and by whom.

• If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from a family member or someone known to the children, you should make a telephone referral to the Children’s Social Care Duty & Investigation Team in the area where the child resides 
• If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from someone not known to the child or child’s family, you should make a telephone referral directly to the Police and consult with the parents.
• If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from an adult in a position of trust there are a number of avenues depending on who you are concerned about that may be relevant including the General Medical Council, Ofsted and/or Local Area Designated Officer. Please see section 11 for further details. 
• If your concern is that a child or family need additional help or support, you should contact the appropriate Local Authority Child & Family Services Team 

For vulnerable adults referrals will be made in accordance with the Vulnerable Adults Policy for the local service related to where the individual lives. In some settings this will be a Multi-Agency Protection Team, and in others this will be a dedicated vulnerable adult’s team.

Information required when making a referral:

Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible (in emergency situations all of this information may not be available). Unavailability of some information should not stop you making a referral.

• Your name, telephone number, position and request the name of the person to whom you are speaking.
• Full name and address, telephone number of family, date of birth of child and siblings.
• Gender, ethnicity, first language, any special needs.
• Names, dates of birth and relationship of household members and any significant others.
• The names of professionals known to be involved with the child/family e.g.: GP, Health Visitor, School.
• The nature of the concern and foundation for the concern.
• An opinion on whether the child may need urgent action to make them safe.
• Your view of what appears to be the needs of the child and family.
• Whether the consent of a parent with Parental Responsibility has been given to the referral being made.

Action to be taken following the referral

• Ensure that you keep an accurate record of your concern(s) made at the time.
• Put your concerns in writing to the Children’s Social Care Duty & Investigation Team following the referral (within 48 hours – and using the multi-agency referral form).

Accurately record the action agreed or that no further action is to be taken and the reasons for this decision.

11. Allegations against adults who work with children or vulnerable adults 

If you have information which suggests an adult who works with children or vulnerable adults (in a paid or unpaid capacity) has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child or vulnerable adult.
• possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child or vulnerable adult.
• behaved in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults

You should speak immediately with Child Protection Officer (CPO)/the vulnerable adults lead who has responsibility for managing allegations. The CPO will consult with/make a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer), Safeguarding Unit, or with the relevant Local Authority. (If the Safeguarding lead within the organisation is implicated in the concerns you should discuss your concerns directly with the Local Safeguarding Children Unit).

12. Confidentiality

Any records made in relation to a referral should be kept confidentially and in a secure place. Information in relation to child protection concerns should be shared on a “need to know” basis. However, the sharing of information is vital to child protection and, therefore, the issue of confidentiality is secondary to a child’s 

Any concern that a child with which Mawgan Porth SLSC has contact is suffering from any kind of abuse from a parent or carer should be reported to the NSPCC (who can be called on 0808 800 5000 – calls are free from landlines and most mobiles or [email protected]) or to the Child Protection Services arm of your local authority. 

13. Reporting Concerns to Mawgan Porth SLSC

Any concern that a member of staff, teacher or anyone associated with the Mawgan Porth SLSC has breached these guidelines should be reported immediately to Carrie Lawson, Designated Safeguarding Lead (07810 300 639 / [email protected]) or Sarah Mundy, Deputy Safeguarding Lead (sarahmundy77@icloud, 07565 043 202) 

Reviewing this policy

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

This policy was last reviewed on 26^th January 2026 by Carrie Lawson, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Sarah Mundy, Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

Appendix 1: Code of Conduct

All members working with children in relation to an event organised by Mawgan Porth SLSC:

• to read and be aware of the Child Protection Policy 
• to value, help, listen to and respect children
• to share any concerns they may have concerning the treatment of any child by member/volunteers working with children in relation to an event organised by Mawgan Porth SLSC
• to be sensitive concerning situations such as where an individual is left alone with a child and ensure that where they arise this is with appropriate parental consent.

Appendix 2: E-Safety Policy

Mawgan Porth SLSC will take all reasonable steps to ensure that its website and use of email and social media is not used in any way that could prejudice children’s welfare.  To this end:

• We will not tolerate any traffic on the Mawgan Porth SLSC website or in any email or social media posting on behalf of Mawgan Porth SLSC which could prejudice the welfare of any child including but not limited to any bullying. 
• We will not allow any images of children to appear on Mawgan Porth SLSC website or in any social media that sexualises children or where the child’s guardian has refused consent.
• We will not provide contact details for any children to any person except with the explicit consent of the parent and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.  It will guard against doing this inadvertently by means of circulating “cc” lists of recipients of communications.

Any concern that the Mawgan Porth SLSC website includes any material in breach of this policy should in the first place be reported immediately to Carrie Lawson or in her absence to Sarah Mundy 

Appendix 3: Recruitment Policy

Mawgan Porth SLSC, when recruiting teachers and volunteers working with children in relation to an event organised by the Mawgan Porth SLSC, takes reasonable steps to ensure that such people are suitable to work with children in the role in which they would be working.  They will follow safer recruitment procedures. 

Mawgan Porth SLSC ensures that all helpers have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Appendix 4: Social Media Policy for Members 

This Policy is intended to provide guidance to help understand acceptable standards of use of social media by members and to assist everyone in understanding what the potential risks are in using social media and how these can be avoided and managed. Social media offers the opportunity for people to participate in online communities of shared interest and to create, share or consume content. We recognise the benefits of social media as an important tool of communication, engagement, and enrichment. 

The Club promotes the safe use of social media and encourages all its members to act responsibly and with courtesy when using social media. Misuse of social media can result in disciplinary action being taken against a member. 

Good Practice Guidance Usage 

Whilst we encourage the positive use of social media, the balance between the right to free speech and the responsibility to respect the rights of others, not to insult, slander, harm, abuse or create risks to anyone’s personal safety and wellbeing is a priority. As a general principle, unless specifically authorised, it is recommended that individuals keep their personal online identity, content and online profile separate. This will help in distinguishing between what is part of a person’s private life and what is part of their public and accountable activity in the Club. 

This removes potential conflict and should assist in focusing the mind on what is and what is not appropriate content and usage before anything is posted. Use of a social media account for Club activity must be authorised by the Club and respect all the requirements of both GDPR and Safeguarding guidance and this Policy. The ease, unrestricted and immediate access to the internet presents a unique set of challenges for protecting personal information, safety and wellbeing as all information posted is available to everyone with online access. 

Generational differences, use of unfamiliar language and a lack of perception about how messages and information will be understood are major dangers with wide-ranging consequences. 

Speed to send a message at the expense of care can cause great harm – time to consider is an important duty of care to avoid harm and unintended negative outcomes. Often what is being posted can have unintended consequences if there are different perceptions of what a reader may understand. It is the entire responsibility of all to make sure that messages posted and shared will not cause harm or will be seen as abusive. 

Whilst young people get great benefits from the online communities they belong to and the instant access they have to friends, they may need guidance from the people with responsibility for their safety as to what is acceptable and safe use. The use of social media to target individuals, whether for grooming or the increasing incidence of cyber bullying, has created new risks to young and vulnerable people who may not understand the risk to themselves when they post personal information. 

General Guidance 

• Social media must not be used to insult, belittle, falsely accuse or criticise other club members, officers, coaches or other volunteers. 

• Remember that privacy settings change frequently – keep them under review and update as necessary. 

• Photos and tagging should be used with consideration. A photo of the team at an event, without any tagging of individuals is fine. Use of tags allows people to be identified and then traced. 

• Whenever a photo is going to be taken and used, make sure the individual knows, agrees to its use and get parental/carer consent for use of all images of young and vulnerable adults. 

• Performance Athletes as role models are in a position of greater prominence to set standards and this needs to be considered in their use of social media. 

• Publicity consent must be obtained prior to posting images or text which may be used on social media to promote the Club.

 • If you are uncertain or concerned about the appropriateness of any statement or posting, you may be intending to make that relates to the club or another club member refrain from making the communication until you discuss it with the relevant club officer. 

• Remember that you have a responsibility to report any posts or online content which contravene our Code of Conduct Policy. 

Appendix 5 Equality Policy 

This policy reinforces our duty under the Equality Act 2010 and our commitment to providing equality and diversity to all and not provide less favourable facilities or tolerate less favourable treatment on the grounds of ‘(protected characteristics)’: Age, Disability, Gender or gender reassignment, Marriage and civil partnership, Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion or belief Sex and sexual orientation. 

We are committed to ensuring that Equality is incorporated across all aspects of our activities. We accept that Equality is fairness, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is ensuring that our culture, structure and actions reflect that all our activities are as accessible as possible to all members of society. We are committed to everyone having the right to enjoy Surf Lifesaving in an environment free from threat of discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse. We confirm that all our members have a responsibility to challenge discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity. We will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to our disciplinary procedures. 

Appendix 6 Anti-Bullying Policy

This policy applies to all Club Members including Young People and all those under the control or direction of the Club. Bullying is usually defined as repeated behaviour, which is intended to harm someone either emotionally, mentally or physically, and is often aimed at certain people because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other aspect such as appearance or disability. 

Bullying behaviour can include: 

• Physically pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching. 

• Name calling, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and humiliation continual ignoring. 

• Acts or criticism that demean, belittle or diminish someone. 

• Ganging up and excluding. 

• Excessive use of position of power.

 • Posting on social media derogatory, abusive, critical comments, videos or images or excluding or cancelling. 

• Racial, homophobic, transphobic or sexist comments, taunts or gestures.

 • Sexual comments, suggestions or behaviour. 

• Unwanted non-consensual physical contact. 

Mawgan Porth SLSC recognises its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all members from harm and will:

 • Promote and implement this anti-bullying policy. 

• Ensure that bullying behaviour is not ignored, tolerated or condoned. 

• Take robust action to investigate and respond to any reports of bullying.

 • Make sure that any sanctions are proportionate and fair. Let young people and vulnerable adults know that they will be listened to and supported.

 • Create an ‘open door’ ethos where young people feel confident to talk to an adult about bullying. 

• Ensure any bullying by adults is dealt with through the Disciplinary Process. • Ensure that any incidents/concerns regarding bullying behaviour will be discussed with parents/carers who will also be consulted on the action taken. 

Appendix 7 Behaviour Policy 

Mawgan Porth SLSC is a friendly, caring club that wants members of all abilities to improve their life saving skills in a safe environment while having fun. In order to achieve this, we have minimum standards of behaviour we expect our younger members to follow. 

Mawgan Porth SLSC does not tolerate abusive behaviour or violence towards anyone. The following procedure is in place for all sessions to ensure the above: 

1) If poor behaviour is witnessed by a coach a verbal warning will be issued. Examples of poor behaviour are (but not limited to): rudeness to coaches and other members, not following instructions, throwing stones, not taking care of club resources. 

2) Should a member’s poor behaviour persist they will be asked to leave the session. This can also happen immediately for extremely poor or dangerous behaviour. 

3) If a member is removed from a session, the coach will arrange a meeting with their parent/carer and the member to ensure that expectations of behaviour are understood before being allowed to attend another session. This could be in person before the start of the next session or in a video call. The group’s captain should be informed and if possible, also attend the meeting or call. Captains should keep a record of any removals from sessions on the register. 

4) If a member has a pattern of repeated poor behaviour, captains should inform the management committee, who will decide the next steps or, as a last resort, decide on expulsion. 

5) A member can appeal against an expulsion in writing or in person with their parent/carer at a committee meeting. The decision of the management committee will be final. 

6) In extremely serious circumstances the management committee reserve the right to alter the above procedure and suspend or expel, if necessary, without prior notice. 

Punctuality It is asked that all members are on the beach ready to register and participate in the session 15 minutes before the session start, to allow the lead coach to complete their risk assessment with correct participant numbers. If you arrive less than 5 minutes before the session start, you will not be allowed to participate in the session. For participant safety it is essential that the lead coach knows exactly how many members they have in each session.

Appendix 8 Fair Participation Policy 

Fair Participation Policy is defined as much more than participating within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendships, sportsmanship and respecting others and always participating within the right spirit. Fair participation is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption. Fair participation is an essential part of the successful promotion, development and enjoyment of all in club participation. 

Through fair participation, participants, the club and society wins. All have a responsibility to promote Fair Participation. 

The Club will: 

• Promote and encourage fair participation through its members. 

• Ensure that its rules are fair, clearly understood by participants, coaches, officials and administrators, and properly enforced. 

• Make every effort to ensure that club rules are applied consistently and with absolute impartiality.

 • Treat all members equally, irrespective of gender, race or physical characteristics. 

• Impress upon participants, coaches, officials and administrators the need to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship in running and taking part in club activities. 

Club Officials will: 

• Abide by the rules and the spirit of the club. 

• Be fair, considerate and honest with others.

 • Be professional in their actions, language, presentation, manner, punctuality and reflect high standards. 

• Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures. 

• Maintain strict impartiality. 

• Maintain a safe environment for others.

 • Show caution and concern toward others.

 • Be a positive role model to others. • Show respect to participants.

• Respect the regulations and authority of their governing body and not attempt to avoid or circumvent these regulations.

 • Recognise the special role that they must play in the establishment of standards by always setting a good example of sportsmanship. 

• Respect the rights of other clubs and not deliberately act in a manner intended to be to the detriment of any other club term health or physical development of their participants.

 • Respect the rights of participants, coaches, officials and not exploit or deliberately act in a manner intended to be detrimental to them. 

• Not endeavour to influence the result of a competition by any action not strictly within the rules and regulations, or within the fundamental precepts of fair play. Sponsors and promoters will:

 • Not seek to influence unduly or improperly the outcome of competitions by financial or other inducements.

 • Recognise that the administration and organisation of all club competitions and events is the exclusive responsibility of the governing body. 

Club Participants will: 

• Abide by the rules and the spirit of competitions. 

• Accept the decisions of referees and judges without question or complaint. • Never consider cheating and must not attempt to improve their individual performance using drugs.

 • Exercise reasonable self-control at all times. 

• Learn to accept success and failure, victory. and defeat, with good grace and magnanimity without excessive emotional display. 

• Treat their competitors and team-mates with respect both in and out of the competition spaces. 

Club Coaches will: 

• Insist that participants understand and abide by the principles of fair play. • Never countenance the use of drugs by participants. 

• Never employ methods or practices that could involve risks, however slight, to the long-term health or physical development of their participants.

 • Not attempt to manipulate the rules to take advantage of their participants or their competitors. 

Appendix 9 Young Person Policy for Club Activity 

Common sense needs to be applied but not at the risk of putting young people in a situation beyond their capability, or likely to cause them or those who may be relying on them any harm. 

It is therefore Mawgan Porth SLSC policy that: 

Under 14 A young person under the age of 14 is not to undertake safety cover in any capacity, or to take a role in session delivery in any capacity, on the beach or in the pool. 

Age 14 to 15 can help with the Nipper groups as water safety only, always under the supervision of a Level 2 coach, and must hold a valid water safety award. They do not need to be DBS-checked, but do need to undergo Safeguarding Training. They can help with the Nipper groups in the swimming pool but must be under the direct supervision of a Level 2 coach. 

Special care must be taken not to expose this age group to incidents likely to cause distress to their health, emotional and mental welfare and psychological harm. Mawgan Porth SLSC policy currently states that they are supernumerary and do not form part of Safety Cover Ratios. 

Age 16 to 17 can help with Nipper & Junior water safety if they hold a valid water safety award, have been DBS-checked and have completed the Safeguarding Training. If they have their Coaching Level 1, they can help coach the Nipper & Junior groups but only under the supervision of a Level 2 coach. 

They cannot coach or provide Water Safety cover for the Youth or Seniors Group. They can help with the Nipper & Junior groups in the swimming pool but must be under the direct supervision of a Level 2 coach, have been DBS checked and have completed the Safeguarding Training. They are not supernumerary to Safety Cover Ratios if they hold a valid water safety award. 

Age 18 to 19 can help with Nipper, Junior and Youth water safety if they hold a valid water safety award, have been DBS checked and have completed the Safeguarding Training. If they have their Coaching Level 1 or Level 2, they can help coach the Nipper, Junior and Youth groups, and lead coach if accompanied by a tenured Level 2 coach. They can help with the Nipper, Junior and Youth groups in the swimming pool but must have been DBS-checked and completed the Safeguarding Training. Unless they have their Coaching Level 2 qualification, they must be under the supervision of a Level 2 coach. 

Age 20+ can assist with water safety and lead coach all groups if they have a valid water safety award and their Coaching Level 2. Consideration always should be given to the allocation of safety cover and coaches so that a young Lead Coach has an experienced, competent member of the group to assist in case of emergency. 

Appendix 10 Code of Conduct Policy 

Mawgan Porth The Club Code of Conduct is an expression of the spirit in which it is expected members will conduct themselves on a personal and professional basis. It is not meant to suppress individuality but should reflect our ethos and policies through the actions of our members. Serious and flagrant breaches will result in action being taken against offenders which could result in expulsion from the Club. 

The Code of Conduct prescribes the standards, which a disciplinary committee may take into account, when considering the conduct of a member; but so that the committee shall not be prevented from considering other matters. 

At all times a member shall uphold the good standing and reputation of the Club and shall: 

• Comply with the law. Not misuse their authority or office for personal or other gain. Fully uphold the Clubs Policies. 
• Observe the standards prescribed in the guides to good practice approved by the Club. 
• Have a duty to provide information if requested by the Disciplinary Committee investigating any breach of this code. 
• Respect a person’s rights and treat everyone accordingly. 
• If teaching lifesaving or working in any capacity that requires an SLSGB or equivalent qualification, hold a qualification to do so, approved by SLSGB. 
• Fully uphold the good practice and conduct requirements set out in the Safeguarding Guidance adopted by the Club. 

Appendix 11 Club Volunteer Recruitment Policy 

Mawgan Porth SLSC has a Duty of Care to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken so that unsuitable people are prevented from having unsafe access to and contact with children. 

• It is important to plan and have a process for volunteer recruitment. 

• It is the responsibility of the Club Committee to decide on the final candidate(s) for positions in the Club. 

• The Club Committee should take the responsibility to ensure that a safe recruitment process is followed. 

• References should be sought for Committee or skills-based positions. 

• Finally, where necessary, a DBS check should be made. 

Appendix 12. Vulnerable Adult Guidance 

A vulnerable adult is defined as an individual age 18 or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for themselves. It can also refer to one who is unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. A vulnerable adult is one that has a substantial mental or functional impairment. Substantial functional impairment is an inability referring to physical limitations. Substantial mental impairment is a disorder of mood, thought, perception, memory, or orientation. This grossly impairs the person’s judgement, behaviour, or ability to be independent. 

The life experiences of these individuals, as a result, can vary significantly from someone that has not been diagnosed as a vulnerable adult. This does not necessarily mean that the adult lacks competency. A vulnerable adult’s activities of daily living are usually impaired. The severity of cognitive impairment in vulnerable adults can range from mild cognitive impairment to severe cognitive impairment. 

Mild forms of such impairment include not knowing or being able to learn the skills necessary to communicate when help is needed; not knowing how and not being able to learn to read or write complex documents when required and thus, avoiding them rather than seeking help to resolve them; not knowing or being able to learn how to navigate basic money management or personal finance; and so on. 

These factors can limit the ability of the vulnerable adult to either give or receive human communication with another adult who does not have such impairments. Common acts of abuse are domestic abuse, institutional abuse, and self-neglect. Examples of institutional abuse include inappropriate use of power, lack of choice, lack of personal possessions, a non-flexible schedule and/or physical or verbal abuse. 

A coach or other adult in a Position on Trust must: 

• Be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect such as changes in behaviour or physical injuries. 

• Report any concerns to the Club Safeguarding or Deputy Officer. 

• Create a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable adults within the club and respect their rights and dignity. 

• Regularly review and assess to ensure that vulnerable adults receive the support and protection they need.