Safeguarding Policy for [Club Name] Short Mat Bowls Club

1. Policy Statement

[Club Name] is committed to ensuring that all members, volunteers, and visitors can enjoy our sport in a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all individuals, particularly adults at risk, and to take all reasonable steps to protect them from harm, abuse, or neglect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members, committee members, volunteers, coaches, and visitors of the club, particularly in relation to activities held in our village hall venue.

3. Definitions

  • Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who is, or may be, in need of care and support, and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
  • Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, or discriminatory.
  • Safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

4. Responsibilities

  • The Club Committee is responsible for ensuring safeguarding procedures are in place.
  • A Safeguarding Lead will be appointed and act as the main contact for any safeguarding concerns.
  • All members are encouraged to report concerns, and those who hold regular contact with members will receive basic safeguarding awareness guidance.

5. Code of Conduct

All members are expected to:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect.
  • Challenge or report inappropriate behaviour or language.
  • Support an inclusive and safe environment for all.

6. Raising a Concern

If a member or visitor has a concern about someone’s safety or welfare:

  • Speak to the Club’s Safeguarding Lead.
  • If someone is at immediate risk, contact emergency services (999).
  • The Safeguarding Lead will record concerns and take appropriate action, which may involve contacting local adult safeguarding services.

7. Confidentiality

Concerns raised will be dealt with in a confidential manner. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection principles.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any safeguarding incident, changes in legislation, or guidance from relevant authorities.

Safeguarding Lead Contact

Name:
Phone:
Email:

Optional Additions:

  • Safeguarding poster in the village hall.
  • Safeguarding training via your local Bowls association or Sport England’s “Safeguarding Adults in Sport” e-learning.
  • Inclusion of this policy in the club welcome pack or displayed on a noticeboard.