Safeguarding & Welfare

Safeguarding Policy

The UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) Safeguarding Policy

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1. Policy Statement

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The UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals involved in EUC sports. We believe that everyone has the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, or harm.

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The UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) recognises that children, young people, and vulnerable adults / adults at risk may be particularly susceptible to harm and therefore require additional safeguards. We are committed to taking all reasonable steps to protect their welfare and to creating a culture in which safeguarding is understood, valued, and embedded across all levels of the sport.

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Safeguarding is central to the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK)’s purpose as a national governing body. This policy sets out the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK)’s commitment to safeguarding and provides the framework through which safeguarding concerns are prevented, identified, reported, and managed.

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2. Scope and Application

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This Safeguarding Policy applies to all individuals and organisations involved in activities that are recognised, sanctioned, delivered, or supported by the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK), including but not limited to:

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• Registered players, riders and participants

• Coaches, instructors, and officials

• Volunteers and staff

• Board members and committee members

• Affiliated clubs and academies

• Event organisers and competition providers

• Parents, carers, and guardian

All UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) affiliated clubs, academies, and accredited instructors are required to operate safeguarding arrangements that meet or exceed the standards set out in this policy.

3. Safeguarding Leadership and Responsibilities

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3.1 Named Safeguarding Roles

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Safeguarding Lead: T.A.W. Fletcher

Chair: T.A.W. Fletcher

Safeguarding Contact Email: info@euc-uk.com

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The Safeguarding Lead has overall responsibility for safeguarding within the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) and acts as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns, advice, and referrals.

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3.2 Responsibilities of the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK)

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UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) is responsible for:

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• Establishing and maintaining robust safeguarding policies and procedures

• Ensuring safeguarding arrangements align with legal and regulatory requirements

• Providing guidance and support to affiliated clubs, academies, and instructors

• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns and allegations

• Promoting safeguarding awareness and good practice across the sport

3.3 Responsibilities of Individuals and Organisations

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All individuals and organisations involved in UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) activities are responsible for:

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• Upholding this Safeguarding Policy

• Acting in the best interests of participants at all times

• Reporting safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately

• Cooperating with safeguarding processes and investigation

4. Safeguarding Principles

The UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) is guided by the following safeguarding principles:

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• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults / adults at risk is paramount

• All participants have the right to be protected from harm

• Safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

• A proactive approach to safeguarding helps prevent harm before it occurs

These principles align with the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK)’s constitutional purpose to govern, promote, and develop EUC sports in a safe, consistent, and sustainable manner.

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5. Legal and Regulatory Framework

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This policy is informed by and complies with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:

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• Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Care Act 2014

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Equality Act 2010

• Data Protection Act 2018

• Sport England and UK Sport safeguarding standards

• NSPCC safeguarding guidance

6. Definitions

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6.1 Child / Young Person

Any individual under the age of 18.  For safeguarding purposes, E-WPA treats all under-18s as children across the UK.

6.2 Vulnerable Adult / Adult at Risk

An individual aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to care and support needs.

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6.3 Safeguarding

The action taken to protect the health, wellbeing, and human rights of individuals, enabling them to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect.

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7. Types of Abuse and Poor Practice

Abuse may take many forms and includes, but is not limited to:

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• Physical abuse: deliberate physical harm or injury

• Emotional abuse: persistent emotional ill-treatment affecting wellbeing

• Sexual abuse: involvement in sexual activity without consent or understanding

• Neglect: failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs

• Bullying and harassment: including online or discriminatory behaviour

• Discriminatory abuse: based on race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, or belief

Poor practice refers to behaviour that falls below expected standards but may not constitute abuse, such as inappropriate language, favouritism, failure to maintain boundaries, or unsafe practices.

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8. Preventative Safeguarding Measures

The UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) is committed to a proactive approach to safeguarding, including:

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• Clear codes of conduct for all roles

• Safer recruitment and vetting processes

• Appropriate supervision and risk management

• Safeguarding education and training

• Clear reporting pathways

9. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported promptly to the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns may arise from:

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• Direct disclosure

• Observation of behaviour

• Third-party reports

• Identification of poor practice

If a person is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services must be contacted immediately

10. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

The E-WPA will:

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• Take all concerns seriously

• Respond promptly and proportionately

• Record concerns accurately and securely

• Refer matters to statutory agencies where appropriate

• Support those affected throughout the process

11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection legislation.

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Confidentiality will not be maintained if doing so places an individual at risk.

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12. Safer Recruitment, Training, and DBS

The UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) is committed to safer recruitment practices, including:

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• Appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

• Safeguarding training for relevant roles

• Ongoing education and awareness

Safeguarding compliance is a condition of affiliation, accreditation, and participation in E-WPA-recognised activities.

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13. Allegations Against Adults in Positions of Trust

Any allegation against a coach, instructor, official, volunteer, or person in a position of trust will be taken seriously and managed in accordance with the UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK) Safeguarding Procedures. Temporary suspension may be imposed where necessary to protect participants.

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14. Monitoring, Review, and Governance

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, guidance, or following a safeguarding incident.

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UK EUC Sports Association (EUC UK)’s Board retains ultimate responsibility for safeguarding governance.

15. Key Contacts

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Safeguarding Lead: T.A.W. Fletcher

Email: info@euc-uk.com

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NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

In an emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.