Bovey Castle - Safeguarding Children Policy

If a child or an adult at risk is in immediate danger or risk of harm, the police should be

contacted by calling 999.

Where a child or an adult at risk is not in immediate danger the first person you should

report your suspicion or allegation to is your Club Welfare Officer. If for any reason you

cannot, or do not wish to report the matter to your Club Welfare Officer please contact the

England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer on 01526 351824 or email

Alternatively you can contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC

on 0808 800 5000.

Information to include when raising a concern

The whistle blower should provide as much information as possible regarding the incident

or circumstance which has given rise to the concern, including:

• their name and contact details (unless they wish to remain anonymous);

• names of individuals involved;

• date, time and location of incident/circumstance; and

• whether any witnesses were present.

BOVEY CASTLE GC assures that all involved will be treated fairly and that all concerns will

be properly considered. In cases where suspicions prove to be unfounded, no action will be

taken against those who report their concerns, provided they acted in good faith and

without malicious intent.

What happens next?

• You should be given information on the nature and progress of any enquiries - this

may vary depending on the nature and result of the investigations.

• All concerns will be treated in confidence. During the process of investigating the

matter, every effort will be made to keep the identity of those raising the concern to

the minimum number of individuals practicable.

• Your Club has a responsibility to protect you from harassment or victimisation

• No action will be taken against you if the concern proves to be unfounded and was

raised in good faith

• Malicious allegations may be considered a disciplinary offence

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects whistle blowers from victimisation, discipline

or dismissal where they raise genuine concerns of misconduct or malpractice.

If the whistle blower does not believe that the concern has been dealt with appropriately

and wishes to speak to someone outside the club or the England Golf Governance

Department the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line should be contacted on 0800 028 0285

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