2. COMPLAINTS, CONCERNS AND ALLEGATIONS
2.1 If a player, parent/carer, member of staff or volunteer has a concern about the
welfare of a child, or the conduct of another child/young person or an adult (whether they
are a parent, coach, member, or otherwise), these concerns should be brought to the
attention of the Club Welfare Officer without delay. The person reporting the concern is not
required to decide whether abuse has occurred, but simply has a duty to pass their concerns
and any relevant information to the Welfare Officer. Please refer to Flowcharts 1 & 2 for
further details (see below).
2.2 All concerns will be treated in confidence. Details should only be shared on a "need to
know" basis with those who can help with the management of the concern.
2.3 Concerns will be recorded on an Incident Report Form and sent to the England Golf
Lead Safeguarding Officer and retained confidentially within the club. The England Golf
Lead Safeguarding Officer can assist with completion of this form if required, tel: 01526
351824. (Incident Report Form-Appendix 8)
2.4 The BOVEY CASTLE GC will work with England Golf and other external agencies to
take appropriate action where concerns relate to potential abuse or serious poor practice.
The BOVEY CASTLE GC disciplinary procedures will be applied and followed where possible.
2.5 In the event of a child making a disclosure of any type of abuse, the following guidance
is given:
• Reassure them that they have done the right thing to share the information
• Listen carefully
• Do not make promises that cannot be kept, such as promising not to tell anyone else
• Do not seek to actively question the child or lead them in any way to disclose more
information than they are comfortably able to: this may compromise any future action.
Only ask questions to clarify your understanding where needed e.g. can you tell me
what you mean by the word……………..?
• Record what the child has said as soon as possible on an incident report form.
• You should explain to children, young people and families at the outset, openly and
honestly, what and how information will, or could be shared and why, and seek their
agreement.
• Parents or Carers should be informed if the allegation does not involve them.
2.6 The NSPCC Helpline is available to discuss concerns regarding poor practice and
abuse in confidence with members of the public who need support. Those with concerns
are encouraged to use this service. The Helpline number is 0808 800 5000.
2.7 Safeguarding children and young people requires everyone to be committed to the
highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability. The BOVEY CASTLE GC
supports an environment where staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the public are
encouraged to raise safeguarding and child protection concerns. Anyone who reported a
legitimate concern to the organisation (even if their concerns subsequently appear to be
unfounded) will be supported. All concerns will be taken seriously. (Whistleblowing PolicyAppendix
15)