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)