How we safeguard the children and young people who attend practice days and race meetings organised by Wombwell Karting (WK):
WK recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people who attend our practice days and race meetings. The policy and procedures supplement those provided by Motorsport UK, which can be found online at:
www.motorsportuk.org/the-sport/policiesguidelines/safeguarding
Our commitment is underpinned by procedures that seek to maximise opportunity, minimise risk and continuously promote a culture that embraces the safeguarding of all in motorsport.
The policy and guidance should be observed by all WK volunteers, whatever their role or responsibility during the event.
WK acknowledges its duty to promote best practice and expects a high standard of conduct amongst all volunteers, WK members, visitors and their families on practice and race days. Robust safeguarding and child protection procedures are of benefit to all volunteers, WK members and visitors to protect them from misunderstandings and unfounded allegations.
Wombwell Karting is committed to practice which protects children. For the purpose of this policy and guidance, a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
All WK volunteers who have contact with children on practice and race days must:
• Accept their responsibility to protect all children
• Have an awareness of issues which can cause children harm and be able to recognise the four most common types of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual and neglect)*
• Report their concerns immediately to the Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs) appointed by Wombwell Karting
Wombwell Karting will also undertake to safeguard children by:
• Sharing a Safeguarding Code of Practice with all WK members
• Adopting a clear procedure for reporting safeguarding concerns
• Ensuring that concerns are reported to the relevant authorities
Wombwell Karting Safeguarding Policy Statement
WK acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background – all children have a positive and enjoyable experience of motorsport at events organised by Wombwell Karting.
Wombwell Karting will:
• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns
• Take appropriate action in the event of incidents/concerns being reported and provide support to the individual(s) who raise or disclose the concern
• Uphold confidentiality, maintain detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns and securely store
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved at Wombwell Karting. Failure to comply will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and in accordance with guidance from Motorsport UK
• As a result of any other significant change or event
WK Safeguarding Practice & Procedures
Good communication is essential in any organisation. WK will make every effort to assure that, should individuals have concerns, they will be listened to and taken seriously.
Children and Young People
Children and young people have a right to information, especially any information that could make life better and safer for them. WK will act to ensure they have information about how, and with whom, they can share their concerns, complaints and anxieties.
When sharing information, WK volunteers will be sensitive to the level of understanding and maturity, as well as to the level of responsibility, of the people with whom they are sharing.
Parents
Parents/persons with parental responsibility are ultimately responsible for their children’s welfare at all times, and they should be assured that their children are involved with a credible organisation.
We achieve this by:
• Publishing the names and contact details of the Designated Child Safeguarding Officers and how to make a complaint via the website or email: wombwellkarting64@gmail.com
• Publishing a full copy of the Child Protection Policy on our website:
www.wombwellkarting64.wixsite.com/website
Photography
Wombwell Karting will request that any person wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close-range photography should register their details with the Secretary of the Meeting or other appointed official before carrying out any such photography.
WK reserves the right of entry and reserves the right to decline entry to any person unable to meet or abide by our rules and regulations.
It is expected that parents will ensure their children are kept safe from harm at all times when attending practice and race days organised by Wombwell Karting.
There is no law prohibiting children from being out on their own at any age, but because a paddock can be a dangerous environment, WK expects all parents to ensure young children remain under their direct supervision.
The riding of bicycles, scooters etc. in the paddock area is strictly prohibited when the meeting is in action. Please be vigilant of moving vehicles at the beginning/end of the day and always be aware of others walking, riding etc.
Prevention
WK volunteers should be committed to:
• Treating children and young people with respect and dignity
• Listening to what a child or young person is saying
• Providing an encouraging and supportive environment
• Using appropriate language and challenging inappropriate language
• Ensuring every competitor under 18 is accompanied by their signed-on parent or guardian
• Being vigilant at all times
• Upholding club rules and regulations aimed at keeping children safe
Procedure
All concerns and disclosures involving child protection/child welfare issues should be reported in the first instance to the Child Safeguarding Officer (CSO), who will record the information immediately and as clearly as possible.
The person reporting the incident will be asked for their contact details and the name of any other witness present.
The CSO is obligated to complete a Motorsport UK Safeguarding Concern Report Form and, if necessary, refer the matter to the appropriate external agencies.
If it is believed that a child is in immediate danger, the Police will be called on 999.
If a child urgently needs specialist support from children’s social care, the CSO will contact:
Barnsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Phone: 01226 772423 / 01226 78779
Email: mash@barnsley.gov.uk
Follow-up contact will be made within 48 hours.
Confidentiality will be maintained at all times, and information will be shared only on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Designated Child Safeguarding Officers
The only persons who need to know safeguarding disclosures are:
Miss Donna Peat
Club Secretary, Motorsport UK Safeguarding Officer and HLTA within a Primary School
Miss Beth Lockwood
Timekeeper and Nursery Manager
Both are available during race weekends or by email at: wombwellkarting64@gmail.com
In the event of a disclosure, the CSO should:
• Avoid guaranteeing absolute confidentiality
• Listen without questioning directly
• Offer reassurance without making promises
• Take what is said seriously
• Allow the child to speak without interruption
• Accept what is said – not investigate
• Stay calm and do not overreact
• Reassure the child and avoid judgement
• Explain what happens next and who will be told
• Record accurately as soon as possible using the child’s words
• Seek advice immediately from Social Services or Police
• Record discussions/actions taken within 24 hours
If the CSO is unavailable or inappropriate to approach, any volunteer may contact the appropriate organisation directly.
Additional Resources
For more information on types of abuse:
Safeguarding Children in Barnsley
For procedures:
Child abuse concerns: guide for practitioners – GOV.UK
For parental rights:
Parental rights and responsibilities – GOV.UK
