We are dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of all our members by fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. We follow comprehensive safeguarding guidelines to protect children, vulnerable adults, and all participants in our club. These guidelines cover areas such as inclusive participation, protection from harm, respectful treatment, and clear protocols for raising concerns. We ensure that all staff and volunteers are appropriately trained, background-checked, and follow the necessary codes of conduct. Our Safeguarding & Welfare Officer is available to address any issues, ensuring that the well-being of our members remains our highest priority. To achieve this, we follow a strict set of guidelines:
Welfare Priority: Our top priority is the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. In some cases, the rights and needs of adults working with them may be secondary to protecting these individuals.
Inclusive Participation: We enable all members, regardless of gender, ability, disability, culture, race, age, language, religion or beliefs, sexual identity, or socio-economic background, to participate safely in swimming and leisure activities, free from harm.
Respect and Protection: We take all reasonable steps to protect members from harm, discrimination, and degrading treatment while respecting their human rights, wishes, and feelings.
Mindfulness of Differences: All individuals working with members will know the differences between policies and procedures for vulnerable adults and children. Vulnerable adults have the right to self-determination, except in extreme circumstances.
Partnership with Families: We work with parents, guardians, and carers to support members in their swimming activities, considering their wishes wherever possible to achieve the best outcomes.
Safe Recruitment: All individuals working with children and vulnerable adults are recruited following the guidelines issued by affiliated organisations.
Training and Background Checks: Those working with our members must complete appropriate training, undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and adhere to safeguarding practices for children and vulnerable adults.
Code of Conduct: All individuals working with children and vulnerable adults must follow codes of conduct and practices outlined by affiliated organisations.
Safeguarding & Welfare Officer: We appoint a dedicated Safeguarding & Welfare Officer with the necessary skills and training to lead on all safeguarding matters. Their contact details are available to all members, parents, guardians, carers, and volunteers.
Raising Concerns: Members, parents, guardians, carers, and volunteers are provided with a safe and confidential way to raise concerns about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults.
Appropriate Response: All safeguarding matters, whether welfare concerns or protection issues, will be handled by the reporting and action guidelines provided by affiliated organisations and Blackpool Council.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality will be maintained as appropriate and in line with the child's or vulnerable adult's best interests.
Secure Record Keeping: All documentation related to safeguarding matters will be held securely to ensure the privacy and safety of those involved.
Transport and Supervision Policies: Blackpool Polar Bears, alongside Special Olympics guidelines, ensures that transport and supervision policies are implemented as required.
