Safeguarding for children

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is how we look after children and adults who may not be able to look after themselves as well as others do, this is known as being Vulnerable. When you are vulnerable this is a time when someone else may try to take advantage of you, get you to do something you don't want to do, or emotionally take advantage.

Any one who works with children or adults who are vunlnerable has to protect (safeguard) against lots of bad things, which comes in many different shapes and forms. Regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity, we have to protect from harm.

Do we need safeguarding in ice skating?

Safeguarding is needed in everyday walks of life and in all sports, including ice skating. Safeguarding in sport is important to make sure that children and adults alike have a safe and positive experience. This, in turn, will help people to keep skating and enjoy sport throughout their lives.

Children and young people are the foundations and future of sport, the next generation of club competitors, officials and administrators. They are potentially the sport stars or Olympic medallists of the future.

Children and young people face risks in all aspects of their life – and sport is no different.

So whatever your role in sport, as a parent, coach, volunteer or young person, you should know about how our club or NISA's is trying to keep you safe. If you are worried about someone or something is affecting you, speak out. We have people in place to support you every step of the way. Speak to one of our safeguarding officers.

What can I expect from my skating club?

MEMBERSHIP - you will receive information on costs, rules and training/event information. Not all events are for everyone but we try to ensure everyone has an equal range of activities to enjoy.
COACHES- all of our coaches are qualified and have had the neces- sary checks to help you skate to the best you can.

VOLUNTEERS - first aiders are provided by the ice rink, but some of our volunteers have first aid training through their jobs. Our Safeguarding officers at the club have been on training to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
RESPECT - as a club, we want to engage with you as much as possible and want to hear about what you like about the club, what you don’t like, and what you think needs changing. We respect everyone’s views and want your experience to be fun and feel enjoyable whilst being safe.
COMPETITIONS- there are many competitions throughout the season for you to get involved with and skate in. This also includes our charity gala
SAFETY - we adopt NISA’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Skating Policy, Procedure and Guidance, because we believe you have the right to skate in a safe and fun environment.

What do my club expect of me?

BEHAVIOUR - we will give clear messages on how we expect everyone to behave, this may be in the form of a Code of Conduct.
RULES - ice skating has rules and so does our club. These are in place to keep you safe.

What should I do if I am worried?

Don’t keep it to yourself!

There are a number of people you can speak to if you are worried about or experience bullying or any uncomfortable situation.

Talk to your Club Welfare Officer (or someone else you feel comfortable telling) will believe you and know what to do and how to help. They may have to share the information you tell them, but it will be kept CONFIDENTIAL.

Club Welfare Officers

David Johns

Lead

David is one of our Club Welfare Officer. The safeguarding officers have the responsibility for ensuring Widnes Ice Skating Club's safeguarding policy is followed and adhered to. David will always be looking out for all of our club members.

If you need to speak to David over any concerns you have or have seen please use the provided email address below. None of the other committee members, rinks staff or coaches will see this information. All disclosures are dealt with by the Club Welfare officer.

Sue Miller

Supporting

Sue is one of our Welfare Officers at the club. As a club, we aim to have at least one of the Club Welfare Officers present at all of our events. Any disclosures are dealt with by David or Sue. We have to have two Club Welfare Officers in case they are required to deal with a disclosure which could be relating to one of them. This means one will take Lead over the other.

If you need to speak to Sue over any concerns you have, or have seen please use the provided email address below. None of the other committee members, rinks staff or coaches will see this information. All disclosures are dealt with by the Club Welfare Officer and BIS.