Wellbeing, welfare, safeguarding and conduct
Kent AC takes the welfare and wellbeing of its members very seriously. We are obliged through our affiliation to various governing bodies to implement the codes of conduct policies and procedures that they and we have established.
Welfare – what it means
The Club aims to create an environment where you feel safe and are able to participate in club or other events without being subject to any form of harassment, bullying, verbal or physical abuse or excessive pressure.
Welfare covers a wide range of issues such as safeguarding and protecting children, anti-bullying, equality, poor practice in coaching and disciplinary and grievance matters. The Club’s and England Athletics’ (EA) Codes of Conduct and procedures for dealing with child protection concerns, other welfare issues or grievances are detailed on this website.
The welfare team The club has three welfare officers who will listen confidentially* to any issue that may arise, and endeavour to support your individual needs and wellbeing (including child members and their parent/legal guardian). If you have any queries or concerns, we encourage you to contact one of the welfare officers below and discuss your concern directly with them. Sarah Maris Shaw Katie Lang Sarah Young
* In order to provide the support for your needs and wellbeing, the information shared with a Welfare Officer may be shared with other Welfare Officers and/or the Committee, but only on a need to know basis. Exceptions are also made, for example if you may present a danger of violence to others; or if there is a reasonable suspicion that you are likely to harm yourself unless protective measures are taken. This may include contacting the relevant authority e.g Police, Social Services or EA. For your protection.
Welfare – what we expect from our members
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all those who participate in club events.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding applies to children and vulnerable adults and means:
- Protection from abuse and maltreatment
- Preventing harm to health or development
- Ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care.
Types of abuse can include: bullying or cyberbullying, child sexual exploitation, emotional abuse, grooming, neglect, physical abuse or sexual abuse.
Codes of conduct
The club has adopted England Athletics’ codes of conduct for adult members, coaches, officials, volunteers and helpers, welfare officers and parents and guardians. There are also policies procedures and regulations for the club in how it manages both adult and child safeguarding.
The club has other policies of its own including Equality Diversity and Inclusion; Health and Safety and the Use of Whats App; see below for links to them. All members as part of the joining or membership renewal process must agree to have read and follow them.
Grievance and discipline.
The club has policies and processes for dealing with serious disputes between members (grievances) and discipline (when a member has seriously transgressed a club policy or code).
May 2024; approved at committee 13.5.2024.
For review in May 2027