Safeguarding Policy

Canicross Midlands – Safeguarding Policy

Aligned with the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF)

1. Purpose

Canicross Midlands is committed to ensuring that all participants—especially children, young people, and adults at risk—can take part in sleddog‑related activities in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. This policy outlines how the club safeguards participants and how concerns should be reported.

This policy aligns with the safeguarding principles promoted by the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF).

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All club members
Volunteers, coaches, run leaders, and committee members
Participants at club sessions, races, and events
Anyone acting on behalf of Canicross Midlands

It covers safeguarding concerns involving:

Children and young people under 18
Adults at risk
Behaviour or situations that may cause harm, distress, or risk
Any safeguarding issues arising during canicross, bikejor, scooter, or related sleddog‑sport activities

3. Safeguarding Principles

Canicross Midlands follows the core safeguarding principles reflected in BSSF guidance:

Welfare First – The safety and wellbeing of participants is the top priority.
Zero Tolerance of Harm – Abuse, neglect, bullying, or exploitation will not be tolerated.
Shared Responsibility – Everyone involved in sleddog sports has a role in safeguarding.
Proportionality – Responses will be appropriate to the level of risk.
Confidentiality – Information is shared only with those who need to know.
Accountability – Decisions and actions will be recorded and explained.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

The CWO is the primary safeguarding contact. Their responsibilities include:

Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns
Supporting members, volunteers, and participants
Liaising with the BSSF Safeguarding Lead and statutory agencies where required
Ensuring club compliance with BSSF safeguarding standards

All Members and Volunteers

Everyone involved with the club must:

Treat others with respect
Report concerns promptly
Follow club codes of conduct
Prioritise safety during training and events

Committee

The committee ensures:

Safeguarding policies are implemented
Volunteers receive appropriate guidance
Safeguarding is considered in all club decisions

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

Bullying, harassment, or intimidation
Inappropriate behaviour or language
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Neglect or unsafe supervision
Grooming or exploitation
Unsafe training practices
Concerns about a volunteer’s or participant’s conduct
Online or social media misconduct

If you are unsure whether something is a safeguarding issue, report it anyway.

6. How to Report a Safeguarding Concern

Immediate Danger

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, contact:

Emergency Services (999)
Then inform the Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible

Non‑Emergency Safeguarding Concerns

Report concerns directly to the Club Welfare Officer. Include:

What happened
When and where
Who was involved
Any evidence or observations

If the concern involves the Club Welfare Officer, report it to the Club Chair or directly to the BSSF Safeguarding Lead.

7. How the Club Will Respond

The Club Welfare Officer (or alternative lead) will:

Acknowledge the concern
Gather relevant information
Assess the level of risk
Decide whether to:
- Manage the issue within the club
- Refer to the BSSF Safeguarding Lead
- Refer to statutory agencies (police, social care)
Record all actions taken

The club will act promptly, sensitively, and in line with BSSF safeguarding expectations.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Information will be shared only with those who need to know
Records will be stored securely
Personal data will be handled in line with data protection legislation

9. Codes of Conduct

All members, volunteers, and leaders must follow the club’s Codes of Conduct, which outline expected behaviour and responsibilities. Breaches may result in disciplinary action under the club’s Complaints Policy.

10. Safeguarding and the Complaints Policy

Safeguarding concerns must follow this Safeguarding Policy, not the Complaints Policy.

However:

If a safeguarding concern overlaps with a complaint, safeguarding takes priority
If there is a conflict of interest, the Club Secretary may act as alternative dispute resolution for non‑safeguarding elements

11. Training and Awareness

Canicross Midlands will:

Encourage volunteers and leaders to complete BSSF‑recommended safeguarding training
Promote awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
Review safeguarding practices regularly

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

The BSSF updates its safeguarding guidance
There is a significant safeguarding incident
Club operations change in a way that affects safeguarding

Last Review Date 04-Jan-2026