Safeguarding Children Policy
Protecting every young angler on our waters.
1. Policy statement
P&DAA welcomes junior anglers, and junior membership is free precisely because we want young people on the bank. With that comes a duty of care. Every child and young person under 18 taking part in club activities has the right to enjoy angling free from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation, whatever their background, ability or identity. This policy follows the principles of Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and the Angling Trust's safeguarding framework.
2. Scope
This policy applies to everyone acting for the club: officers, committee members, bailiffs, coaches, match organisers, work party volunteers and anyone else helping at a club activity. It covers organised club events and coaching, and the conduct we expect from members towards juniors on our waters at any time.
3. Designated safeguarding contact
The club's designated safeguarding contact is the Head of Participation, reachable at participation@fishinginpeterborough.co.uk. Concerns can also be raised with the Chairman at chairman@fishinginpeterborough.co.uk. Either route is fine, use whichever you're most comfortable with.
The safeguarding contact is responsible for receiving and recording concerns, assessing them promptly, and referring cases to children's social care or the police where necessary. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
4. Coaching and safer recruitment
Junior coaching connected to P&DAA is delivered by School Of Fish, whose coaches hold recognised coaching qualifications, first aid certification and enhanced DBS checks. Any club volunteer whose role involves regular unsupervised contact with children is required to hold an enhanced DBS check before taking up that role.
5. Conduct around juniors
- Coaching and help on the bank happens in sight of others: parents, other coaches or the wider group. Adults avoid being alone with a child in a secluded swim.
- Physical contact is minimal, appropriate and open, guiding a cast or helping hold a fish, and always with the young person's permission.
- Adults acting for the club do not photograph juniors on personal devices, and do not contact juniors directly on personal social media. Communication goes through parents or official club channels.
- Club volunteers never transport a child alone in a private vehicle except in an emergency.
6. Recognising and reporting a concern
If you see or hear something that worries you: accept the concern is real, don't investigate or ask leading questions. Write down what you saw or heard, in the child's own words where possible, with the date, time and anyone present. Pass it to the safeguarding contact straight away. You don't need to be certain, that judgement belongs with the professionals.
7. Allegations against club volunteers
Any allegation against someone acting for the club is taken seriously. The person steps back from club duties while it's looked into, without prejudice, and the club will seek advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer and cooperate fully with any police or social care investigation.
8. If you can't raise it with us
If your concern involves the people named above, or you'd rather speak to someone outside the club, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or the Angling Trust safeguarding team.