Kingston Kayak Club has reviewed and updated a number of Club policies as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the Club safe, welcoming and well organised for everyone.
These updates are about making sure expectations are clear, safeguarding remains strong, and everyone understands the standards of behaviour expected when taking part in Club activity — whether on the water, in the clubhouse, at events, online, or when representing Kingston Kayak Club elsewhere.
The updated policies include:
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Club Code of Conduct
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Adult Code of Conduct
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Children and Young People’s Code of Conduct
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Safeguarding Policy
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Social Media and Digital Communications Policy
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Changing Facilities Policy
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Disciplinary Procedure
Together, these documents set out the standards expected from members, parents, carers, coaches, volunteers, committee members, visitors and spectators.
They also make clear how concerns should be raised, how the Club will respond, and how coaches and volunteers will be supported by the Committee when upholding Club standards.
Why Have the Policies Been Updated?
Kingston Kayak Club has grown and changed over the years. We now run a wide range of activities involving juniors, adults, families, volunteers, coaches and visiting paddlers.
We also communicate in more ways than before, including social media, WhatsApp groups, online booking systems, email newsletters and website updates. The updated policies reflect how the Club now operates and provide clearer guidance around areas such as:
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respectful behaviour;
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safeguarding and welfare;
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adult responsibilities around children and young people;
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use of changing facilities;
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online communication and social media;
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photography and video;
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bullying and harassment;
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reporting concerns;
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disciplinary procedures.
Keeping the Club Safe and Welcoming
The aim of these policies is not to make the Club feel overly formal or difficult to enjoy. The aim is to make sure Kingston Kayak Club continues to be a safe, friendly and positive place to paddle, learn, compete, volunteer and make friends.
Clear policies help protect everyone. They support junior members, adult members, parents and carers, coaches, volunteers and committee members by making expectations easier to understand and apply consistently.
The key message across the updated policies is simple:
Everyone should feel safe, respected and able to enjoy paddlesport at Kingston Kayak Club.
Welfare and Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
If you are worried about yourself, your child, another member, or something you have seen or heard at the Club, please speak up.
Concerns can be raised with a coach, session lead, committee member or one of the Club Welfare Officers.
Our Welfare Officers are:
Claire Medina
Andy Davies
They can be contacted at:
If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.
Read the Updated Policies
Members, parents, carers, volunteers and coaches are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated policies.
You can read them here:
https://www.kkc.org.uk/governance/code-of-practice/
Thank you to everyone who helps make Kingston Kayak Club a safe, friendly and enjoyable place to paddle.