Kingston Kayak Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, paddlers, parents, carers, volunteers and visitors.
The welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults is a priority for the club. Everyone involved in Kingston Kayak Club has a part to play in helping people feel safe, respected and supported.
If something does not feel right, or if you are worried about yourself or someone else, please speak to one of our Club Welfare Officers.
Club Welfare Officers
Claire Medina
Club Welfare Officer
Andy Davies
Club Welfare Officer
Our Welfare Officers are available to listen, provide guidance and support safeguarding processes where needed. They are the first point of contact for welfare and safeguarding concerns within Kingston Kayak Club.
You can contact the Welfare Officers by email:
If this is not the correct email address, replace it with the club’s confirmed safeguarding email before publishing.
What Can You Speak to the Welfare Officers About?
You can speak to the Welfare Officers about any concern relating to welfare, safeguarding or behaviour within the club.
This might include:
- Concerns about the wellbeing of a child, young person or vulnerable adult
- Bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour
- Concerns about poor practice
- Worries about something you have seen or heard
- Concerns raised by a child, parent, carer, volunteer or club member
- Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
- Questions about safeguarding procedures or reporting routes
You do not need to be certain that something is wrong before speaking to a Welfare Officer. If you are unsure, it is still better to raise the concern and ask for advice.
If a Child or Young Person Tells You Something
If a child or young person tells you something that causes concern:
- Listen calmly
- Do not promise to keep it secret
- Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up
- Do not investigate the matter yourself
- Write down what was said as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where you can
- Contact a Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible
Safeguarding concerns should always be taken seriously and passed on appropriately.
Confidentiality
Welfare and safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know in order to respond appropriately.
However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where someone may be at risk of harm. In those situations, the concern may need to be shared with Paddle UK, statutory agencies or other appropriate safeguarding bodies.
Urgent Concerns
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, or you believe a crime has been committed, do not wait for a club response.
In an emergency, call 999.
For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child, you can also contact the relevant local authority children’s safeguarding service.
After taking urgent action, please inform one of the Club Welfare Officers as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Paddle UK Safeguarding
Kingston Kayak Club follows Paddle UK safeguarding guidance and policies.
Further safeguarding information is available from Paddle UK, including guidance for clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents and participants.
Suggested website link:
Paddle UK Safeguarding
https://paddleuk.org.uk/safeguarding
Our Commitment
Kingston Kayak Club aims to be a club where everyone can enjoy paddlesport safely and confidently.
We expect all members, parents, carers, coaches, volunteers and visitors to treat others with respect and to help maintain a positive club environment.
Safeguarding is not just the responsibility of the Welfare Officers. It is everyone’s responsibility.
If you see something, hear something or feel worried about something, please speak up.