Safeguarding & Welfare

The wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is central to our activities. Our safeguarding arrangements are supported by Club policies, designated Welfare Officers and Paddle UK guidance.

Club Welfare Officers

Our Welfare Officers provide a point of contact for questions and concerns, and help ensure that concerns are handled under the appropriate safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding Documents & Club Policies

These links open the published PDF documents directly, rather than taking you back to the old policy index. Please read the documents relevant to your role and participation.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

You can approach a Welfare Officer directly or email welfare@kkc.org.uk. You may also speak to a coach or session leader, who should pass the concern to the appropriate person promptly.

Concerns may involve bullying, abuse, harassment, discrimination, inappropriate behaviour, poor safeguarding practice or unsafe online communication. Reports will be taken seriously and handled sensitively.

If someone tells you about a concern

• Listen calmly and take them seriously.
• Reassure them that they were right to speak up.
• Do not promise secrecy; explain that information may need to be shared to keep people safe.
• Do not investigate, confront anyone or ask leading questions.
• Record the disclosure accurately and report it promptly.

Children, Young People & Adults at Risk

KKC aims to provide appropriate supervision, coaching and positive sporting experiences. Coaches, volunteers, members, parents and carers should follow the relevant safeguarding policy and codes of conduct.

Safeguarding applies to adults at risk as well as children. Responses should be proportionate and respect the individual’s rights and wishes wherever appropriate, alongside the need to prevent harm.

Medical Needs & Emergency Contacts

Members, parents and carers should provide relevant medical information and emergency contact details when registering and keep them up to date. Significant changes should be shared before attending a session, trip or competition, rather than waiting for renewal.

Relevant information may need to be shared with coaches or activity leaders where necessary for safe participation, in line with applicable data protection requirements.

Disability, Accessibility & Inclusion

We welcome paddlers with a range of abilities and support needs. Where possible, we will discuss reasonable adjustments, suitable equipment, coaching adaptations and appropriate activities on an individual basis.

For specific accessibility or support needs, contact the Club before attending so that suitable arrangements can be considered.

Changing Facilities & Privacy

Everyone should respect the privacy and dignity of other users of changing and shower facilities. The Changing Facilities Guidelines (June 2026) set out the Club’s arrangements.

Online Safety & Communication

Digital communications, photographs and social media involving Club activities must be managed responsibly, especially where children and young people are involved. See the Social Media Policy (June 2026) for the Club’s published requirements.

Confidentiality & Information Sharing

We treat safeguarding and medical information sensitively. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where information needs to be shared with an appropriate safeguarding authority or to protect someone from harm.

Paddle UK Guidance & Related Pages

Review & Responsibilities

The KKC Committee retains overall responsibility for the Club’s safeguarding framework, supported by its Welfare Officers, coaches and volunteers. Relevant policies are reviewed periodically and following changes to national guidance or Club arrangements.

This webpage is a plain-language overview. The linked approved Club policies and applicable Paddle UK guidance remain authoritative. Document dates reflect the filenames supplied by KKC; confirm current approvals and test all links before publication.