-
Safeguarding and bullying
Safeguarding
Feeling safe and being safe is an integral part of our culture at Vale of York. Safety should be everyone’s number one concern, particularly when it comes to the children, young people, and vulnerable adults in our community.
Our athletics’ committee leads on safeguarding, and our welfare officers act as first points of contact for any safeguarding concerns, but safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Vale of York.
Coaches, run leaders and volunteers should ensure they promote the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all athletes and must abide by our procedures and codes of conduct at all times.
Athletes, officials, parents and guardians also have codes of conduct that outline what constitutes acceptable behaviour. These codes of conduct apply to training sessions, competitions, and events. They are applicable whether you are a participant, volunteer or spectator.
If you have any concerns whatsoever about the safety or behaviour of anyone in our community, please speak to a member of the coaching team or one of our welfare officers.
You can email welfare@valeofyork.com to reach our welfare officers, Dave Pascoe or Laura Collins. Dave is a regular presence at Monday night junior training sessions, and Laura at Wednesday sessions if you would like to speak to them in person.
Alternatively, email Ian Martin, our Head of Coaching and Development, ian@valeofyork.com, if you do not wish to speak to a welfare officer.
Or you can report a safeguarding concern to UK Athletics directly using this form.
Procedures, policies & codes of conduct
Policies provide guidance from governing bodies and ensure our organisation complies with relevant legislation. They explain why safeguarding and bullying are important issues that must be addressed by everyone.
Procedures ensure we provide an appropriate, prompt and consistent response to any concerns about the safety of anyone in our community. They outline how to recognise, respond and report any safeguarding concerns.
Codes of conduct list acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for athletes (senior and junior), coaches, volunteer, officials and parents/carers.
The following policies, procedures, and codes of conduct, help guide our safeguarding practice:
Vale of York anti-bullying policy
England Athletics anti-bullying statement
UK Athletics child safeguarding policy
UK Athletics child safeguarding procedures