British Rowing Statement on Safeguarding

British Rowing takes its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children in our sport very seriously.

Our Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy, developed over many years of working with the CPSU and NSPCC, prioritises the welfare of children.  Together with our Code of Conduct and associated safeguarding guidance documents, it is clear about the responsibilities of clubs, the conduct expected of adults in positions of responsibility for children in rowing, and provides examples of good and poor practice.

British Rowing is assessed annually under the CPSU’s National Advanced Standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport. We work closely with our clubs, and also with statutory agencies to ensure that safeguarding children is prioritised. Any allegation, suspicion of harm or concern is taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately, in line with our established processes and policies.

Every club with junior members or under 18s regularly using their premises must appoint a suitable club welfare officer (CWO).  The CWO’s contact details must be clearly displayed within the club and should also be available via the club’s website.

We have also for many years signposted children in rowing to Childline, initially through our ‘Stay Safe and Have Fun’ cards, and more recently through our website.

Safeguarding or child protection concerns relating to the sport of rowing, whether new or historic, should normally be communicated to the relevant CWO, unless there is a reason why this is not possible or appropriate.  In such circumstances, British Rowing’s Lead Safeguarding Officer can be contacted at [email protected].

Concerns, particularly if there is an urgent risk of harm to a child, can also be reported through statutory agencies (NSPCC, Local Children’s Social Care, LADO, and Police).

For anyone with a child protection or safeguarding concern relating to rowing, who may not wish or feel able to speak direct to British Rowing, the following organisations can offer help or support:

NSPCC Helpline: 0800 800 500 | www.nspcc.org.uk

ChildLine: 0800 1111 | www.childline.org.uk

National Association for People Abused in Childhood: 0808 801 0331 | www.napac.org.uk

Samaritans: 116 123 | www.samaritans.org