EVOLVE SURF SCHOOL'S

Evolve Surf School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Evolve Surf School acknowledges the duty of care and legal responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults which is paramount when in our care. We’re committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, and government guidance and complies with best practice and governing body requirements. As a part of this, we commit to working together with our partners on the beach, the local community and if necessary statutory authorities.

Our policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are vital in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, all children

• have a positive and enjoyable experience at Evolve Surf School in a safe and child-centred environment.
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in surf lessons at Evolve Surf School or outside of the activity.

Evolve Surf School acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Evolve Surf School will

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities concerning safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved at Evolve Surf School. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring 

The policy will be reviewed every year, or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, NSPCC, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils and Surfing England
• As a result of any other significant change or event

Safe recruitment 

The School operates in a small community. Naturally, this community is fertile for recruitment and as previously recorded local young people seek to commence their employment with the School. There are undeniable advantages to employing from the local community. The School has the opportunity to observe the character and attitude of potential employees and a likely longer-term relationship with parents/guardians can foster understanding regarding working expectations and hours.

As the demand for services increases year on year employment of freelance instructors is necessary at peak times.

There is no room for complacency with recruiting locally or freelance. A person seeking employment with the School as a freelance for sinister reasons will not declare this interest and any employee local or not, with convictions will be equally secretive.

Risks:

• Unknowingly employing a freelance instructor with an intention or offending pattern indicating they are a risk to young or vulnerable persons.
• An absence of knowledge of the behaviour or sexual preferences of local persons seeking employment.

Managing the risk:
All staff will submit annual DBS checks.
The School will retain copies of the DBS certificates in compliance with DPA and GDPR.
Instructors will be required to produce two acceptable forms of identification – examples include a driving licence, passport, and utility bill. The School will retain copies of identity documentation in compliance with DPA/GDPR.
Previous employers’ checks will be undertaken for all new instructors.

All new employees will be given a hard copy of this policy – the Safeguarding Lead will provide explanations as necessary to ensure understanding and encourage compliance.

Training 

The Safeguarding lead and deputies will arrange suitable training to improve their understanding and awareness of wider safeguarding issues relevant to the School. Relevant knowledge will be shared with all staff and freelance instructors.