BBRC Safeguarding Policy

1. SAFEGUARDING RULES

Burnham Beeches Radio Club members (“Members”) are required to act on any safeguarding or child protection concerns they have.

BBRC members must report their concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or local Social Services or The Police.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the BBRC is Gregory Head [G4EBY] who can be contacted at ebytronics[at]gmail.com. (Replace [at] with @)

Members or any others affected shall not be criticised for raising a concern. The professional agencies concerned will make the necessary judgments and actions for the situation. Your report might appear minor to you however it can form part of a larger picture that the professional agencies have.

2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

BBRC recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children (anyone under 18) and vulnerable adults during Club activities. The Club is committed to ensuring that its safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance.

3. POLICY

Every child or vulnerable adult who participates in amateur radio activities with the Club should be able to take part in a safe, enjoyable environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in the Club’s activities in amateur radio and generally.

The BBRC recognises its responsibilities to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults by protecting them from abuse, neglect, physical, emotional or sexual harm and bullying.

The BBRC is therefore committed to:

• protecting children and vulnerable adults who receive its services and those who take part in activities the Club has organised, and
• supporting Members in protecting children and vulnerable adults who take part in Club amateur radio activities they have organised.

In order to fulfil its responsibilities, the club will:

• share any concerns with the relevant agencies who have a need to know.

4. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all Members who organise Club activities involving children or vulnerable adults. This might include, for example, training courses, examinations and field days.

The key principles contained in this policy are applicable to all but it is important that Members familiarise themselves with the details.

RAISING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
Concerns should be raised to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or If they are unavailable or a safeguarding concern relates to them, the concerns should be referred directly to the chairman or other committee member of the Club.

5. THE CLUB RECOGNISES THAT

the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount

working in partnership with children and vulnerable adults, their parents/carers is essential in promoting their welfare

all children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

some children and vulnerable adults , including LGBTQ+ people, disabled people or people from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and additional measures and safeguards may be needed to ensure their welfare.

6. THE CLUB WILL SEEK TO KEEP CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS SAFE BY

promoting and prioritising their safety and well-being

appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead with responsibility for safeguarding in the Club’s venue and elsewhere on Club activities

taking reasonable steps to ensure that Members understand their responsibilities in respect of safeguarding to where reasonably possible recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults.

safely recruiting and selecting the Club’s committee, coaches and volunteers

promoting and maintaining a positive safeguarding culture where people feel able to raise a genuine concerns and are confident they will be taken seriously

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

so far as reasonably possible preventing the appointment of unsuitable individuals

so far as reasonably possible providing robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in place for club activities, including coaching, competitions, social activities, online activity and social media, transportation and supervision

7. This policy was last reviewed on 27 January 2026 and will be reviewed every three years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).