Reviewed 01 September 2025
Meridian Canoe Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members.
All members should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety, and welfare
of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club. We
believe that taking part in Paddle sport should be a positive and enjoyable experience. To
achieve this the club has the following aims:
– Club coaches and helpers should follow the Paddle UK (was British Canoeing)
Code(s) of Conduct.
– All Club coaches, helpers and officials working with young people should read and
adhere to the Paddle UK Safeguarding Children Policy and Safeguarding Adults
Policy. The Club will follow the guidance of the policy in the event of any concerns
or allegations.
– The Club will ensure that anyone who meets the eligibly criteria for a Disclosure
check will not be deployed until a satisfactory check has been returned.
– All Club members are made aware of the Club Code(s) of Conduct.
– All children under the age of 16 must have a responsible adult present while
taking part in club activity.
– The Club will obtain written medical details of young paddlers which will be made
known to coaches, where deemed appropriate and/or necessary. Parents should
ensure that the relevant member supervising their child is aware of any issues.
– Any paddler who coaches for the Club should be a member of Paddle UK. The club
will encourage and support helpers to gain qualifications and assist coaches to
stay updated.
– The Club will maintain a register of safeguarding training attended and criminal
record checks completed relevant to club members.
– The Club will ensure that everyone volunteering or working with children or adults
at risk at the club completes relevant safeguarding training every three years.
– The Club will promote an environment where all concerns can be raised without
fear of victimisation or reprisal.
– The Club will identify a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) and Deputy whose role it is to
promote safeguarding and deal with any issues and notify these person to all
members. As of September 2025 the CWO is Hilary Lawrence and Deputy is Andy
Garlick. Anyone with concerns with respect to the welfare of a club member or
participant should contact the club welfare officer. If that person is unavailable,
they can contact the Paddle UK Safeguarding Officer (Tel: 0115 8968842).
– The Club will adopt and regularly review a Health and Safety Policy.
– The Club will review this Policy annually