1. Project Active is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people participating in our Junior Mountain Bike Club. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and strive to create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all.

This policy outlines our commitment to protecting children from harm and abuse.

2. Principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from harm.  
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents/guardians, and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare.  
• We will maintain a culture of listening to and valuing children's views and opinions.

3. Responsibilities:

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): [Name and Contact Details] The DSO is responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures, responding to concerns, and liaising with external agencies.
• Ride Leaders and Volunteers: All ride leaders and volunteers have a responsibility to be aware of and follow this policy, report any concerns, and promote a safe environment.
• Parents/Guardians: Parents/guardians are responsible for providing accurate information, supporting their child's participation, and reporting any concerns.
• Children and Young People: Children and young people are encouraged to speak up if they have any concerns or feel unsafe.

4. Procedures:

• Recruitment and Selection: All ride leaders and volunteers will undergo appropriate checks, including [DBS checks, reference checks], to ensure their suitability to work with children.
• Training: All ride leaders and volunteers will receive regular safeguarding training, including recognising signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and best practice guidelines.
• Reporting Concerns: Any concerns about a child's welfare, including suspected abuse or neglect, must be reported immediately to the DSO. The DSO will follow the procedures outlined by the local safeguarding children partnership.
• Confidentiality: Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be handled confidentially and shared only on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with legal requirements and best practice.
• Responding to Allegations: Any allegations of abuse against a ride leader or volunteer will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
• Safe Environment: We will maintain a safe environment by conducting risk assessments, ensuring appropriate supervision ratios, and adhering to health and safety guidelines.
• Online Safety: We will promote online safety and provide guidance to children and young people on responsible internet use, particularly when using social media related to the club.
• Photography and Filming: We will obtain explicit consent from parents/guardians before taking or using photographs or videos of children and young people.
• First Aid and Medical Emergencies: We will have appropriate first aid provision and procedures in place to respond to medical emergencies.
• Behaviour Management: We will promote positive behaviour and address any inappropriate behaviour in a fair and consistent manner.
• Record Keeping: We will maintain accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken.
• Review: this policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required, to ensure it remains up to date and effective.

5. Communication:

• This policy will be made available to all ride leaders, volunteers, parents/guardians, and children and young people.
• We will communicate regularly with parents/guardians about safeguarding matters and provide information and support as needed.
• Children and young people will be encouraged to communicate openly with ride leaders and volunteers.

6. External Agencies:

• We will work in partnership with local safeguarding children partnerships, the police, and other relevant agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• We will follow the procedures outlined in "Working Together to Safeguard Children" and other relevant guidance.

7. Contact Information:

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): 
• Local Safeguarding Children Partnership: 
• NSPCC Helpline:
  
• Childline: 

Project Active is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all junior mountain bikers.