Safeguarding Policy

Sutton & Cheam Motor Club are committed to the wellbeing of all young and vulnerable persons entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all officials, members, their families, guests and volunteers through the adoption and implementation of the following guidelines and policies.

Sutton & Cheam Motor Club (The Club) confirms that it adheres to the safeguarding policies, procedures, practices and guidelines issued by all governing bodies and recommended organisations to which it is affiliated.

The Club will follow the guidance of the policy in the event of any concerns or allegations and without fail report concerns as required by said policy and procedures.

For the purposes of this policy: –

  • A young person is defined as any person under the age of 18 years.
  • A vulnerable person is defined as a person who, as a result of their situation or circumstances, is unable to take care of, or protect themselves or others, from harm or exploitation.

The key principles of this policy are as follows: –

  • The welfare of the person is, and must always be, paramount to any other consideration.
  • At all permitised motoring events and club activities, all persons must follow and adhere to the Motorsport UK Race with Respect guidelines, values and regulations, irrespective and regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity.
  • All participants as identified above shall have equal rights to be protected from abuse or harm.

All and any allegations, suspicions or concerns of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice, whether physical, verbal or written online, may be made confidentially by any person and will be taken seriously and will be responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately. All such cases must be made to the Club Safeguarding Officer or in their absence, a Senior Official such as the Clerk of the Course, Secretary of the Meeting, Committee Member or Chief Medical Officer, if appropriate.

It must be acknowledged that allegations, suspicions and concern of abuse can also be made against all persons including young and vulnerable persons, such as ‘bullying or threatening’ behavior to each other.

Any investigation, research or discussions, be it formal or informal, must be conducted in a suitable controlled location by 2 appropriate persons.

During conversations, and/or interviews, all young and vulnerable persons must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times.

Written notes or audio recording must be taken at all stages of any investigation or interview.

The Club recognises that all young and vulnerable persons have the right to participate in its activities in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst being protected at all times from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice. It is recognised that this is the responsibility of every adult involved, in whatever capacity, at the club or at its events.

The Club, its Event Officers and Committee will implement and comply with all appropriate Codes of Conduct or Guidelines issued by all governing bodies and recommended organisations to which it is affiliated, including Motorsport UK.

The Club will appoint a Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to deal with any issues concerning safeguarding and protection of all young and vulnerable persons and will publicise relevant contact details to all members.

The appointed Safeguarding Officer for the Club is:

Mr Antony Perrett 56 Westheath Road, Farnborough, Hants GU14 8QR
07799 717800 – tonyperrett@ntlworld.com

to whom all matters regarding suggestions, reports or allegations (however innocent in appearance) should be notified as per previous policy guideline 5.

If none of the above are available and if the matter is considered to be of a serious nature then either of the following shall be contacted:

  • Motorsport UK Safeguarding Officer 01753 765 071 or email safeguarding@msauk.org
  • Contact the Police or Children’s Social Care
  • Call the NSPCC 24-hour Helpline for advice (0808 800 5000 or text 88858), or email help@nspcc.org.uk

The Club will follow all guidance and ensure that everyone and anyone that meets the eligibility requirement for a Disclosure check (DBS, or PVG in Scotland) shall be subject to the necessary accreditation and does not act within this capacity until a satisfactory valid check has been returned.

The Club will ensure that all of its members, whether they are parents of young and vulnerable persons, competitors or officials will comply with all guidance and best practice as issued by all governing bodies and recommended organisations, to which it is affiliated.

In summary, the following points are considered as best practice to create a safe, friendly and welcoming environment:
• Adults should display high standards of personal behaviour and refrain from pursuits considered unhealthy and be good role models.
• Employees and volunteers should avoid working in isolation with children and out of sight of parents or other volunteers.
• Not drinking alcohol excessively whilst responsible for young and vulnerable persons.
• Avoid smoking in the presence of young and vulnerable persons, if you are placed in a position of trust.

The following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the Club, all governing bodies and recommended organisations to which it is affiliated, or to Statutory Agencies if relevant.

  • Providing alcohol to young and vulnerable persons or allowing its supply.
  • Humiliating young and vulnerable persons.
  • Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.
  • Using intimidating, obscene or foul language.
  • Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with young and vulnerable persons.
  • Sharing the same immediate accommodation, e.g. overnight room, with young and vulnerable persons, when away at events (excluding parents or guardians).

The Club shall undertake a yearly review of this policy and shall implement appropriate changes as required. Any changes shall be authorised by the persons named hereunder.

Dated: 31st July 2024 – Latest Revision: 31st July 2024