Purpose

Sussex Nomads Cycling Club has adopted the British Cycling safeguarding approach to ensure protection from harm for all individuals, including adults, children, young people, and adults at risk. Currently, our membership is exclusively for adults (18+), and specific policies for children and young people apply only to one-off events. We commit to acting in accordance with current legislation and best practices. This policy applies to all members, volunteers, ride leaders, and participants in Sussex Nomads Cycling Club activities, both in-person and online.

1. Club Officers and Welfare

Club officers and committee members are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). All officers, co-opted committee members, and volunteers must complete a volunteer form and undergo DBS checks and relevant training where necessary.

The Club Welfare Officer (CWO), who is DBS checked, is the first point of contact for any safeguarding or welfare concerns. Whether you have experienced or witnessed harmful, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour, please report it to the CWO or use the “Reporting a Safeguarding Concern” form. If your concerns are regarding the CWO, contact the club Chair, Treasurer or Secretary.

2. Handling Concerns

All concerns will be addressed swiftly, sensitively, and thoroughly, with confidentiality maintained. Members may be temporarily suspended during investigations. Disciplinary action may be taken, or the matter may be referred to our affiliate governing body or the police.

3. What is a Safeguarding Concern?

Safeguarding and anti-discrimination protections are based on the following nine protected characteristics enshrined in law, extended by other legislation:

• Age: on grounds of any age

• Disability: visible or invisible, physical or mental impairment

• Gender Reassignment: undergoing or having undergone gender reassignment

• Marriage and Civil Partnership: for any people married/in a civil partnership

• Pregnancy and Maternity: For those who are pregnant or on maternity leave

• Race: including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

• Religious and philosophical beliefs

• Sex: based on legal sex or gender recognition certificate

• Sexual Orientation: whether heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual or other

4. Types of Abuse

Abuse can occur anywhere and may not be easily recognised. Examples include:

• Physical: hitting or slapping etc. which may or may not leave a mark

• Emotional and Psychological: name calling, humiliation, threats, controlling behaviour

• Discriminatory: harmful behavior/language directed at someone based on their protected characteristics

• Bullying: sustained verbal attack aimed to diminish and undermine, not ribbing or banter

• Domestic Violence

• Neglect: denied access to basic needs of food, shelter, medication

• Sexual and Sexual Exploitation and FGM

• Radicalisation: (if you suspect this you must report it to the police)

• Organisational: systematic poor practice of an organisation or institution

• Financial: including scamming, fraud and theft

• Self-neglect: failure to maintain basic self-care, hygiene , nutrition, taking medication etc.

5. Promoting a Safe Environment

Safeguarding may seem out of place in a cycling club, but social settings allow us to notice changes in behaviour. If you are concerned about someone and do not feel comfortable approaching them, please inform the CWO. If there is an immediate risk, contact the police.

6. Club Values

Our core values are respect, inclusivity, and community. Active safeguarding supports and reinforces these values.