Safeguarding Regulations at British Rowing explained
This page summarises the key responsibilities and processes set out in British Rowing’s Safeguarding Regulations
British Rowing鈥檚 Safeguarding Regulations explain how safeguarding concerns are managed in rowing to protect Children and Adults at Risk, and to ensure risks are identified and acted on appropriately.
read the regulations and report a concern here
Who do the Safeguarding Regulations apply to?
The Regulations apply to all everyone involved within the sport of Rowing in England, including:
- All British Rowing members
- Coaches
- Umpires
- Rowing club officers and committee members
- Rowing club members
- Members of the World Class Programme and recent GB representatives
- Anyone taking part in rowing, or working in rowing, whether paid or voluntary
- Clubs, organisations and individuals involved in rowing, whether or not they hold British Rowing membership
This includes activity outside the UK where participants are representing or participating under British Rowing jurisdiction outside rowing activity, where conduct is relevant to safeguarding within the sport.
Where a matter arises within a school rowing environment, the school鈥檚 own procedures should normally apply, but any safeguarding concern or matter requiring British Rowing involvement must still be reported in line with the relevant regulations.
What is a safeguarding concern?
British Rowing may act where it is suspected that a Participant:
- Poses or may pose a risk of harm to a Child or Adult at Risk;
- May not be suitable to work with or interact with Children or Adults at Risk; or
- Has engaged in sexual activity or an inappropriate relationship while in a position of trust.
Under the Regulations:
- A Child is anyone under 18
- An Adult at Risk is an adult aged 18+ with care and support needs who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect
Safeguarding concerns may include acts of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, poor practice.
Reporting safeguarding concerns
Any safeguarding concern involving a Child or Adult at Risk must be reported. Clubs must report safeguarding concerns to British Rowing within 48 hours of becoming aware of them.
Where there is an immediate risk of harm, clubs must contact the Relevant Authorities, such as the Police, Children鈥檚 Services or Adult Social Care, without delay. Prompt reporting allows British Rowing to assess risk and take protective action.
Investigations
British Rowing has authority to investigate any safeguarding matter brought to its attention, including concerns identified through reports, referrals or other credible information. Participants must:
- Provide requested information
- Provide documents or statements
- Attend meetings where required
- Cooperate fully and honestly
Failure to cooperate may result in disciplinary action, and adverse inferences may be drawn.
Immediate action to protect others
British Rowing may impose an Interim Order where it considers immediate action necessary. This may include suspension from rowing activities, restrictions on roles or conditions on participation.聽 Interim Orders are precautionary measures to manage risk while investigations continue.
Possible outcomes
- Depending on the level of risk, British Rowing may:
- Issue guidance
- Require training
- Impose supervision or mentoring
- Issue formal warnings
- Suspend participation
- Impose safeguarding restrictions
- Permanently exclude someone from the sport
Protecting Children and Adults at Risk is a shared responsibility across the sport. The aim of the safeguarding framework is to ensure the sport of Rowing is a safe space for those most vulnerable,聽 your support and compliance will help to achieve this.
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