• Document Title: Plas Heli Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
• Version: 2026.0‑Draft
• Status: Draft for Review
• Prepared By: Stephen
• Reviewers: Gerallt Williams (DSL), Plas Heli Board
• Current Approved Version: Paper copy held on file
• Digital Version Status: Being prepared as part of Plas Heli’s transition to a new online Governance Library
• Effective Date: To be set upon Board approval
• Approval Date: Pending Board decision
• Next Review: 12 months after approval

This policy applies to:

• Plas Heli volunteers and operational helpers
• Contractors and visiting coaches
• Event organisers and class associations
• Participants under 18 years of age
• Any adult considered vulnerable due to disability, illness or dependency

• Child: Any person under 18 years old.
• Vulnerable Adult: An adult with care/support needs who may be unable to protect themselves.
• Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment, ensuring safe care.
• Child Protection: Specific actions taken when abuse is suspected or confirmed.
• DSL: Designated Safeguarding Lead – responsible for managing safeguarding concerns.
• Regulated Activity: Work involving close, unsupervised contact with children.

1. Introduction

Plas Heli is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults participating in boating activities. We follow RYA Safeguarding Guidelines and Wales Safeguarding Procedures.

The welfare of the child is paramount. Plas Heli aims to:

• Provide a safe, welcoming environment
• Protect children from harm
• Ensure volunteers, coaches, contractors and officials understand safeguarding responsibilities
• Promote good practice and minimise risk
• Respond promptly to concerns or allegations
• Work with statutory agencies when required

2. Policy Statement

Plas Heli will take all reasonable steps to ensure children participate in a safe environment. All volunteers, instructors, coaches, contractors and officials must follow this policy.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

DSL: Gerallt Williams
Email: TBA
Mobile: TBA
Office: 01758 613 343

4. Safe Recruitment

• References required for relevant roles
• Self‑disclosure form for roles involving children
• Enhanced DBS checks where appropriate
• Verification of qualifications and experience
• Induction and supervision

5. Good Practice Guidelines

5.1 Culture

Plas Heli promotes a culture where concerns can be raised safely and without fear.

5.2 Minimising Risk

• Avoid being alone with a child
• Avoid transporting children alone
• Ensure unavoidable situations occur only with consent
• Keep personal assistance visible to others
• Ensure training is appropriate to ability

5.3 Prohibited Behaviour

• No rough or sexually provocative games
• No inappropriate touching
• No inappropriate language
• No sexual comments
• No ignoring allegations
• No personal tasks children can do themselves

5.4 Changing Rooms

• Avoid entering changing rooms when children are present
• If unavoidable, avoid being alone
• No cameras or phones in changing areas

5.5 Photography & Video

• Consent required from child and parent
• Photographers must be supervised
• Images must be appropriate and stored securely
• No personal details published with images

5.6 Websites & Social Media

• Content must be appropriate for young visitors
• Clear reporting process for inappropriate content
• Plas Heli does not communicate directly with children via social media

6. Handling Concerns, Reports or Allegations

6.1 Immediate Safety

If a child requires urgent medical attention, call 999 and inform medical staff of safeguarding concerns.

6.2 Reporting Concerns

Report immediately to the DSL. If unavailable, contact Gwynedd Children’s Services or Police.

6.3 Recording Information

• Record what was said or observed
• Use the Safeguarding Referral Form
• Send referral to statutory agencies within 48 hours

6.4 Concerns About Volunteers, Coaches or Officials

Report immediately. Do not confront the individual. DSL will initiate disciplinary or statutory procedures.

6.5 DBS Referral Duty

Plas Heli must refer individuals to the DBS if removed from regulated activity due to harm or risk of harm.

6.6 Media Handling

No comment should be made until facts are verified and advice sought from the DSL.

• Plas Heli DSL: Gerallt Williams – Email TBA / Mobile TBA
• Office: 01758 613 343
• North Wales Police: 101 / 999
• Gwynedd Children’s Services: 01766 701 000
• RYA Safeguarding Coordinator: 023 8060 4104
• RYA Cymru Wales: 01248 990 694
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Physical Abuse

• Hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting, burning
• Giving alcohol, inappropriate drugs or poison
• Attempting to suffocate or drown
• Excessive training beyond a child’s physical capacity

Neglect

• Inadequate food, clothing or shelter
• Failure to protect from harm
• Lack of supervision
• Failure to provide medical care
• Failure to respond to emotional needs

Sexual Abuse

• Physical sexual contact
• Showing pornography
• Taking sexualised images
• Encouraging inappropriate sexual behaviour

Emotional Abuse

• Making children feel worthless or unloved
• Silencing or mocking communication
• Imposing unrealistic expectations
• Serious bullying (including cyberbullying)

Recognising Abuse

• Unexplained injuries
• Sexually explicit language or behaviour
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Descriptions of abusive acts
• Long‑term changes (weight loss, poor hygiene)
• Distrust of adults
• Unexpected reactions to physical contact

• Read and understand Plas Heli & RYA Safeguarding Policies
• Respect rights, dignity and worth of every person
• Place wellbeing and safety above performance
• Develop relationships based on trust and respect
• Never misuse position of trust
• Encourage responsibility for behaviour and performance
• Hold up‑to‑date qualifications
• Ensure activities are appropriate
• Clarify expectations with students and parents
• Promote positive aspects of the sport
• Maintain high standards of behaviour and appearance

• Read and understand RYA & Plas Heli Safeguarding Policies
• Respect rights, dignity and worth of every person
• Place wellbeing and safety above performance
• Develop appropriate relationships
• Never pursue inappropriate relationships
• Encourage responsibility for behaviour and performance
• Hold recognised coaching qualifications
• Ensure activities are appropriate
• Clarify expectations with performers and parents
• Co‑operate with specialists
• Promote fair play
• Maintain high standards

Introduction

Bullying is unacceptable within youth race training and racing under Plas Heli/RYA control.

Objectives

• Prevent bullying
• Ensure concerns are reported quickly
• Provide a clear mechanism for investigation
• Support both victim and bully
• Resolve issues promptly

What is Bullying?

• Repeated behaviour
• Deliberate and intentional
• Imbalance of power

Signs & Symptoms

• Fear of being left alone
• Changes in routine
• Reluctance to attend training
• Withdrawal or anxiety
• Unexplained injuries
• Sleep problems
• Damaged belongings
• Aggressive behaviour

Procedures

• Report concerns to House Parent, Coach, RYA Manager, Class Welfare Officer or Plas Heli DSL
• Reporter identity protected
• Failure to report is a disciplinary offence

Outcomes

• Interviews under Best Practice Guidelines
• Reconciliation encouraged
• Counselling may be recommended
• Rule 2 or Rule 69 hearings may occur
• Suspension or exclusion possible
• Cases monitored

Prevention

• Policy adopted by Plas Heli Board
• Included in Sailor Supervision Guidelines
• Included in coach training and CPD

Monitoring & Review

• Monitored by Plas Heli Board
• Reviewed annually by DSL
• Shared with RYA Safeguarding Coordinator