The Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of young persons and vulnerable adults. The Club is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of safeguarding are paramount in all circumstances.
It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation everyone:

• Has a positive and enjoyable experience at Gay Outdoor Club activities in a safe environment
• Is protected from abuse whilst participating in the activity provided by the organisation.

As part of our safeguarding policy The Gay Outdoor Club will

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of members and guests.
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in The Gay Outdoor Club.

Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or Local Safeguarding Adults Board
• As a result of any other significant change or event

The general principles that will apply to all activities organised in the name of the Gay Outdoor Club that are intended to safeguard people are that

• All members of the club are over the age of 18
• Anyone under the age of 18 that participates in any activity as a guest will in the first instance remain the responsibility of the member who invited them on the activity who should be an adult with an interest in the young person’s welfare.
• No one under 18 will participate in any overnight activities.
• The above principles will apply equally to vulnerable adults.
• Any concerns about safeguarding children, young people or vulnerable adults should be highlighted to the activity leader who should seek advice from the local group co-ordinator who should then liaise with the Club’s Chairperson.