top of page

Our safeguarding policy

Cobbes Meadow Group RDA agree with the principles of the RDA Model Policy on Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. This is a brief summary of the points which are important in our day-to-day work with our clients. 
The policy is updated every other year usually in May and sent out to all coaches and volunteers.

Purpose

We are determined to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect children and vulnerable adults who ride or drive with us. 

​

Every child and vulnerable adult who participates in the activities of the group should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from safeguarding risks. This is the responsibility of every volunteer.

 

We recognise that abuse of children and vulnerable adults is a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken.

​

Cobbes Meadow recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.

 

It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that Cobbes Meadow provides opportunities for all our riders and drivers to enjoy their time with us while experiencing the highest possible standard of care.

Principles

Cobbes Meadow Group RDA will ensure that:

  • The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount

  • All riders and drivers, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse

  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

  • All volunteers know that they have a responsibility to report concerns to one of the Safeguarding Officers or to their day’s coach who will pass on concerns to the SO.

 

Cobbes Meadow Group RDA will:

  • Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of our riders and drivers

  • Expect all volunteers to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse

  • Ensure that volunteers, coaches and trustees are DBS checked in line with current requirements and RDA advice and that coaches and safeguarding officers attend safeguarding training every three years.

  • Respond to any allegations appropriately

  • Review the policy yearly in June

Good practice means

  • Working in an open environment, avoiding being alone and unobserved with a rider or driver.

  • Treating all people equally with respect and dignity

  • Always putting the welfare of each rider or driver first.

  • Involving riders/ drivers/ parents/ carers wherever possible.

  • Being an excellent role model.

  • Giving feedback, encouraging riders and drivers in a positive way so that they have an enjoyable experience and feel good about themselves.

​

Safeguarding officer: Christine Sladden

Email: info@cobbesmeadow-rda.com

​

​

DBS evidence checkers are Sally Winters, Sue Lillington, Linda Pritchard and Christine Sladden

bottom of page