Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

This is the Safeguarding Policy Statement of:
Bristol Riding School, Redham Lane, Pilning, South Gloucestershire, BS35 4HQ
Herein referred to as Bristol Riding School

This document, which contains our Safeguarding information has been prepared after due consultation with those involved in its development, has the full backing and authority of the Director/Owner, and is reviewed annually and updated as required by legislation or other changes

2. Policy Statement

Bristol Riding School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in our activities. We recognise our duty to protect all participants from abuse, harm, and neglect and to provide a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We will act promptly on any concern and work in accordance with legislation and statutory guidance in England.

We will ensure a copy of this policy shall be made available through our website, and hard copies can be produced on request.

3. Policy Scope

This policy applies to:

Children and young people under the age of 18
Vulnerable adults (adults aged 18+ who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to disability, illness, mental health needs, age, or other circumstances)
All staff including instructors, volunteers and helpers
Contractors and visitors whilst on the premises
All riding lessons, yard activities, camps and events throughout each calendar year

4.Legal and Regulatory Framework (England)

This policy is informed by:

Children’s Act 1989 and 2004
Care Act 2014
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements
Data Protection Act 2018/UK GDPR  Local authority Safeguarding Procedures
Guidance from relevant equestrian. Bodies (British Horse Society)

5. Key Principles

The welfare of every individual is paramount
Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and neglect
Safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon
Individuals will be listened to and treated with respect
Confidentiality will be respected but not used to keep someone unsafe

6. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Bristol Riding School will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for:

Managing safeguarding concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults
Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding issues
Making referrals to Children’s or Adult Safeguarding teams locally as appropriate
Liaising with local authority officers where required
Ensuring safeguarding records are stored securely

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Carrie Vinson – Owner and Director of Bristol Riding School
info@bristolridingschool.co.uk
07968 84477

7.Responsibilities of Staff and Volunteers

All Staff and Volunteers MUST:

Read and comply with this Safeguarding Policy
Complete Safeguarding Training relevant to their role
Maintain professional boundaries at all times
Treat all individuals with dignity and respect
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Never investigate concerns themselves

8.Safer Recruitment

We follow safer recruitment practices and will:

Carry out enhanced DBS checks
Verify identity, references and relevant qualifications
Discuss safeguarding responsibilities during recruitment and induction
Provide ongoing supervision and training

9.Code of Conduct

All staff to include instructors, yard managers and volunteers must:

Act as positive role models
Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible
Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
Ensure any physical contact is necessary, appropriate and explained
Never show favouritism or give inappropriate gifts
Never form inappropriate relationships or communicate privately via social media

10.Recognising Abuse

In England Safeguarding Categories are defined by legislation to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, neglect and abuse. The Care Act 2014 outlines 10 main categories for adults at risk to include (but is not limited to):

Physical Abuse includes hitting, pushing, restraining or misuse of medication
Domestic Abuse includes psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse as well as coercive control
Sexual Abuse includes rape, sexual assault or sexual acts without consent
Psychological or Emotional Abuse includes threats, humiliation, bullying or isolation
Financial or Material Abuse includes theft, fraud or pressure regarding money or wills
Modern Slavery includes human trafficking and forced labour
Discriminatory Abuse includes harassment or insults based on race, age, gender, disability, or religion
Organisational Abuse such as poor care
Neglect or Acts of Omission includes ignoring medical or physical needs
Self- Neglect includes neglect to care for personal hygiene, health or surroundings

Children’s Safeguarding centres of four main types of abuse:

Physical Abuse includes physical force causing injury
Emotional or Psychological Abuse includes persistent emotional ill treatment causing severe adverse effects
Sexual Abuse includes exploitation or forced engagement in sexual activities
Neglect includes persistent failure to meet basic physical/psychological needs

Other specific areas include:

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Criminal Exploitation to involve grooming
Honour based abuse and forced marriage
Female Genital Mutilation

Staff are not expected to be experts in determining a child, young person or vulnerable adult is being abused but must report concerns

11.Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child or vulnerable adult discloses abuse or a concern is identified:

Listen calmly and take the concern seriously
Reassure them they have done the right thing
Do not promise confidentiality
Record the concern as soon as possible, using their own words
Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (999) and inform the designated safeguarding lead.

12.Record Keeping and Confidentiality

Safeguarding records will be accurate, dated and stored securely
Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis
Records will be managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

13.Photography and Use of Images

Written consent will be obtained before photographing or filming children or vulnerable adults • Images will be used respectfully and only for agreed purposes
Personal details will not be published alongside images
Parents, carers and children are prohibited from photographing and/or filming group lessons or events and publishing on social media

14.Health, Safety and Horse Welfare

Safeguarding Includes:

Maintaining safe facilities, equipment and tack
Matching horses and ponies appropriately to rider ability and needs
Adequate supervision and support
High standards of horse welfare and safe handling

15.Allegations against staff or volunteers

Any allegation against a member of staff or volunteer will be:

Taken seriously and acted upon
Reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Managed in line with local safeguarding procedures • Referred to the Local authority Children’s or Adults safeguarding team where appropriate

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

Annually Following any safeguarding incident
When legislation or guidance changes

Next Review Date: January 2027

Useful Contact Numbers & Links

South West Child Protection Procedures - https://swcpp.trixonline.co.uk/
01454 866000 Monday – Friday
01454 615165 Out of hours and on weekends