Introduction
The aim of this policy is to ensure that Sky-High Skydiving (SHS) takes a pro-active approach and responsibility towards safeguarding its client base. The company acknowledges that safeguarding our client group requires consideration of all risks that can make a person feel unsafe, as such the client is at the forefront of practice within SHS with an acknowledgment that vulnerability and safeguarding can result in long term as well as immediate issues. SHS is committed to upholding the rights and safety of clients. This policy is supported by robust guidelines and works in conjunction with the British Skydiving’s Instructor Code of Practice.
Consideration of safety does not only apply to operational rules and regulations for the safe conduct of the sport, but also about safeguarding its participants – not only from sport parachuting accidents, but safeguarding from harm, as listed in this policy.
Principles
All adults, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status have the right to be protected from abuse and poor practice and to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.
The rights, dignity and worth of all adults will be respected. We recognise that a disabled adult may not identify themselves or be identified as being ‘at risk’.
Any allegations will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly. SHS recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adults Boards.
Guidance and Legislation
The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the UK and International Legislation and Government Guidance and have been developed to complement the Safeguarding Adults Boards policy and procedures, and give consideration to:
- The Care Act 2004
- The Data Protection Act 1994 and 1998
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Equality Act 2010
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Sexual Offences Act 2003
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012
Definitions
The client’s needs are paramount. Safeguarding is a term used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people — especially children, young people and vulnerable adults (at risk) — to live free from abuse, harm – and protected by the Human Rights Act 1998. A child is defined as those under the age of 18, a vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 years or over who is, or may be, unable to take care of him or herself or who is unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.
Safeguarding includes:
- Protecting their rights to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
- People and organisations working together to prevent the risk of abuse or neglect, and to stop them from happening.
- Making sure people’s well-being is promoted, taking their views,
- wishes, feelings and beliefs into account.
Adult at Risk – a person aged 18 or over who is in need of care and support regardless of whether they are receiving them, and because of those needs are unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect
Abuse – a violation of an individuals human and civil rights by another person or persons
Capacity – the ability to make a decision at a particular time, such as under considerable stress. The assumption is that a person has the capacity to make a decision unless it can be established that they lack the capacity (MCA 2005).
Types of Abuse and Neglect (Care Act 2014) that may relate to skydiving:
- Discriminatory
- Organisational Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial or Material Abuse
- Neglect
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Self Neglect
The Wider Safeguarding Framework
SHS works under the auspices of British Skydiving’s Operations Manual
with regards to all operational aspects of the business. Safeguarding, the
welfare of customers is everyone’s business and must be adhered to at all
times. This policy must be read by all those working within the company;
including any amendments or updates that are made. The PTO has
responsibility for ensuring there is a safeguarding policy in place and that
all staff and casual employees are adhering to this.
Sky High Skydiving:
Identification And Management Of Safeguarding
SHS Safeguarding Procedures must be followed when there is reasonable cause to suspect there may be a safeguarding issue. Consideration should be given as to whether customers are adequately protected from exploitative behaviour and treated professionally at all times.
Any employee with such concerns for the welfare of a person is required to speak with the Safeguarding Lead, Parachute Training Organisation owners or designated Chief Instructor. This discussion will be recorded and held confidentially. The recording must show agreement about who will take what action/when and, if no action is to be taken, why. It is also necessary to ensure that any actions taken are recorded and reviewed until the issue is resolved.
Where there is immediate risk the Police and British Skydiving must be immediately informed. All staff will be expected to participate fully in any safeguarding actions. It is the duty of the PTO to inform relevant agencies where required, which may include the Local Authority, local Police, Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. The designated Safeguarding Lead is required to source the relevant contact details of local safeguarding services.
British Skydiving must be informed at the soonest opportunity if there is
an allegation against an employee/instructor.
Management Accountability
The lead role in safeguarding within SHS is specific to management. The designated safeguarding lead is: Bryn Chaffe (07880 75621), deputy Mark Robson.
Recruitment and Training
SHS staff are required at this time to have Disclosure and Vetting clearance. The safeguarding lead will always have a valid basic DBS check in place. These checks should be reviewed on a three yearly basis.
Staff members will undergo basic training in relation to safeguarding and ensure this is renewed on a 3 yearly basis or in the event in changes of legislation.
New staff will receive a safeguarding brief on commencement of their employment, during the induction process.
Instructor and Coach Responsibilities
Instructors and coaches hold a duty of care and are responsible for the welfare of their students throughout. Instructors and coaches will adopt a professional approach, ensuring that the student feels comfortable and treated respectfully. Instructors and coaches are responsible for ensuring they attend safeguarding training that is offered by the Parachute Training Organisation. Instructors will sign a training sheet to outline they have read and understood the Instructors Code of Practice.
Parachute Training Organisation
The Parachute Training Organisation will adopt a duty of care towards their client base and ensure that any potential allegations are dealt with swiftly and in a manner that ensures confidentiality. The Parachute Training Organisation has a duty to offer safeguarding training. The Parachute Training Organisation will make available the Instructor Code of Practice, and request a signature to evidence this has been read annually and is adhered to. The safeguarding lead will ensure that practices are in line with recent and relevant legislation.
British Skydiving
As the National Governing Body of sport parachuting, the British Skydiving will ensure that safeguarding is promoted within PTOs and that instructors adhere to the Instructor Code of Practice. All BS instructors are trained to a high standard and required to ensure a professional approach at all times. British Skydiving respects equality and diversity of all members of the Association.