Paddle Northern Ireland Safeguarding team are here to support children and adults involved in paddle activity and offer support and guidance to clubs, volunteers, coaches, leaders and providers.
We all play a role in ensuring that participating in Paddlesport is a positive and safe experience for everyone. Paddle Northern Ireland is committed to ensuring that everyone who takes part in the sport should be able to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment, which promotes inclusion and protects from harm, bullying and abuse.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding means the protection of people’s physical and mental health, their wellbeing, and their human rights. Its objective is to support participant’s welfare and to keep everyone safe.
Who needs safeguarding?
Safeguarding applies to everyone, and it is each person’s responsibility to make sure that the most vulnerable people within our society are protected from harm.
Children, young people, and vulnerable adults may require more safeguarding support and consideration. This includes adults who may receive help from care teams, as well as adults who have mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities.
Safeguarding in Clubs
Paddle Northern Ireland currently requires that all clubs with members or participants aged under 18 has an appropriately trained Club Safeguarding Officer, have a safeguarding policy and supporting procedures and that all members are aware of it.
From December 2024 a new policy will come into effect for all Paddle Northern Ireland clubs. The Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Policy aims to support volunteers and paid employees to create a safer culture and environment within paddlesport by following an agreed set of standards. Developed with representatives from Paddle UK and all four national associations to support and guide affiliated clubs and national association committees to have the required training and qualifications in place for their volunteer workforce.
Under this policy all clubs will be required to have a Club Safeguarding Officer and their own (or formally adopt the Paddle Northern Ireland) safeguarding policies and procedures. Click on the link above for information and resources.