Jersey Horse Association – Safeguarding Policy for Children, Young People & Adults
Approved by: Jersey Horse Association
Effective Date: January 2026
Review Date: January 2027
1. Introduction
The Jersey Horse Association (the ‘Association’) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants. Whether involved in riding, volunteering, spectating, coaching, or administration, every individual has the right to feel safe and protected from harm.
This policy sets out how the Association safeguards children, young people, and adults at risk, ensuring that all activities are carried out in line with best practice, relevant legislation, and local safeguarding procedures within Jersey.
2. Purpose of This Policy
- Promote the welfare, safety, and well-being of all participants.
- Outline the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, riders, parents, and committee members.
- Provide clear guidance on recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.
- Prevent abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, and discrimination.
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All Association members and participants
- Coaches, volunteers, and officials
- Committee members and event organisers
- Visitors and contractors
- Any person engaged in the Association’s activities, events, or programmes
It covers safeguarding for:
- Children (under 18)
- Young people (18–25 when vulnerable)
- Adults at risk (individuals who may require additional support due to disability, illness, age, mental health, or vulnerability)
4. Definitions
- Safeguarding: Protecting individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect while promoting their welfare
- Child: Anyone under 18
- Adult at risk: An individual who may require support due to vulnerability
- Abuse: Any action that harms or violates a person’s rights or wellbeing
5. Principles of Safeguarding
5.1 Welfare First
The welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk is the top priority at all times.
5.2 Inclusivity
Everyone, regardless of age, ability, race, gender, religion, sexuality, or background, has the right to protection and respect.
5.3 Accountability
All individuals involved in the Association share responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe environment.
5.4 Proportionality
Responses to safeguarding concerns should be appropriate, measured, and based on risk.
5.5 Confidentiality
Information will be shared only with individuals or agencies who need to know and handled according to data protection laws.
6. Recognising Signs of Abuse or Neglect
Abuse can take many forms. Indicators may include:
- Physical abuse: unexplained injuries, fear of physical contact
- Emotional abuse: withdrawal, anxiety, sudden behavioural changes
- Sexual abuse: inappropriate relationships, comments, or behaviour
- Neglect: poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing, unmet medical needs
- Bullying: verbal, physical, cyber, or social exclusion
- Financial abuse (adults): unexplained financial difficulties or exploitation
- Discriminatory abuse: harassment or exclusion based on personal characteristics
7. Roles and Responsibilities
7.1 The Association Committee
- Ensures safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and reviewed
- Appoints a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
- Ensures relevant training is undertaken
7.2 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
- Primary contact for safeguarding concerns
- Maintains secure records of reports
- Liaises with appropriate agencies (e.g., Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board)
- Ensures appropriate actions are taken
DSO Name: Cilla Perchard
Email: cilla_perchard@hotmail.com
7.3 Coaches, Officials & Volunteers
- Promote safe practices
- Complete safeguarding training where required
- Report concerns immediately to the DSO
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with participants
7.4 Parents, Guardians & Carers
- Support the safety measures of the Association
- Communicate any relevant medical or wellbeing needs
8. Safe Recruitment
The Association will follow safe recruitment practices for roles involving children or adults at risk, including:
- Application and interview processes
- Reference checks
- Criminal background checks where appropriate (DBS-equivalent in Jersey)
- Verification of qualifications
- Probation and supervision periods
9. Code of Conduct
All representatives of the Association must:
- Treat everyone with respect and dignity
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Never engage in or tolerate bullying, harassment, or abusive behaviour
- Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible
- Report concerns immediately
- Promote a culture of openness and support
10. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If someone is in immediate danger: Call 999.
When responding to a disclosure:
- Stay calm and listen carefully
- Take the concern seriously
- Reassure without making promises
- Record the information accurately using the individual’s own words
- Report to the DSO as soon as possible
- Do not investigate yourself
Reporting Pathway
- Concern identified
- Report to DSO
- DSO assesses and refers to Jersey safeguarding authorities if required
- Appropriate action taken (e.g., contacting parents, emergency services, suspension of individuals)
11. Photography & Social Media
- Parental/guardian consent is required before photographing or filming children
- Images must be used responsibly and not shared without permission
- No tagging or identifying minors without consent
- Staff must not share private contact information with minors
12. Transport
- The Association does not provide unsupervised transport for children or vulnerable adults
- Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging transport unless part of an organised activity with consent
13. Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
- Legislation changes
- A safeguarding incident highlights necessary changes
- Best practice guidance is updated
14. Whistleblowing
All individuals have the right to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice.
- Concerns can be raised with the DSO or Committee
- Individuals will be supported and protected from victimisation
- Concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately
15. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
- All allegations must be reported immediately to the DSO
- The individual may be suspended while the matter is investigated
- The Association will liaise with relevant safeguarding authorities
- Confidentiality will be maintained throughout
16. Event-Specific Safeguarding
Lost Child Procedure
- Notify event organisers immediately
- A designated safe point will be used
- Child remains supervised until reunited with parent/guardian
Supervision Ratios (Guidance)
- Under 8s: 1 adult to 4 children
- 8–16: 1 adult to 6–8 children
- Higher supervision required for higher-risk activities
17. Digital & Online Communication
- No private messaging between staff and under-18s
- Communication should include parents/guardians where appropriate
- Official channels must be used
- No sharing of personal contact details
18. Physical Contact Guidance
- Must always be appropriate, necessary, and in the individual’s best interest
- Should be explained before contact occurs
- Avoid unnecessary or prolonged contact
- Respect personal boundaries at all times
19. Safeguarding Risk Assessment
- All events and activities must include a safeguarding risk assessment
- Identify potential risks to participants
- Implement control measures
- Review after events where necessary
20. Data Protection & Record Keeping
- Safeguarding records must be accurate and securely stored
- Access limited to those who need to know
- Records retained in line with data protection requirements
21. Anti-Bullying Guidance
- Zero tolerance approach to bullying
- All incidents must be reported and recorded
- Support provided to victims
- Appropriate action taken against perpetrators
22. Medical & First Aid
- First aid provision must be available at events
- Medical information should be collected where appropriate
- Incidents must be recorded
- Emergency procedures must be clearly communicated
23. Alignment with Best Practice
This policy aligns with recognised safeguarding standards and guidance, including:
- British Equestrian Federation safeguarding standards
- Pony Club safeguarding requirements
- NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit guidance
- Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board expectations
Approval & Sign-Off
Chairman, Jersey Horse Association
Name: Alasdair Crosby
Date: January 2026
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Name: Cilla Perchard
Date: January 2026
Contact Us
Jersey Horse Association
Email: info@jerseyhorseassociation.com