Blackpool  & Fleetwood Yacht Club

Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club is committed to safeguarding adults at risk taking part in its activities from physical, sexual, psychological, financial or discriminatory abuse or neglect. We recognise that everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage or civil partnership or social status, has a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.

Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through safe recruitment, appropriate operating procedures and training, it offers a safe environment to adults at risk participating in its activities. All participants will be treated with dignity and respect.

All members and volunteers should be aware of the policy.

The Committee and Members and Staff of   Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club have a duty to identify abuse and report it. 

Definition

Vulnerable adults are people who are over 18 years of age and are getting or may need help and services to live in the community. Vulnerable adults may be unable to take care of themselves and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation by other people. 

Abuse can include: 

• physical,
• financial,
• material,
• sexual,
• psychological,
• discriminatory,
• emotional abuse 
• neglect.

Abuse can take place in any setting, public or private, and can be perpetuated by anyone. 

Rights & Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club Committee:

• To ensure volunteers are aware of vulnerable adult’s need for protection and are suitable for the role being carried out.
• To notify the appropriate agencies if abuse is identified or suspected.
• In the first instance report all concerns to the Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club, Child and Vulnerable Adult welfare officer.
• To support and where possible secure the safety of individuals and ensure that all referrals to services have full information in relation to identified risk and vulnerability.

Responsibilities of Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club Committee, Staff and Volunteers: 

• To be familiar with the vulnerable adult protection policy.
• To take appropriate action in line with the policy of Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club.
• To declare any existing or subsequent convictions. 

Support for those who report abuse

All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern, whether they are staff, volunteers, service users, carers or members of the general public should be reassured that:

• They will be taken seriously.
• Their comments will usually be treated confidentially, but their concerns may be shared with the appropriate authorities if they or others are at significant risk.

The Vulnerable Adult has the right:

• To be made aware of this policy.
• To have alleged incidents recognised and taken seriously.
• To receive fair and respectful treatment throughout.
• To be involved in any process as appropriate.
• To receive information about the outcome.

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

Child and Vulnerable Adult welfare officer, Andrew Airnes, training@bfyc.org.uk

Additional contact details can be found on the Club website www.bfyc.org.uk/contact-us

2023