RYA Safeguarding and Child Protection Guidelines 

The RYA's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines (updated January 2015) can be downloaded from this page and adapted to suit the requirements of your training centre, club or class association.

Each section is dated so it's easy to see what has changed.

The Guidelines document is intended to assist you with drawing up your own organisation's Policy and Procedures.  There is a sample club/centre policy which covers the essential points, you can then add the sections and template documents relevant to your organisation.

A number of the updates relate to changes in legislation - in particular the sample Self-Disclosure form has been amended to comply with 2013 amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order.  You should no longer use any version that asks for disclosure of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions or warnings.

The sections on communicating with young people, especially online, sources of safeguarding training and handling a disclosure from a child have been expanded.

Clubs might also decide to adopt a Code of Conduct so that young participants, parents and volunteers are clear about their responsibilities - see the example under Downloads on the right hand side of this page.

Clubs with RYA Recognised Training Centres are advised to ensure that a safeguarding policy is adopted by the club as a whole, not just the Training Centre, and that all members are aware of it. 

For more information from RYA Scotland, RYA Cymru.Wales or RYANI, click on the relevant link on the right hand side of this page.