Safeguarding Policy

The Royal Twirling Association (RTA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in, or are associated with, our activities. This policy applies to all RTA officials, volunteers, troupe leaders, coaches, judges, and any other individuals working on behalf of or in connection with the RTA.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for safeguarding that ensures all participants can enjoy baton twirling and majorette activities in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

This policy applies to all RTA-sanctioned events, competitions, workshops, training sessions, and any other activities organised by or affiliated with the RTA. It covers all interactions between adults and children or vulnerable adults, whether in person, online, or via any communication channel.

The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and must always be the primary consideration.

All children and vulnerable adults have the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity.

All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.

The RTA will work in partnership with parents, carers, children, young people, and other agencies to promote the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable adults.

All RTA officials, volunteers, judges, and individuals who have regular unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults are required to hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

The RTA maintains a 100% DBS-checked policy for all personnel involved in its events and activities. No individual will be permitted to undertake regulated activity without the appropriate level of DBS clearance.

DBS checks are renewed every three years, or sooner if required. Any individual whose DBS check reveals relevant information will be subject to a risk assessment before being permitted to continue in their role.

Troupe leaders affiliated with the RTA are strongly encouraged to ensure all their coaches and volunteers also hold valid DBS checks.

The RTA has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and acting as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

Designated Safeguarding Officer: Joanne Wallwork Dunphy

Contact Email: safeguarding@royaltwirlingassociation.co.uk

The DSO is present at all RTA competitions and major events. Their role includes receiving and recording safeguarding concerns, liaising with external agencies where necessary, ensuring all personnel understand their safeguarding responsibilities, and maintaining accurate safeguarding records.

Abuse can take many forms including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and bullying (including online bullying). All RTA personnel should be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and should report any concerns immediately.

Signs may include unexplained injuries or bruising, changes in behaviour or mood, withdrawal from activities, fear of certain adults or situations, inappropriate sexual behaviour or language, and signs of neglect such as poor hygiene or inadequate clothing.

If any person has a safeguarding concern about a child or vulnerable adult, they should report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer. If the DSO is unavailable, concerns should be reported to any member of the RTA committee.

In an emergency where a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, contact the Police on 999 without delay.

All concerns will be recorded in writing as soon as possible, including the date, time, details of the concern, and any actions taken. Records will be stored securely and confidentially.

The RTA will cooperate fully with any statutory investigation by the Police or Local Authority. The RTA will not conduct its own investigation into allegations of abuse but will ensure that concerns are referred to the appropriate authorities.

Useful contacts: NSPCC Helpline — 0808 800 5000, Childline — 0800 1111, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) — contact your local council.

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be shared only on a need-to-know basis. The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult will always take precedence over confidentiality considerations.

All safeguarding records are stored securely and access is restricted to the DSO and authorised personnel only.

The RTA encourages anyone who has concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a child or vulnerable adult to report those concerns, even if they are unsure whether abuse has occurred. No person will be penalised for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or following a safeguarding incident. The next review date is March 2027.