Safeguarding

The British Motorsport Marshals Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. All members should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club.

Using this policy: It is important that this policy is discussed by the club (e.g. club committee meeting). The Club needs to be sure it is clear about its responsibilities and that it adheres to this policy in full. Having a proactive Club Safeguarding Officer is an integral requirement of this policy.

  1. The Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young people entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members.
  1. The Club confirms that it adheres to the Motorsport UK Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines. The Club will follow the guidance of the policy in the event of any concerns or allegations.
  1. A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any motorsport activity.
  1. The key principles of this policy are as follows:
    • The welfare of the child is, and must always be, paramount to any other consideration
    • Club events and activities for young people will follow and adhere to the Motorsport UK Race ‘n’ Respect values and the Motorsport UK U18 Policy
    • All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to be protected from abuse or harm
    • All allegations, suspicions or concerns of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately
  1. The Club recognises that all children have the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice. The Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved, in whatever capacity, at the Club.
  1. The Club will implement and comply with the Motorsport UK Code of Conduct.
  1. The Club will appoint a Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to deal with any issues concerning Safeguarding and Child Protection and notify this person to all members.
  1. The CSO is Margaret Simpson Tel. 01942 217339
    nat.safe@marshals.co.uk – If you witness or are aware of an incident where you are concerned the welfare of a child has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the CSO. If at any time you are not able to contact your CSO and the matter is clearly serious then you can either:

    • Contact the Motorsport UK Lead Safeguarding Officer 01753 765 071 or e-mail
      safeguarding@motorsportuk.org
    • Contact the Police or Children’s Social Care
    • Call the NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 or text 88858 or email
      help@nspcc.org.uk
  1. The Club will follow Motorsport UK guidance and ensure that anyone that meets the eligibility criteria for a Disclosure check (DBS, or PVG in Scotland) is checked.
  1. The Club will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, competitors or officials will comply with all guidance and best practice as issued by the Motorsport UK . In summary, the following points are considered as best practice to create a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for children:
    • Adults should display high standards of personal behaviour and refrain from pursuits considered unhealthy in front of children and be good role models
    • Employees and volunteers should avoid working in isolation with children and out of sight of parents or other volunteers
    • Not drinking alcohol excessively whilst responsible for children
    • Avoiding smoking in the presence of children if you are in a position of trust such as a coach or team manager 
  1. The following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by the club and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the Club, Motorsport UK or Statutory Agencies if relevant.
    • Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply
    • Humiliating children
    • Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material
    • Using obscene or foul language
    • Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child
    • Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child
    • Sharing the same immediate accommodation, e.g. overnight room, with children when away at events (excluding parents)
  1. Initially, new Cadet Marshals and new 16 to 18 year olds should be supervised by a parent/ legal guardian or, in a few instances, by a named temporary carer who knows the child well e.g. a family member (minimum age  21 years). It is inappropriate for a parent to name a temporary carer who does not know and is not known to the child. (* See note below.) An Motorsport UK under 18 Indemnity form should always be completed by the parent/legal guardian. The form is available to download from the Motorsport UK Under 18 Marshal Policy.)
  1. Supervision by a parent/legal guardian or a named temporary carer must be on a 1:1 basis as it is unrealistic to expect adequate supervision of more than one young person at any given time.
  1. When a parent/legal guardian is not marshalling with the child it is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to name the temporary carer, and to complete the Motorsport UK under 18 indemnity form. It is not the responsibility of the Chief Marshal/Senior Officials.
  1. 16 to 18 year olds are allowed to marshal on the bank supervised by a parent/legal guardian or by a named temporary carer but should not be allowed onto a live circuit. i.e. if undertaking an Incident Marshal role they would only perform duties on track when the practice session/race has ended. This applies to all motorsport events.
  1. Please note that Cadet Marshals attending meetings organised by the British Automobile Racing Club are not accepted under the age of 14 years.