Safeguarding & Protecting Vulnerable Groups 

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme came into force on 28th February 2011, which has an impact on the delivery of activities for all clubs and centres. Information is available here to help you stay in line with this new legislation.

RYA Scotland is committed to ensuring that Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups receives the highest priority in all of its varied activities and encourages the same commitment from approved training centres and affiliated clubs.

At RYA Scotland we want children and young people to stay safe and have fun while taking part in boating. Everyone involved in RYA Scotland has a duty to safeguard the welfare of all children in their care.

RYA Scotland has made a commitment to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. This duty extends to the prevention of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of any child and shall be applied regardless of a child’s gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability.

You can find out more about our Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Policy by clicking the link on the right hand side of this page.

Our Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinator Officer at RYA Scotland is: Roy Davidson, safeguarding@ryascotland.org.uk. For general help and advice you can contact:

Safeguarding in Sport: www.safeguardinginsport.org.uk

NEED HELP NOW?

Where a child’s immediate safety is at risk contact the local police or social work department for advice. Links to local services can be found here; http://www.children1st.org.uk/services/131/emergency-numbers.

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) came into force in Scotland on 28th February 2011, which has an impact on the delivery of activities for all clubs and centres. Information is available here to help you stay in line with this new legislation, including the RYA Scotland Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, Codes of Conduct for staff, instructors and volunteers and safe recruitment process. These documents can be downloaded, adapted and adopted by clubs and centres to suit local circumstances.

In addition, links are available to other information including the PVG Scheme, current training opportunities and the Children 1st website all of which provide more details and advice.

RYA Scotland is always prepared to offer advice and give support on this important aspect of our sport and the RYA Scotland Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinator, Roy Davidson, is willing to be contacted by email: safeguarding@ryascotland.org.uk or 07775 703395.