4. Our Safeguarding Policy

Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club Safeguarding and Welfare Policy
Updated June 2026

Part One: Purpose, Ethos, and Scope

1.1 Introduction

Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club (BOCC) provides inclusive, low-cost social cycling activities ("Bimbles") designed to foster community connection, friendship, and physical and mental wellbeing. While BOCC does not provide specialized medical or direct care services, we recognise that safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk is everyone’s business.

Individuals may experience vulnerability at various stages of their lives. BOCC is unreservedly committed to practicing in a way that protects all participants from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

1.2 Our "North Star" Safeguarding Intent

At BOCC, safeguarding is fundamentally intertwined with our core club culture:

  • The Bimble Ethos: We intentionally prioritize a gentle pace, kindness, and mental comfort over speed, distance, or athletic competition.
  • The Inviolable "No-Drop" Standard: Our safeguarding commitment is physically active on every single ride. No rider is ever isolated, detached, or left behind.
  • Accessibility and Inclusion: We ensure our rides are low-barrier, welcoming individuals regardless of their socio-economic background, physical capabilities, or type of bicycle.

1.3 Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all BOCC Management Committee officers, ride leaders, volunteers, club members, guest riders, and anyone operating or planning events on behalf of the club.

1.4 Core Definitions

  • A Child or Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
  • An Adult at Risk: An individual aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met by a local authority), is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, and as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves from harm. (The Care Act 2014).

Part Two: Safeguarding Children and Young People

2.1 Legal Framework

This section aligns with UK child protection legislation and guidance, notably the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

2.2 Strict Operational Safeguards for Rides

To preserve our sanctuary of safe social cycling, the following rules apply without exception:

  • Parental Presence: All BOCC activities involving children and young people are strictly conditional upon their parents or legal guardians being present for the duration of the entire activity.
  • The "Never Alone" Rule: Ride leaders, volunteers, and Management Committee members are strictly prohibited from being alone with a child or young person at any time during club activities.
  • Forms of Abuse: All volunteers are inducted to recognise signs of physical, emotional, sexual, online abuse, neglect, and child sexual exploitation.

Part Three: Safeguarding Adults at Risk

3.1 Principles of Adult Safeguarding

In complete alignment with The Care Act 2014, BOCC's adult safeguarding practices are governed by six overarching pillars, fully adapted to our community-first values:

  1. Empowerment: Supporting and encouraging riders to make their own choices with informed consent.
  2. Prevention: Taking proactive community actions before harm occurs—exemplified by our supportive group dynamic and "no-drop" rule.
  3. Proportionality: Ensuring the least intrusive response necessary relative to the level of risk.
  4. Protection: Offering active support and club representation for those in the greatest need.
  5. Partnership: Working closely with local services and South Gloucestershire communities to prevent isolation and loneliness.
  6. Accountability: Ensuring complete transparency and clarity in all club safety practices.

3.2 Recognizing Vulnerability and Abuse

Abuse is defined by its impact on the individual, regardless of the abuser's intent. BOCC recognizes that abuse can occur in many forms, including physical, domestic, sexual, psychological, financial/material, discriminatory, modern slavery, neglect, or self-neglect (such as severe hoarding impacting safety).

Because our rides focus heavily on building mental health and reducing isolation, club volunteers remain vigilant to shifts in participant wellbeing, protecting both the individuals and their carers holistically.

Part Four: Reporting Structures and Contact Details

4.1 Designated Officers

  • Named Safeguarding Lead: George Harrill
  • Club Chairperson (Guardian of the Ethos): Steve Cox

4.2 Reporting Procedure

If a volunteer, club officer, or member has a concern regarding a child or adult at risk, they must document it clearly and report it immediately using the following chain:

[Concern Identified] 
       │
       ▼
[Report to BOCC Named Safeguarding Lead & Club Chair]
       │
       ▼ (Within 1 Working Day)
[Escalation to South Gloucestershire Local Authority Services / LADO]
 

  • Exception: If a safeguarding concern directly involves the Safeguarding Lead or Club Chair, it must be reported directly to the Vice-Chair, who will handle external escalation.

4.3 South Gloucestershire Council Referral Details

Where concerns must be escalated externally, or if advice is required, the following contacts must be utilized:

🚨 IMMEDIATE DANGER: If a child or adult is in immediate physical danger or a crime is actively being committed, dial 999 for emergency services instantly.

4.4 Managing Allegations Against Volunteers/Officers

Any allegation made against a BOCC volunteer or officer will be treated with absolute seriousness and fully investigated in accordance with statutory safeguarding processes.

  • Any allegation relating to a person working with children or adults at risk must be reported to the South Gloucestershire LADO within one working day.
  • The club will provide fair, compassionate support to any volunteer during an investigation process while prioritizing the absolute safety of the vulnerable group.

Part Five: Administration, Monitoring, and Review

5.1 Record Keeping

All safeguarding notifications, observations, or formal reports must be structurally recorded in a secure, confidential manner and submitted directly to the Named Safeguarding Lead. Information sharing will remain compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR, balanced strictly against the legal necessity to protect human life.

5.2 Induction and Communication

This policy will be made clearly accessible on the BOCC website and Cycling UK affiliate portals. Every ride leader and committee member will be formally inducted into these procedures to ensure our community standards remain active on every single street and trail we navigate.

5.3 Review Cycle

The BOCC Management Committee is committed to reviewing this policy and its real-world implementation annually alongside South Gloucestershire Council partnership frameworks to ensure it stays up to date with changing legislation.

Date of Policy Adoption: 2 June 2026 

Date for Next Formal Review: June 2027

 


 

Updated on Friday 05 June 2026