Safeguarding
We want to ensure that Skydiving, in all its forms, is a safe and positive experience for everybody. Everyone involved in the sport has a part to play in safeguarding students and adults at risk. To assist with this, British Skydiving offers support and guidance to all our members.
To safeguard and protect students and adults at risk it is important to report any concerns.
Safeguarding Reporting Procedure
If you are concerned about an imminent risk to a child or adult, you should call the police immediately.
If there is no immediate risk, and you have concerns about the welfare of a student or an adult at risk. Have concerns about the behaviour or practice of an instructor, coach, or anyone involved in the sport. You can contact our Safeguarding Officer at safeguarding@britishskydiving.org.
If you have experienced any behaviour that has made you feel uncomfortable, any harassment or abuse of any kind, you can report it confidentially to British Skydiving at complianceofficer@britishskydiving.org.
In case of an emergency contact:
Police: 999
Safeguarding Policy Statement
British Skydiving and its Affiliated Parachuting Training Organisations (PTOs) acknowledge the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of those taking part in our sport and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of participants are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation, social-economic background, all participants:
- have a positive experience;
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in any skydiving activities and whilst attending British Skydiving Affiliated Parachute Training Organisations.
British Skydiving acknowledges that some young people, particularly children (in law, those aged under 18) and adults at risk, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and will take reasonable steps to ensure their welfare is considered whilst attending British Skydiving Affiliated Parachute Training Organisations.
As part of our safeguarding policy, British Skydiving and its Affiliated Parachute Training Organisations, will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and adults at risk;
- ensure that there is an understanding of roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and PTO personnel and representatives are provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns;
- ensure the appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individuals/PTOs who raise or disclose the concern;
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored;
- seek, to the extent permitted by law, to assure that individuals who are the subject of potential safeguarding concerns, do not instruct or coach students under the age of 18 or those who are identified as vulnerable adults;
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and form part of the Code of Practice for Instructors and Coaches. Failure to comply with the Code of Practice for Instructors and Coaches may give rise to disciplinary action.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstance:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance;
- as a result of a significant event.
Whistle blowing and sharing of information/concerns
If you have concerns about the sharing of information or any aspect of Whistle blowing, please visit the dedicated Whistle blowing section.