Current Welfare Officer: Sophia Greaves (secretary@cuyc.org.uk).
Policy Statement
Cambridge University Yacht Club (CUYC) regards the health, safety and welfare of all members to be of paramount importance. The fundamental basis for our welfare policy is the desire to treat our members responsibly and with respect. To this end, the CUYC aims to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that policies, procedures and practices are in place to maintain a safe and healthy environment and promote a positive club culture, not only for its members but also for other people and organisations that may be affected by the activities of the Club.
We recognise that everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage or civil partnership or social status, has a right to protection from discrimination and abuse. Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.
Roles and Responsibilities
Everyone involved in the club, regardless of whether they are a member, on the Committee, an Instructor, Skipper or volunteer, is expected to:
Overall responsibility for the management of welfare within CUYC rests with the Club Committee. As such, the Committee will aim, as far as is reasonably practical, to:
Instructors
If vulnerable and/or at risk members are participating on a specific CUYC trip, the Instructor and/or Skipper for that trip may be asked to supply their own in date Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate before that CUYC trip commences. If an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate highlights that an individual poses a risk to vulnerable and/or at risk members, then they will not be able to volunteer with the Club.
Instructors and Skippers working with vulnerable and/or at risk members should be aware of this CUYC safeguarding/welfare policy, and the additional guidance below from the RYA and Cambridge University. This policy and additional guidance are openly available on the CUYC website for any members to view, and accessible via a link from the Registration Documents for CUYC Instructors and Skippers.
Vulnerable and At Risk Members
Any member can self-identify as at risk by emailing the trip organiser of a specific trip and/or Welfare Officer. If a conflict of interest exists, members may contact the Sports Service Welfare Officer (welfare@sport.cam.ac.uk).
During crew registration, members will also be informed and asked to acknowledge that if a Club Officer, Skipper, or Instructor identifies them as being at risk during CUYC activities, they may report this to the Welfare Officer, RYA Principal, and Commodore, who may share such information with the Cambridge University Sports Services as appropriate. As long as a member has capacity, their consent will be sought before any further action is taken. (See the additional guidance below for a diagram to identify whether or not a member has capacity).
Children
Children (namely, individuals under 18 years of age) who are not studying at Cambridge University are unable to participate in Club activities.
Children studying at Cambridge University are able to participate in Club activities. Before participating in each yacht trip or training activity, children must declare their age to the relevant trip organiser via email, and provide a consent form signed by their parent or guardian to the relevant trip organiser via email.
Cambridge University Students cannot compete in BUCS (a Univeristy racing competition) until they reach 18 years of age.
Concerns / Reporting Procedures
There are several pathways available for reporting welfare concerns within the Club. Which pathway is the most appropriate pathway may depend on who is involved, and the concerns involved.
The Club will always have a Welfare Officer available as a first point of contact for welfare concerns. The role of the Club Welfare Officer is to promote welfare centred practices within the Club environment; to provide a confidential, initial contact point for members in relation to welfare concerns; and to signpost individuals to relevant University and RYA support systems when required. The contact details of the current Club Welfare Officer will be given on the Club safeguarding page: https://www.cuyc.org.uk/club/safeguarding-policy/. If the individual prefers not to contact the Welfare Officer, a member of the Committee can be contacted instead. All discussions will be treated as being in strict confidence, yet will be shared in emergency situations. Information will only be shared on a genuine “need to know” basis. As long as a member has capacity, their consent will be sought before any further action is taken. (See the additional guidance below for a diagram to identify whether or not a member has capacity).
The University of Cambridge Sports Service has a number of staff available to support Clubs in setting up a positive welfare culture supported by clear policies and procedures. The Sports Service Welfare Officers are also available to students if they feel unable to speak to their Club Welfare Officer or College Tutor regarding sports related matters.
As an RYA training centre, those with concerns are entitled to reach out to the RYA's Safeguarding Manager on 023 8060 4104, or your local authority Adult Social Care department. Details of Adult Social Care departments and emergency duty teams are listed on local authority websites and in local phone books. If you are unable to find the appropriate contact number, call the RYA's Safeguarding Manager or, if the person is at immediate risk, the Police.
Additional Guidance
Cambridge Univesity and RYA support services and reporting procedures
Guidance for those volunteering with children, vulnerable adults, and/or at risk adults