Safeguarding officer’s toolkit

By Cycling UK
A safeguarding officer helps resolve any issues within the group to make sure everyone enjoys their rides
Could you be a safeguarding officer? You’ll offer advice and guidance for members of your group, as well as help report and resolve any safeguarding and welfare concerns

As a safeguarding officer, you’ll help the group to create a welcoming and safe environment and a culture and an atmosphere of inclusion and respect. You will also be the person appointed by a group to resolve, informally in the first instance, any issues that may arise, such as a complaint about a member’s behaviour or concerns over an individual’s ability to ride safely with the group.

What you will be doing

  • Offering advice and support for members of the group
  • Raising awareness of Cycling UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures
  • Ensuring everyone in the group is treated fairly and with respect
  • Working with others in the group to ensure the welfare of all members and participants
  • Working with the group committee to resolve issues and problems within the group
  • Acting as the first point of contact where concerns about welfare, discrimination, poor practice or abuse are raised
  • Reporting such concerns immediately and in confidence in line with Cycling UK’s safeguarding policies and reporting guidelines
  • Promoting awareness of the Cycling UK Safeguarding Code of Conduct
  • Attending regular obligatory safeguarding training as directed by Cycling UK
  • Being accessible to members to help them in addressing issues such as a complaint against individuals, the protection of ‘adults at risk’ and children, and issues of discrimination
  • Monitoring compliance with policies related to this area, such as the Cycling UK Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies

The skills you need

  • Ability to remain neutral and impartial
  • Good communication and listening skills
  • An understanding and knowledge of the issues others may face
  • Be friendly and approachable
  • Be able to handle sensitive issues in a discreet and confidential way
  • An awareness of the issues involved in safeguarding for adults and children and how to report them
  • Knowledge of Cycling UK’s safeguarding policies and reporting guidelines
  • Knowledge of Cycling UK’s equality and diversity policy

What’s in it for you

  • Helping to ensure cycling is open and accessible to all
  • Ensuring everyone feels safe and included in cycling
  • Safeguarding knowledge and awareness
Local groups and cycling clubs Volunteering for Cycling UK

Downloads

Complaints Policy How to Resolve Issues in a Cycling Group Step-by-Step Guide Cycling UK Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Cycling UK Safeguarding Policy Report Form Cycling UK’s Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting Safeguarding Issues Concerning Adults Cycling UK Participation Policy for Children and Young People Safeguarding officer poster Cycling UK's Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting Safeguarding Issues involving children Cycling UK Safeguarding and Adults at Risk policy

Further reading