Safeguarding Policy
Policy Statement. Sunny Side Sailing is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, recognising its responsibility to protect children and adults with care and support needs from harm. For the purposes of this policy:
​
• Children are defined as anyone under the age of 18, in accordance with the Children Act 1989.
• Adults with care and support needs are defined as individuals aged 18 or over who require additional support due to differing care and support needs, as outlined in the Care Act 2014.
Key Principles. This policy and associated Safeguarding Procedures (PSG-003) are informed by:
​
• Children’s Safeguarding:
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 (and updates from 2023).
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (and updated guidance from 2023).
• Guidance provided by Cornwall County Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Partnership.
​
• Adult Safeguarding:
​
• Statutory guidance under the Care Act 2014.
• Best practice and guidance from Cornwall County Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Partnership.
Sunny Side Sailing collaborates with other agencies, including police, social services, and health and mental health services, to safeguard all students effectively.
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in law, statutory guidance, or good practice.
Our Commitments. Sunny Side Sailing actively seeks to:
​
• Create a safe and welcoming environment, both on and off the water, where participants can enjoy activities, build skills, and grow in confidence.
• Emphasise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, not just those working directly with children and adults with care and support needs.
• Ensure that all Sunny Side Sailing training and activities are run to the highest safety standards.
• Continually review practices to align with best safeguarding practices and effectively communicate updates to staff.
• Adhere to safeguarding guidelines issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Local Authorities, and other relevant organisations.
Responsibilities and Actions
Sunny Side Sailing will:
• Treat all students with respect and dignity, celebrating their achievements and promoting their welfare.
• Follow safer recruitment practices to carefully recruit and select employees, contracted instructors, and third parties.
• Provide appropriate training and information to staff and contractors to ensure they understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to all concerns, complaints, and allegations of poor practice, abuse, or harm, and record all incidents securely.
This policy applies to all employees, contracted instructors, and third parties working with children or adults with care and support needs on behalf of Sunny Side Sailing.
Governance and Oversight. All safeguarding concerns, complaints, allegations, and their outcomes must be reported to the Principal of Sunny Side Sailing, who serves as the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
This policy should be read alongside Sunny Side Sailing’s Safeguarding Procedure for detailed guidance on actions and responsibilities in safeguarding scenarios.
Key Safeguarding Guidelines
• Safe Environment: Ensuring all students feel secure and supported during all activities.
• Staff Training: Providing regular training on safeguarding practices and updates.
• Prompt Action: Ensuring concerns are dealt with efficiently and recorded securely.
• Partnership Working: Collaborating with governing bodies and local agencies to uphold best practices.
This safeguarding policy represents Sunny Side Sailing’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its students and aligns with current statutory and best practice guidelines.