SafeGolf as part of the affiliation process to England Golf, and from January 2021, it will be necessary for all Golf Clubs to have SafeGolf accreditation to ensure that they are delivering a safe environment for the sport to be played and at the moment we are working towards that goal.
As part of the process we are required to have policies and procedures in place for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Adults and with the appointment of a Club Welfare Officer
The policies and procedures have been formally adopted by the Management Team within the Club and recorded in the Club minutes. Hard copies are available for all Members and even visitors to view on notice boards within the Clubhouse and posted on the Club Website.

An abridged version of the policies and procedures is detailed below:

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults – A Short Guide for Club Members
EVGC is committed to ensure that the sport of golf is one within which children and young people involved can thrive and flourish in a safe environment and that all children, young people and adults at risk have a fun, safe and positive experience when playing golf.
EVGC is an affiliated Member of England Golf and follows the England Golf Safeguarding Children and Young People and Adults Policy and procedures.

You might be thinking “what has safeguarding got to do with me?”
Government guidance makes it clear that ‘Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility’.
Anyone who has a negative experience of sport at a young age is less likely to become a regular long-term participant. It’s important for the future of your Club and the sport that children, young people and adults have an enjoyable experience.

All Club Members have a part to play in making that happen.
All adults should contribute to the Club meeting its overall duty of care, be aware of our Club’s safeguarding policy, and know what to do if they are concerned about a young person or adult.

EVGC asks our members to:
* Familiarise yourself with the EVGC Safeguarding Policy.
The full copy of the EVGC Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults Policy is available on the Club Junior Noticeboard, main notice board and our website www.erewashvalley.co.uk
* Familiarise yourself with: (information from their Safeguarding Policy in each section)
1. EVGC Codes of Conduct
Adults should always be aware that age related differences exist and conduct themselves in a manner that both recognises this and prioritises the welfare of children and young people and adults
2. Anti-Bullying Policy
EVGC believe that every effort must be made to eradicate bullying in all its forms. The Club will not tolerate bullying in any of its forms during Club Matches, Competitions, coaching or at any other time while at the Club or related to Club activities.
3. Transport Policy
The Club believes it is primarily the responsibility of parents/carers to transport their child/children to and from events.
4. Changing Room Policy
The changing rooms are used by all Members & visitors. Wherever possible adults will avoid changing or showering at the same time as children, but parents will be made aware that with limited changing room space there will be occasions when adults and children may need to share the facilities. Where a parent/carer does not consent to their child accessing the changing rooms, it is their responsibility to either supervise the child while in the changing rooms or ensure that they do not use them.
5. Photography, Videoing, and the use of Social Media Policies
Think very carefully before contacting a young person via mobile phone, e-mail, or social media.
Do not accept children as contacts on social networking sites if you hold a position of trust with children/young people.
In general stick to group communications, copy the communication to a parent and only communicate about organisational matters.

What should I do if I’m concerned about a child or young person or adult?
A concern may involve the behaviour of an adult towards a child at the Club, or something that has happened to the child outside the Club.
Children and young people may confide in adults they trust, in a place where they feel comfortable.
An allegation may range from verbal bullying, to inappropriate contact online, to neglect or emotional abuse, to physical or sexual abuse.
If you are concerned about a child, it is not your responsibility to investigate further, but it is your responsibility to act on your concerns and share them.
Pass the information to the EVGC Welfare Officer who will follow the Club’s Safeguarding procedures. This can be done via the office if needed.
Safeguarding Children and young people policy
Safeguarding Adults Policy