Policy Statement

We have a duty of care to children, young people and adults-at-risk participating in equestrian activities on our premises or at events organised by us.

We have a responsibility to conduct our activities in a manner that affords protection, assures their welfare, and keeps them safe. We also have a legal obligation to do so, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief, creed, sexual orientation and gender reassignment.

We recognise that some individuals, for example from minority ethnic groups or disabled people, may face additional barriers with communication or the impact of discrimination.

This duty of care applies to any person that has a direct association with us and who is in a ‘position of trust’. A ‘position of trust’ includes those that have:
• Regular, unsupervised access to children, young people and adults-at-risk; and
• Coach, teach, train, supervise or instruct; and
• Are engaged whether contracted, employed or volunteer.

A child/young person is defined (Children Act 1989) as a person under the age of 18.

An adult-at-risk is defined (Care Act 2014) as a person who:
• Needs care and support
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves from either the risk or experience of abuse or neglect

We have adopted fully the Safeguarding Policy of the Association of British Riding Schools, Livery Yards and Riding Establishments (ABRS+).

All individuals involved with us, no matter what their role (whether staff or volunteer), must adhere to this Safeguarding Policy.

Our Commitment

We are committed, through our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, to:

• Ensuring robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation to provide children, young people and adults-at-risk with appropriate safety and protection while on our premises or participating in events organised by us.

• Taking all reasonable, practical steps to protect children, young people and adults-at-risk from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

• Ensuring that staff understand their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and are provided with appropriate learning opportunities that will enable them to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and/or other safeguarding concerns.

• Ensuring appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and providing support to the individual(s) who raised or disclosed the concern. All concerns or allegations of poor practice or abuse are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. It is the responsibility of child protection and other experts to determine whether abuse has taken place, but it is everyone’s responsibility to report it.

• Ensuring that confidential, detailed and accurate records of safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.

• Maintaining high standards of behaviour and good practice through compliance with ABRS+ Codes of Conduct. The policy and procedures are mandatory for everyone that has a direct association with us. Failure to comply may result in dismissal/exclusion.

Policy Review

The policy will be reviewed in the following circumstances:
• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by the Local Authority, ABRS+ and/or BEF
• As a result of any other significant change or event

Equestrian Safeguarding Officer

We have appointed an Equestrian Safeguarding Officer (ESO).

The role of the ESO is to:
• Work with those in a position of trust and with parents and carers to ensure a safe and positive environment
• Ensure children, young people and adults-at-risk and their carers are aware of this policy
• Ensure staff are aware of safeguarding procedures and guidance
• Ensure ABRS+ Codes of Conduct are available
• Promote safeguarding and first aid training
• Receive safeguarding concerns and offer support
• Maintain confidentiality and share information only on a need-to-know basis
• Respond to allegations or complaints
• Communicate with management regarding concerns
• Maintain contact details for ABRS+, Local Authority and Police

Dealing with a Disclosure

It is not the role of the ESO to determine whether abuse has taken place, but to record and report concerns appropriately.

If a disclosure is made, the ESO will:
• Listen in a safe and appropriate environment
• Avoid shock, disbelief or leading questions
• Allow the individual to speak freely
• Not interview or probe
• Not promise confidentiality
• Reassure and explain next steps
• Not criticise any alleged perpetrator

Records will include factual, accurate and relevant information only, including:
• Facts of the allegation or observation
• Description of injuries or signs
• Account given by the individual
• Witnesses
• Dates, times and relevant details
• Distinction between fact, opinion and hearsay
• Actions taken
• Details of those involved

Safeguarding records will be stored securely for a minimum of 25 years in line with statutory guidance. Access is restricted to authorised safeguarding personnel.

The ESO will report concerns to the Local Authority, Police and ABRS+ Safeguarding Officer.

Employing Staff and Volunteers

We will ensure:
• Safe and fair recruitment practices
• Safeguarding is included in job descriptions where relevant
• DBS checks are completed before unsupervised access is granted

Training for Staff

Those in a position of trust will:
• Complete BEF-approved safeguarding training every 3 years
• Undertake first aid training if coaching ridden activity
• Receive safeguarding induction training including whistleblowing awareness

Digital Safeguarding

We will:
• Obtain written consent before using images
• Explain how images will be used and stored
• Avoid sharing identifying personal information
• Ensure privacy and dignity are protected
• Not allow direct messaging of children or vulnerable adults via personal accounts
• Use secure platforms with appropriate controls

Communication Commitment

We will make this Safeguarding Policy available to staff, parents and carers and publish it on our website.

We will also display safeguarding contact details on notice boards and ensure reporting routes are clearly signposted.

Local Authorities provide safeguarding reporting information on their websites.

 

Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Dr Kristina Grant– 07309595665

Hertsmere MASH (Children): 020 8207 2277, Emergency Duty 020 8207 2270

• Children & Young People: Hertfordshire Children’s Services (MASH Team): 0300 123 4043 (Available 24/7)

Hertsmere Adult Social Care: 0300 123 4042, Emergency Duty 020 8207 2270

• Vulnerable Adults: Hertfordshire Adult Social Services: 0300 123 4042 (Available 24/7)

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Emergency: 999

Safe to Play -equestrian.safetoplay.co.uk

BEF Safeguarding team: safeguarding@bef.co.uk or call 02476 698871

Childline: 0800 1111  

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 

Ann Craft Trust - Safeguarding Adults in Sport: ann-craft-trust@nottingham.ac.uk

Emergency 999 - if a child or young person is in immediate danger or needs medical attention:  call 999

Serious concerns can be reported to child protection units within local police forces, children’s social care services or local safeguarding children's boards.

Signed by: Dr Kristina Grant

Date: 01/10/2025

Next review date: 01/10/2026