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Policies 


Health and Safety Policy


General: The Event Organisers, Michelle Roberts, Caroline Crawford, Sian Darlow, Kim Porter, Gill Slater and Karan Tett have overall responsibility for health and safety and risk assess the show field during set up and continually during show events held. The health and safety Organisers are required to ensure the areas of competition and those accessible to the public and other officials are subjected to a risk assessment and that this is recorded, and any actions taken in the club's health and safety plan. Following each event, a debrief must take place to determine what went well and improvements to be made before the next show.

Competitors: Competitors are reminded that they enter the show field at their own risk and the 'event organisers' accept no liability for any accident, loss, damage, injury or illness to horses, owners, riders, spectators, land, cars their contents and accessories or any other person or property whatsoever, whether caused by their negligence or breach of club rules. Exceptions to the above are where the club is proven negligent.

Advice to the public and spectators: All reasonable and practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of those attending the event. All persons attending the show are reminded to be mindful that horses can be dangerous animals and therefore should be aware of their own surroundings, giving horses and ponies a safe distance when in their vicinity. Please be aware we are on agricultural land and appropriate footwear is advised due to irregular terrain. The event organisers shall incur no liability, except as required by law in respect of their risk assessment.

Contractors: Contractors at this event are required to observe best working practices, complying with all health and safety legislation relevant to their business, and take all reasonable and practical steps to safeguard the health and safety of their employees and any other person attending the event.

All members receive a notice of disclaimer in their schedule and this is also on display in the secretaries tent for spectators to view. Signing of membership is in agreement and acknowledgement of these rules.

Signed: MRoberts on behalf of Wyre and District Riding Club.

Updated 25/01/23

Safeguarding policy


Wyre and District Riding Club places the highest priority on safety and enjoyment and recognises that it has a duty of care towards children and young people within the horse industry.

Wyre and District Riding Club accepts its legal and moral obligation to children and young people and its duty of care to protect children and young people and to safeguard their welfare. As part of our safeguarding policy WDRC (Wyre and District Riding Club) will:

  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
  • Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
  • Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
  • Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
  • Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
  • Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

WDRC acknowledges that some children and young people, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

Definitions

A child is defined as:

Children are defined in the Children Act 1989 as people under the age of 18 years. For the purposes of this Policy the legal definition applies.

The Department for Education defines Safeguarding and Child Protection as:

  • protecting children from maltreatment
  • preventing impairment of children's health or development
  • ensuring children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Statutory Framework

In order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, WDRC will act in accordance with the following legislation and guidance:

England & Wales

  • Children Acts 1989 & 2004
  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 1989
  • The European Convention on Human Rights 1950
  • Police Act 1997
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Freedom of Information Act 2000
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE, 2018)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Sexual Offences (Amendments) Act 2003
  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
  • Care Act 2014 - implemented March 2015
  • Information Sharing Advice - March 2015
  • What to do if you're worried a child is being abused. - March 2015
  • Procedures set out by the local Safeguarding Children Boards

Safeguarding Officer

As part of its commitment to safeguarding, wdrc has 2 Safeguarding Officers who lead on policy, procedures and provides support and guidance for the committee.

The specific role of the Safeguarding Officer is to:

  • Lead and coordinate safeguarding across the club
  • Manage and coordinate all safeguarding concerns
  • Develop and maintain safeguarding policies and procedures
  • Coordinate with committee and outside agencies where necessary
  • Monitor and feed back to the committee

Safeguarding Officer Contact details:
Michelle Roberts and Sian Darlow.

USEFUL CONTACTS

NSPCC HELPLINE

24 hour free and confidential telephone helpline that provides counselling, information and advice to anyone concerned about a child at risk of ill treatment or abuse.

Tel: 0808 800 5000

CHILDLINE

24-hour free and confidential helpline for children

Tel: 0800 1111

VICTIM SUPPORT

Provides emotional support, information and practical help for victims and witnesses

Tel: 0845 3030 900

SAMARITANS

Tel: 116 123

Updated 25/01/23

Horse Welfare Policy


The welfare of horses and ponies competing at Wyre and District Riding club is paramount.

Please ensure:

  • General Welfare:

Clean and good quality hay and water must always be available.

  • Training methods - Horses must only undergo training that matches their physical capabilities and level of maturity for their respective disciplines. They must not be subjected to methods which are abusive or cause fear. Competent handlers must always be available to manage the Horses.
  • Misuse of aids - Abuse of a Horse using natural riding aids or artificial aids (e.g. whips, spurs, etc.) will not be tolerated.

Many Thanks

Committee at Wyre and District Riding Club.