Member Welfare

North Devon Velo’s Club Welfare Officer is here to listen if you need someone to talk to or are concerned about someone’s safety.

North Devon Velo takes its duty of care for our junior and juvenile members extremely seriously. Activities for young riders should be fun, safe, and take place in a supportive club environment. We are committed to promoting a safe and supportive environment for all members of North Devon Velo. Every child shall be treated as an individual and every attempt made to cater to their differing physical abilities and emotional needs.

We have a Welfare Officer who is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of our members, and who can provide support and advice in a confidential and sensitive manner. The Welfare Officer works closely with the club committee and other relevant organisations to ensure that our policies and procedures align with best practices outlined by British Cycling and applicable laws.

If you have any concerns about any members, officials, coaches or any other persons who you come across as a result of the club’s activities, and feel you cannot approach the person concerned you must contact the Club Welfare Officer or any other official or coach in the club. Choose someone you trust. This applies to even if the concern seems minor and trivial.

In the unlikely event of any problem, please contact our Welfare Officer, Maxine at info@northdevonvelo.com to discuss your problem.

We operate under the umbrella of British Cycling and full details of their welfare policies can be found at www.britishcycling.org.uk/safeguarding

- A Young Person’s Guide to Child Protection

You have rights. Cycling should be fun. You should be safe and enjoy your sport.

You can’t do that if you feel unhappy – if someone is bullying or abusing you.

So how can you identify if something is wrong?

- You know something is wrong if someone:

  • Constantly teases you, shouts at you or calls you names;

  • Makes suggestive remarks or tries to pressurise you into sexual activity;

  • Threatens, hits, kicks or punches you;

  • Damages or steal your belongings;

  • Touches you or does anything in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable;

  • Does anything that makes you feel lonely, worried, unsafe, hurt or embarrassed.

- To keep safe always:

  • Tell someone you trust, so they can help you;

  • Travel with a friend, avoid travelling in someone else’s car by yourself;

  • Trust your instincts about people you meet;

  • Avoid going to other peoples’ homes by yourself;

  • Avoid being alone or with just one other person;

  • Carry a mobile phone, phone card or change.

- If you are bullied or abused , it is not your fault. If this is happening to you, try to:

  • Be firm and tell the person to stop – make a lot of noise to attract attention;

  • Keep a note of the date, time and place, what happened, how you felt and the name of anyone who may have seen what happened;

  • Get away from the situation quickly, go to a public place to find help or call the Police (999);

  • Call your Club Welfare Officer or use the 24 hour free telephone help line: Childline 0800-1111;

  • Tell your parents/guardians/carers, the Club Welfare Officer or an adult who you can trust what has happened as soon as possible.

 

Who to Contact

Maxine Webber

Club Welfare Officer

Alternatively, you can contact:

British Cycling - 0161 274 2082

Childline - 0800 1111

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000

Police - 999

A PDF copy can be downloaded via NDV Welfare Statement