Welfare Officer

Helen Wescott

Ensure members feel welcome, included and supported
Act as a safeguarding focal point, and in conjunction with the committee, all members and visitors, to uphold the Clubs safeguarding policies and procedures in order to safeguard children and adults at risk
Ensure the policies set out by British Rowing and other guidance are considered and implemented by the Club to safeguard the membership
To understand welfare information and make sure this is embedded in the Clubs processes for dealing with issues

Ensuring welfare officer contact information is easily and widely available, such as having posters in the Club and on the Tees RC website
Regularly attending Club sessions to make sure all members and parents know who you are, so they can speak to you regarding any worries they may have

Managing Incidents

Respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures when they arise in line with Club policy and best practice
Work with British Rowing (and where required, other external safeguarding authorities) on safeguarding concerns and disclosures
Provide a signpost of up-to-date information about who to contact and when if matters are urgent (and/or out of hours).
Ensure any safety concerns are reported to the Safety Adviser (if appropriate)

Club Volunteers

Ensure safe recruitment procedures are observed and followed through (e.g. DBS check)
Keep and securely store confidential records, including of all those who have been vetted within the Club and ensure that DBS checks are updated on at least a three-yearly basis (but not keep the certificate or photocopies/scans of it); and a log of those who have had safeguarding training and when; Share this record with the Secretary on a timely basis
Ensure the safe recruitment procedures are observed; pursue references for those who will be coaching / working with junior rowers or adults at risk

Policies and Procedures

Support the committee to update and communicate the safeguarding policies and procedures to coaches, staff, volunteers, children, families and all other members and visitors
Advise the club committee on the development of safeguarding culture within the Club

Be calm and approachable
Good interpersonal and communicationa skills
Have good administrative and recording skills
Ability to deal with conflict and handle confidential issues
Understand the boundaries of the role and when to seek external advice and support
To have an understanding and knowledge of responsibilities of safeguarding and good practice