Safeguarding Policy

TopLine Equine

TopLine Equine fully accepts its legal and moral responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in accordance with The Children Act 1989 and 2004.

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all children and young people, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or any other protected characteristic.

For the purposes of this policy, a child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

TopLine Equine fully adopts and follows the British Horse Society (BHS) and Pony Club Safeguarding Policies for children and young people.

Our Aims

The aims of the TopLine Equine Safeguarding Policy are to:

• Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are in place to provide children and young people with appropriate protection while participating in activities at TopLine Equine.

• Create a fun, safe and positive environment where children are treated fairly and with respect.

• Take all reasonable and practical steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment, while respecting their rights, wishes and feelings.

• Ensure all staff, volunteers and coaches understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are supported with appropriate training.

• Enable early recognition and appropriate response to concerns relating to abuse, neglect or poor practice.

• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously, recorded accurately and responded to promptly and appropriately.

• Maintain confidential, detailed and secure records of safeguarding concerns.

• Uphold high standards of behaviour and good practice in line with BEF Codes of Conduct for staff, volunteers, parents/guardians and young people.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. While it is the role of child protection professionals to determine whether abuse has occurred, it is the responsibility of all individuals to report concerns.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including exclusion from the yard.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in legislation or government guidance

• Direction from the Local Safeguarding Children Board, BHS or BEF

• A significant incident or organisational change

Centre Safeguarding Officer (CSO)

The Centre Safeguarding Officer for TopLine Equine is:

Rachael Cardus
📞 07474 892094
✉️ Confidential email: rcardus88@gmail.com

Role of the CSO

The CSO is responsible for:

• Promoting a child-centred and welfare-focused environment

• Ensuring awareness of BHS safeguarding policies and procedures

• Making safeguarding information accessible to parents, young people and staff

• Receiving concerns and offering guidance and support

• Ensuring appropriate training is undertaken and promoted

• Maintaining codes of conduct for staff, volunteers, parents and young people

• Responding to allegations or complaints appropriately

• Liaising with management, Pony Club Safeguarding Teams and external agencies when required

• Maintaining up-to-date contact details for local children’s services and police

The CSO does not investigate incidents or determine whether abuse has occurred but records concerns and seeks professional guidance as necessary.

Communication

• This Safeguarding Policy is available to all staff, volunteers, young people and parents/guardians and is published on the TopLine Equine website.

• All new clients with children under 18 will be informed of the CSO’s contact details.

• All individuals involved with TopLine Equine must adhere to the Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

• All staff and volunteers are required to confirm their agreement to uphold safeguarding standards.

Training

• All instructors, coaches, staff and volunteers working with children must complete BEF-approved safeguarding training (or recognised equivalent) within the last three years.

• Refresher training must be completed every three years.

• New staff or volunteers must complete safeguarding training as part of their induction unless recent certification can be evidenced.

Criminal Record Checks

• All instructors, staff and volunteers working with children must hold a current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.

• DBS checks must be renewed every three years.

Further Support

• Childline: 0800 1111

• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Code of Conduct

For Young People

We ask you to:

• Listen to your coach and follow instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

• Stay in agreed areas and tell a member of staff before leaving.

• Treat equipment, ponies and facilities with care.

• Arrive on time and let staff know if you are running late.

• Wear appropriate clothing for riding and the weather.

• Not smoke or consume alcohol on the premises.

Behaviour Expectations:

• Respect others and celebrate differences.

• Report bullying or behaviour that makes you uncomfortable.

• Support and encourage each other.

• Respect staff and follow yard rules.

• Have fun and enjoy learning.

You have the right to:

• Feel safe, welcomed and respected.

• Be listened to and taken seriously.

• Know who to talk to if something isn’t right.

• Develop skills in a supportive environment.

• Receive appropriate care if injured, with parents informed where necessary.

Code of Conduct

For Staff and Volunteers

We ask you to:

• Follow TopLine Equine safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Report concerns or allegations to the CSO without delay.

• Maintain professional boundaries and appropriate relationships.

• Keep training up to date.

• Use positive, constructive coaching methods.

• Challenge bullying, discrimination or poor behaviour.

• Lead by example and promote a respectful environment.

• Communicate openly with parents and carers.

You have the right to:

• Feel supported, respected and safe in your role.

• Access training and safeguarding guidance.

• Be listened to and involved in decisions.

• Work in an inclusive environment free from abuse or discrimination.