The Devon Men Veteran Golfers Association (DMVGA) is fully committed to the protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. At the same time, the DMVGA also recognises its duty of care to all those who are present at our competitions or matches wherever they are held.

Our Statement

Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the protection of children and vulnerable adults (as set out in the Children’s Act 2004 and the Care Act 2014) and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects the statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and England Golf requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and vulnerable adults:

• have a positive and enjoyable experience at Devon Men Veteran Golfers Association events in a safe environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in, or being present at, our golf events.

Our Policy

As part of our safeguarding policy, we will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults value, listen to and respect children and vulnerable adults
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in place
• adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for committee members and other volunteers.
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate guidance to enable them to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults.
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual(s) who raise or disclose their concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• Make sure that children, vulnerable adults and their parents/guardians know where to go for help if they have a concern.

Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• as required by home country golf councils
• as a result of any other significant change or event.

Action/Implementation

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in the Devon Men Veteran Golfers Association (DMVGA).  A copy of this policy will be sent to all our DMVGA Club Representatives. A copy of this policy will also be posted on our website (www.dmvga.co.uk). The website also has a “contact form” which may be completed by anyone wishing to report any concerns regarding the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults - the form will automatically be sent to the Secretary who is also the Safeguarding Officer.

Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

If any incident takes place at any DMVGA event, the matter must be reported to the officers of the Committee present on the day. The officers concerned will make every effort to investigate and speak with all concerned. A full report will be submitted to the Association’s safeguarding office. The safeguarding officer will take the appropriate action and, if necessary, report the incident to the relevant authorities including the club at which any such incident is alleged to have taken place.

The safeguarding officer will ensure that a log of any reported incidents is recorded and kept confidentially.

CONTACTS

DMVGA - Safeguarding Officer - Les Hartley, Secretary - email: hondip@hotmail.co.uk -Tel: 07443457725

Devon Golf - Welfare Officer – email: info@devongolf.org.uk – Tel: 07779990393

England Golf- Lead Safeguarding Officer, National Golf Centre, The Broadway, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire – email: safeguarding@englandgolf.org.

In addition to the above guidance, the comprehensive and more detailed policies can be

found on our website by using the links below:-

Protection of Children

Protection of Vulnerable Adults  

DMVGA  March 2022