Policies

Fairford Bowling Club has considered its responsibilities to the young people participating in bowls at our premises and within our club very carefully, and has produced the following Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning procedures in order to set out the standards we wish to uphold in providing activities for children and safeguarding the welfare of children in our care.

Fairford Bowling Club is affiliated to Bowls England & EIBA and the Club recognises the policies of these Governing Bodies regarding “Safeguarding in Bowls”.

1. Policy Statement

Fairford Bowling Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all young people (defined as those under 18) involved in bowls within the club. All young people have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account.

Fairford Bowling Club will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all young people involved with the club through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Management Committee of the club. It is the responsibility of all adults within the club to assist the Management Committee in this endeavour.

2. Policy Aims

• To provide young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the club and also help them to enjoy their experience of the sport of bowls.
• To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible whilst participating in activities within the club.
• To provide support to club members and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively.

3. Principles

• The welfare of young people is paramount.
• All young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All staff and volunteers working in bowls have a responsibility to report concerns to their Club Safeguarding Officer.
• Adults – club members, volunteers and coaches will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of young people by the club and the National Governing Bodies.
• Individuals will receive support through education and training, coordinated by the club/national governing bodies to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light.
• Fairford Bowling Club will work in partnership with young people and parents to review and implement child protection and safeguarding procedures.
• Fairford Bowling Club’s policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration:
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.
• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Any subsequent legislation relating to child protection would implicitly be incorporated into this document.

4. Responsibilities and Communication

• • The Fairford Bowling Club Child Protection Policy will be available to all members, parents, volunteers and participants.
  • The Policy will be reviewed every three years by the Management Committee and amended as appropriate. Guidance from Bowls England and EIBA will be sought as part of the review process.
  • The Management Committee has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any appropriate disciplinary action to the national governing body as appropriate.

• The Club Safeguarding Officer has responsibility for responding to any allegations, concerns or child protection incidents, passing information to the appropriate NGB Safeguarding Officer and informing the appropriate club staff where relevant.
• Parents have a responsibility to work together with the club in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to keep themselves safe.

5. Monitoring and review

• This policy will be reviewed one year after being introduced and then every three years or in response to significant new legislation.
• The policy will be monitored in partnership with Bowls England, EIBA and Bowling Development Alliance procedures.

Fairford Bowling Club is affiliated to Bowls England & EIBA and the Club recognises the policies of these Governing Bodies regarding  “Safeguarding in Bowls”.

Policy Aims

• The purpose of this policy is to outline the duty and responsibility of members working on behalf of the Fairford Bowling Club in relation to Safeguarding Adults at risk.
• All adults have the right to be safe from harm and must be able to live free from fear of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Objectives

• Everyone who participates in bowls is entitled to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment.
• The Club is committed to helping everyone in bowls accept their responsibility to safeguard adults at risk, from harm and abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• Members working with adults at risk in bowls have a responsibility to report concerns to their Club Safeguarding Officer.

Definition of an Adult at Risk?

• Adult at Risk is a person aged 18 or over who is in need of care and support regardless of whether they are receiving them, and because of those needs are unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect. In recent years, there has been a marked shift away from using the term ‘vulnerable’ to describe adults potentially at risk from harm or abuse.
• Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. See section 5 for further explanations.
• Adult is anyone aged 18 or over.
• Adult safeguarding is protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
• Capacity refers to the ability to make a decision at a particular time, for example when under considerable stress. The starting assumption must always be that a person has the capacity to make a decision unless it can be established that they lack capacity (MCA 2005)..

Types of Abuse taken from the Care Act 2014

• Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour: neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. In bowls this could be a player whose appearance becomes unkempt, does not wear suitable sports kit and deterioration in hygiene.
• Modern Slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. In bowls you may notice that a participant in a team has been missing from games and is not responding to reminders from team members or coaches.
• Domestic Abuse – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. It also includes so called ‘honour’ based violence. A power imbalance between a participant and a family member may be noticed. For example, a participant with Downs syndrome may be looking quiet and withdrawn when their brother comes to collect them from sessions, in contrast to their personal assistant whom they greet with a smile.
• Discriminatory – discrimination is abuse which centres on a difference or perceived difference particularly with respect to race, gender or disability or any of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act. This could be the harassing of a club member because they are or are perceived to be transgender
• Organisational Abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation. In Bowls, this could be training without a necessary break.
• Physical Abuse – includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions. This could be a coach intentionally striking an athlete.
• Sexual Abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting. This could be a fellow athlete who sends unwanted sexually explicit text messages to an adult with learning disabilities they are training alongside.
• Financial or Material Abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. This could be someone taking equipment from an athlete with dementia.
• Neglect – including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating. This could be a coach not ensuring athletes have access to water.
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse – this includes threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks. This could be an athlete threatening another athlete with physical harm and persistently blaming them for poor performance.

Not included in the Care Act 2014 but also relevant:

• Cyber Bullying – cyber bullying occurs when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online or repeatedly picks on another person through emails or text messages, or uses online forums with the intention of harming, damaging, humiliating or isolating another person. It can be used to carry out many different types of bullying (such as racist bullying, homophobic bullying, or bullying related to special educational needs and disabilities) but instead of the perpetrator carrying out the bullying face-to-face, they use technology as a means to do it.
• Forced Marriage – forced marriage is a term used to describe a marriage in which one or both of the parties are married without their consent or against their will. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent to the assistance of a third party in identifying a spouse. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 make it a criminal offence to force someone to marry.
• Mate Crime – a ‘mate crime’ as defined by the Safety Net Project is ‘when vulnerable people are befriended by members of the community who go on to exploit and take advantage of them. It may not be an illegal act but still has a negative effect on the individual.’
• Radicalisation – the aim of radicalisation is to attract people to their reasoning, inspire new recruits and embed their extreme views and persuade vulnerable individuals of the legitimacy of their cause. This may be direct through a relationship, or through social media.

Responsibilities and Communication

• The Fairford Bowling Club Safeguarding Policy will be available to all members, parents, staff, volunteers and participants. It is important that adults at risk are protected from abuse. All complaints, allegations or suspicions must be taken seriously with the Club Safeguarding Officer passing information to the appropriate NGB Safeguarding Officer and informing the appropriate club members where relevant.
• The Club has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any appropriate disciplinary action to the national governing body as appropriate.

The Role of Key Individual Agencies

• Adult Social Services – The Department of Health’s recent ‘No secrets’ guidance document requires that authorities develop a local framework within which all responsible agencies work together to ensure a coherent policy for the protection of vulnerable adults at risk of abuse.

All local authorities have a Safeguarding Adults Board, which oversees multi-agency work aimed at protecting and safeguarding vulnerable adults. It is normal practice for the board to comprise of people from partner organisations who have the ability to influence decision making and resource allocation within their organisation.

• The Police – The Police play a vital role in Safeguarding Adults with cases involving alleged criminal acts. It becomes the responsibility of the police to investigate allegations of crime by preserving and gathering evidence. Where a crime is identified, the police will be the lead agency and they will direct investigations in line with legal and other procedural protocols.

Legal Framework

• The Care Act 2014 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/introduction/enacted sets out a clear legal framework for how local authorities and other parts of the system should protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Each Local Authority must have a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB), in much the same way of Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB). They must lead a multi-agency system that seeks to prevent abuse and neglect and stop it quickly when it happens which includes the NHS, police and Social Care. The Safeguarding Adults Boards (SAB) must meet regularly, develop shared safeguarding plans and publish an annual review of progress. They will carry out Safeguarding Adults Reviews in some circumstances relating to safeguarding failures. The Act also introduces a responsibility for Local Authorities to make enquiries and take any necessary action if an adult with care and support needs could be at risk, even if that adult isn’t receiving local authority care and support.
• The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Data Protection Act 2018

Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed one year after being introduced and then every three years or in response to significant new legislation by the Management Committee and amended as appropriate. Guidance from Bowls England & EIBA will be sought as part of the review process.
• The policy will be monitored in partnership with the Bowls England, EIBA and Bowls Development Alliance procedures.

Bowls is a sport that thrives on its traditions of fairness, respect, and camaraderie. It should be played not only in accordance with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, but also in the spirit of the game and the values of Bowls England: Collaborative, Adaptable, Responsible and Encouraging (CARE).

The responsibility for upholding these values lies with everyone involved ‐ players, team managers, officials, volunteers, coaches and supporters.

This Code of Conduct reflects our Club’s commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone ‐ on and off the green.

These guidelines were agreed by our Club Committee on 2nd December 2025 and are designed to support a thriving community where everyone feels valued and inspired.

Respectful Behaviour

• Treat everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of differences in opinion, background or ability.
• Use positive, respectful language, avoid offensive language, taunting, bullying, harassment or discrimination.
• Celebrate and congratulate good play and positive behaviours. Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all mes, win or lose.

Celebrate Our Differences

• Embrace the diversity of our club community and encourage participation from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, genders and ages.
• Be mindful that some disabilities may be hidden ‐ always approach others with kindness and understanding.

Maintain a Safe Environment

• Help create a safe and inclusive space for all, ensure you notify club management of any unsafe conditions.
• Ensure adequate supervision of Under 18s, ensure the right number of adults are present based on the children's age, group size, the activity and their specific needs.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly to our Club Safeguarding Officer.

Online Conduct

• Treat others online with the same respect you would in person.
• Do not send messages or make/interact with posts that could be perceived by others as harmful, offensive or threatening via any media, such as Email, Text, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
• Do not post content that could bring you, our Club, County Association or the sport into disrepute.
• Respect members’ privacy ‐ always seek permission before sharing images or personal information.

Our Club, Our Responsibility

• Keep the clubhouse clean, safe and welcoming.
• Report any health and safety concerns to club management.

Appropriate Attire

• Dress suitably for club events and activities. When we look like a team, we feel like a team.
• If unsure about dress code expectations, ask a fellow member ‐ we're here to support each other.
• Be understanding if a teammate or opponent requires flexibility with the dress code, as accessibility or personal circumstances may play a role.

Volunteer Appreciation

• Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our club. From Greenkeepers who care for our playing surface to Umpires who make our games happen to Club Secretaries who keep everything running smoothly, their dedication makes our sport possible. Take me to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. A simple thank you goes a long way.

Breaches of Conduct

The club takes breaches of this Code seriously. If behaviour falls short of these expectations and a complaint is made, Bowls England Regulation 9 (R9) will be followed.

Acknowledgment

By being part of our Club, every member, parent or guardian and supporter agrees to uphold these standards. Together, we commit to creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the sport and thrive.

A player taking part in a match or competition under the auspices of the Gloucestershire Bowls Association is deemed to have read and accepted this Code and it is the responsibility of the player to understand this commitment. Ignorance of the Code is no excuse.

All matches and competitions played under the auspices of Bowls England - which includes all the top inter-county matches, all National Championship games in the National Finals at Leamington, and all National Competitions – are played under the Bowls England Player Code of Conduct. It is appropriate that the GBA Code of Conduct for Players includes exactly the same requirements. However, the GBA Code is also mandatory for all games played, at any level, within Gloucestershire - including the County rounds of the National Championship events.

Purpose of the Code

This Code of Conduct is issued by the GBA in order to ensure:

• The GBA’s standards of conduct are clear.
• The rights and enjoyment of anyone involved in our sport are protected and maintained.
• All players are aware of the standards of conduct expected of them, and the consequences of breaching the standard.
• The good name of the GBA (and its member clubs) and the integrity of our Sport of Lawn Bowls is maintained.
• Our sport is seen by prospective participants as a place they might feel happy and belong.

1. Respect and Sportsmanship

• Show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, umpires and spectators at all times – winning graciously and accepting that defeat is a necessary part of sport.
• Do not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on race, gender, religion, sexual identity or other personal attributes.
• Refrain from directing any words, signs or gestures towards opponents or officials that are understood in any language to have an obscene or offensive meaning .
• Accept decisions made by umpires, tournament officials and/or staff members with grace, refraining from arguing or showing dissent.
• Play with a spirit of fairness, avoiding unsporting behaviour such as cheating, intentional rule-breaking or non-participation in subsequent rounds of an event without good reason.

2. Discipline and Commitment

• Be conversant with, and comply with, the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls and all Bowls England and GBA rules and regulations relating to events under the jurisdiction of Bowls England and the GBA.
• Adhere to Bowls England Betting Integrity Guidance.
• Adhere to Bowls England Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy.
• Adhere to the Anti-Doping policies as set by UK Anti-Doping.
• Do not drink alcohol on the green or within two metres of the green, nor render yourself unfit to play in a match through alcohol misuse.
• Do not smoke (including e-cigarettes/vapes) on the green, surrounding banks or within two metres of any other player or spectator.
• Do not use mobile phones on the green (except in case of emergency, pre-declared medical reasons or other approved exceptional circumstance).
• Avoid engaging in any activities that may bring the sport into disrepute.
• Players must not seek or receive coaching during play except as permitted under the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls.

3. Integrity and Honesty

• Represent your team and sport with pride, ensuring your actions reflect positively on yourself and others.
• Take responsibility for your actions on and off the green.
• Report any suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour or safeguarding concerns promptly.

4. Social Media, Communications and Public Representation

• Adhere to Bowls England’s Social Media Policy.
• Use social media responsibly, ensuring posts and comments reflect the values of our sport – collaborative, adaptable, responsible and encouraging.
• Do not make inflammatory, offensive, or unverified statements online or in public forums. Players may make public comments or communicate with the media (including web-based social media eg. Facebook, X (Twitter)) in relation to their personal performance provided that they do not make or endorse any public statement that has or may have a negative effect on the interests of World Bowls, Bowls England (or its member clubs/counties), other players, opponents or the Sport of Bowls.

5. Conduct by Gloucestershire players specific to Aviva National Finals

•  In addition to the items highlighted previously, the following will also apply at the Aviva National Finals:
  • Players may only withdraw from the event (either in advance or during) by providing the Tournament Committee with written evidence of a bona fide injury, illness, bereavement or other exceptional circumstance.
  • Players must be on their rink and ready to start play no less than 15 minutes prior to the official start time as published on the draw (or notified in advance by the Tournament Committee).
  • Finalists in all events must attend the Trophy Presentation in playing kit. Should anyone not attend, or not be properly attired, no prize money will be awarded.
  • Players must participate in interviews for media coverage immediately after a match as requested by Bowls England officials.
• Any contravention of the Bowls England Player Code of Conduct during the Aviva National Finals will be dealt with by an Emergency Disciplinary Committee during the event and sanctions (see Bowls England Regulations 50-70, Appendix M) may be imposed immediately – which could result in a player/team being disqualified from the competition and/or whole event.

6. Consequences of misconduct in Gloucestershire or by Gloucestershire players

• Violations of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to suspensions, fines, or expulsion from an individual competition/event/the sport in line with sanctions listed at ‘Bowls England Regulations 50-70, Appendix M : Player Code of Conduct - Sanctions at Bowls England Events including Aviva National Finals’
• By participating in any match or by entering any competition under the auspices of the Gloucestershire Bowls Association, players accept the authority of that Association in addressing breaches of the Code of Conduct.
• Allegations of breaches of the Code shall be made, in writing, to the GBA Board Member for Administration, who shall advise the player of the nature of the allegation and invite the player’s comments in writing. If, after reference to a GBA Board-appointed panel, further action is decided, all relevant parties shall be advised. Sanctions may include anything referred to in ‘Bowls England Regulations 50-70 Appendix M : Player Code of Conduct - Sanctions at Bowls England Events including the Aviva National Finals’ or in the GBA Competition Rules *. Competition results/outcomes may be adjusted if the timing of the process still permits that possibility.

This policy concerns the personal information (data) held by the Club, its security and use.

The policy is written in response to the GDPR, in force from 25 May 2018.  It defines the people involved, the data collected by the Club, how it is stored and used internally and externally, and members’ rights over their data.

The Club uses this data solely for the purposes of the effective running of the Club.  It does not share the data with anyone without your consent except Gloucestershire Bowls Association (GBA) and Bowls England (BE) for some specific post holders and affiliation purposes.

The Data Controller for the purposes of the GDPR will be the Club through the Executive Committee.  They will be responsible for the implementation and review of this policy.  Given the nature of data held and Club size, the appointment of a Data Protection Officer is not seen as required; any concerns relating to data protection should be addressed to the Club Chairman who will fulfil this role.

The Data Processor will be the Club Membership Secretary who will hold the club membership database.  The Membership Secretary will be responsible for the collection of the data, its security, ensuring that permission for the data to be held, used, and shared as described below is given, and updating of club records including deletion where required.

What Data is Collected and Why

It is necessary for the personal information to be collected for the effective running of the Club as tabulated below:

The Club does not collect or hold any ‘sensitive data’ for a member such as health issues.

When is the Data Collected and Reviewed

This data is captured when a member first joins the Club through a Club Membership Application form.  The accuracy of the personal information will be reviewed annually when a member renews their membership.

Who Collects and Holds the Data

The data is collected and held by the Club Membership Secretary.  To ensure the security of the data held, the Club requires that access to their computer is password protected.

What Data is Shared outside the Club

             GBA – The GBA publishes annual handbooks which contain contact information which may include:

• Club Secretary – name, address, phone number(s) and e-mail address;
• Women’s Divisional Delegate – name, address, phone number(s) and e-mail address
• Match Secretary – name, address, phone number(s) and e-mail address;
• County Two-Rinks Captain(s) – (Men’s Division) name and phone number; and,
• County Inter-Club Competition Organiser – (Women’s Division) name and phone number(s).

The holders of these posts will be required to confirm that they agree to the sharing and publication of this data.

Bowls England and EIBA –  publish an annual handbook which contains contact information for the Club, namely

• Club Secretary – name, phone number and e-mail address.

As above, the individual post holder will be required to confirm their agreement to this.

The Club will require that organisations do not further share the data or use it for any purpose except communications and publications as specified above.  The Club will not release the data to any other organisations for marketing or other purposes.  The data is not used in any form of automated decision making or profiling.

Members are also asked to provide some personal information on entry to County Competitions.  This area is not a club matter and is therefore dealt with separately by the GBA Policy, a copy of which can be obtained from the appropriate Divisional Secretary.

No data is shared by the Membership Secretary within the Club except telephone numbers so that members and team captains may arrange teams for games and contact members over a match should the need arise.

The Club will not publish any personal data on the club website except names and telephone numbers of club officers and officials.

Member’s Rights to their Personal Data

All members have the right to be provided with a copy of the data held on them by the Club.  Any request for this should be made in writing (including e-mail) to the Club Secretary.  The Club has one month to reply to any such request.  There will be no charge for such access to data.  The data held on a member will be deleted within one month of notice that the member has left or is not re-joining the Club.

Young People’s Data

GDPR will set an age for a young person to give their own consent to the collection and storage of their personal data.  However, given the BE requirements concerning young people, if any club member is below 18, permission for the collection and use of their data will be sought from the parents/guardians of the young person.  Any member requiring contact with a young person should approach the Secretary to seek agreement for the release of contact details.

Breaches of Data Security

If at any point a breach of data security is suspected or identified, then that suspicion or fact must be reported immediately (verbally if necessary and confirmed in writing) to the Club Chairman who is responsible for investigating breaches of security, determining the resultant degree of risk and deciding on the action to be taken, reporting this at the first opportunity to the Executive Committee.

Where a breach is likely to result in a serious risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals (say involving health or financial issues), the Club Chairman has 72 hours to report the incident to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

The Club recognises that the requirements of the GDPR apply as much to paper files and records as it does to digital ones and will ensure that any paper records are similarly securely treated.  As security issues are much more problematic for paper records, the Club will seek to reduce the use of paper files to the minimum possible.

Consent on the Holding and Use of the Data

On applying to join the Club, a member will be given a copy of this policy and asked to confirm that they have read and accept it and that the Club may contact them through mail, e-mail and/or phone as outlined.  Such communications will be restricted to matters such as: GBA and BE issues; club meetings, minutes and events; availability for and selection of teams; and other such club related material.  In addition, they will be asked to consent to the publication of their name and phone number(s) and email address for communications and so that they and other members can arrange matches as part of Club Competitions.

It should be noted that if consent is withdrawn for the publication of any data in printed form it will be removed from the next publication but will remain in previously printed editions of publications.

The Club will seek to always use a bcc system when any e-mails are sent to multiple members.

Reviews

It is expected that a member will update their personal information if it changes during the year.  At the annual subscription, members will be asked to confirm the accuracy of the data held on them and to reconfirm their consents as described above.

What are cookies?

How do we use cookies?

Manage cookie preferences

Consent Preferences