Note: The term child describes any young person under the age of 18.

A “vulnerable adult” is defined as an individual age 18 or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for themselves. It can also refer to one who is unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

Our Statement.

The British Model Flying Association (BMFA) as the governing body for the sport of model flying acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance.

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 of model flying in a safe environment.
• Are protected from abuse whilst participating in model flying and related activities or outside of the activity.

We acknowledge that some children and vulnerable adults, including disabled children or those from ethic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

Our Policy.

As part of our safeguarding policy the BMFA will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults
• Value, listen to and respect children and vulnerable adults
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
• Adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
• Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults.

Please see https://bmfa.org/safeguarding

• Provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently.
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of all incidents or concerns, both lower level and concerns of abuse and with support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
• Record and store information securely in line with data protection legislation and guidance.
• Prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
• Appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and vulnerable adults, a deputy and a lead Board member for safeguarding.
• Develop and implement an effective online safety policy and related procedures.
• Share information about safeguarding and good practice with children or vulnerable adults and their parents or carers via leaflets, posters, group work and one to one discussions.
• Make sure that children, vulnerable adults and their parents or carers know where to go for help if they have a concern.
• Make provision for everyone involved in providing model flying activities for children or vulnerable adults to be given access to appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in the BMFA, model flying and associated activities. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the association.

Monitoring

This policy will be a reviewed a year after development and then every three years or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation or government guidance
• As required by the appropriate home country safeguarding board or safeguarding partnership.
• As a result of any significant change or event.

Contact Details.

BMFA Safeguarding Team

Chief Executive Officer,      David Phipps,
Club Support Officer,           Andy Symons
BMFA Outreach Director

Email: safeguarding@bmfa.org

Telephone 0116 2440028 (safeguarding & welfare enquiries during office hours)

Telephone 0116 2441084 (for urgent enquiries and incident reporting outside of office hours only)