1. Our commitment
The safety and wellbeing of every swimmer at LBHSC comes before everything else. That is especially true for children and vulnerable adults, and it is non-negotiable.
Safeguarding is not one person's job. Every coach, volunteer, committee member and visitor shares the duty to notice when something seems wrong and to know how to report it. Safeguarding training is part of induction for all staff and volunteers, and it is refreshed regularly.
2. DBS checks
Every coach, assistant coach and volunteer who has unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults holds a current enhanced DBS certificate.
Certificates are checked before anyone starts in role, and records are monitored and renewed in line with current guidance. Where appropriate the club uses the DBS Update Service so status can be checked between renewals. Anyone whose check reveals relevant information will not work with children or vulnerable adults at the club.
3. Swim England Wavepower
LBHSC is affiliated to Swim England and works within Wavepower, Swim England's safeguarding framework for clubs.
How coaches and volunteers should conduct themselves around young swimmers.
Photography and social media rules.
How coaches may communicate with under-18 swimmers.
How to report concerns about abuse, neglect or inappropriate behaviour.
What safeguarding training coaches and welfare officers must complete.
The full Wavepower framework is published at swimming.org/wavepower.
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead
The club's Designated Safeguarding Lead is Nadia: the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern at LBHSC. Contact the DSL via enquiries@lbhsc.org.uk with "Safeguarding" in the subject line.
The club's Safeguarding Officer is Alan Smith, responsible for receiving and assessing every safeguarding concern reported to the club.
Liaising with Children's Services and the police where necessary.
Keeping a confidential record of concerns and the action taken.
Making sure coaches and volunteers complete the right training.
Reviewing the club's safeguarding policy each year.
5. Raising a concern
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or adult at LBHSC, at the pool, at a gala, online or anywhere else, contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as you can.
Every concern is taken seriously.
Concerns are treated in confidence and shared only with those who need to know.
All concerns are recorded and followed up in line with LBHSC and Swim England procedures.
Immediate risk of harm: call 999, or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 (free, 24 hours). For anything non-urgent, email enquiries@lbhsc.org.uk with ‘Safeguarding Concern’ in the subject line. You will receive an acknowledgement within one working day.
You do not need to be certain that abuse has happened before you raise a concern. If something does not feel right, say so. It is the DSL's job to assess what happens next.
6. Photography policy
Photography and filming at LBHSC sessions and galas are controlled by the club's photography policy.
Photographing children requires prior written consent from a parent or guardian.
Spectator photography from poolside is restricted during sessions and galas.
Images of children must not be posted on personal social media without explicit consent.
Official club photography is taken by authorised people only.
The full photography policy is available on request from enquiries@lbhsc.org.uk, and current policies are published on the Club Documents page.
7. Communication guidelines
Coaches contact young swimmers through a parent or guardian's email wherever possible.
Direct one-to-one messaging between coaches and under-18 swimmers on personal devices is not permitted. All club communication goes through official channels, in line with Wavepower. Parents or guardians with concerns about coach communications should contact the DSL immediately.