Policy Owner: Kathryn Stewart – Safeguarding & Welfare Officer
Policy approved by: Hildenborough Badminton Club Committee
Date policy approved: 22 January 2026
Next review date: 22 January 2028

1. Introduction

Hildenborough Badminton Club is committed to providing high safeguarding standards and to upholding the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

We will safeguard adults by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way that keeps all participants safe. This commitment extends to recognising and responding to harm experienced anywhere, including within club activities, the wider community, a person’s own home, or any care setting.

This Safeguarding Adults Policy applies to all individuals involved in the club, including players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, and spectators.

2. Principles

2.1
Hildenborough Badminton Club believes that everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or gender identity.

2.2
We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of judgement or retribution.

2.3
We recognise that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and are committed to preventing abuse and neglect through promoting the welfare of all adults involved in our activities.

2.4
We acknowledge that health, wellbeing, ability, disability, and the need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience, and that these factors may change at different points in a person’s life.

2.5
Any safeguarding action taken by Hildenborough Badminton Club will be prompt, proportionate, and centred on the wishes and wellbeing of the adult concerned, wherever possible.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

As a club affiliated to Badminton England, Hildenborough Badminton Club will:

3.1
Adopt and implement the Badminton England Safeguarding Adults Policy, procedures, and guidance.

3.2
Appoint a Safeguarding and Welfare Officer in line with Badminton England guidance.

3.3
Ensure that committee members, coaches, volunteers, and club members are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and know how to raise concerns.

3.4
Promote best practice and uphold the Badminton England Codes of Ethics and Behaviour.

3.5
Use safer recruitment and ongoing suitability checks for volunteers and those in positions of responsibility within the club.

3.6
Ensure that safeguarding procedures are understood and followed and that everyone knows who to contact if they have a concern.

3.7
Ensure that the wellbeing of adults at risk of harm is prioritised and that individuals are supported to express their views and desired outcomes wherever possible.

4. Adults at Risk and Indicators of Abuse

4.1
Under the Care Act 2014, safeguarding duties apply to adults who:

Have needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met by a local authority), and

Are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, and

Are unable to protect themselves because of those care and support needs.

Hildenborough Badminton Club recognises that any adult may be at risk at certain times depending on their circumstances.

4.2
Indicators of abuse or neglect may include, but are not limited to:

Unexplained injuries or a lack of medical attention

Missing personal belongings or money

Withdrawal from club sessions or reduced engagement

Changes in appearance, weight, or personal hygiene

Changes in behaviour, mood, or confidence

Signs of distress or self-harm

Fear of particular individuals or situations

Someone disclosing abuse directly

5. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

5.1
Everyone at Hildenborough Badminton Club is encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns, no matter how small they may seem.

5.2
We believe that sharing concerns early and responding appropriately helps to create a strong safeguarding culture.

5.3
We will act in accordance with relevant safeguarding legislation and local safeguarding procedures when concerns arise.

5.4
Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared with those who need to know, such as the Club Safeguarding & Welfare Officer, Badminton England, or relevant statutory agencies.

5.5
We recognise that adults have the right to make their own decisions. However, if there is a concern that an adult or others may be at risk of serious harm, appropriate action will be taken.

6. Safeguarding & Welfare Officer

Hildenborough Badminton Club has appointed a Safeguarding and Welfare Officer who is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding & Welfare Officer:
Kathryn Stewart

Email:
WelfareOfficer@hbcbadminton.co.uk

7. Consequences of Breach

Any individual or organisation under the jurisdiction of Badminton England whose actions or conduct place an adult at risk of harm may be subject to disciplinary action in line with Badminton England regulations.

8. Monitoring and Review

8.1
This policy has been developed in line with UK legislation and government guidance and complements local safeguarding procedures.

8.2
This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or the structure of the club.

9. Supporting Documents

This policy is supported by:

Badminton England Safeguarding Adults Policy

Badminton England Codes of Ethics and Behaviour

Hildenborough Badminton Club Code of Conduct