Hildenborough Badminton Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for everyone involved in the club. We take safeguarding seriously and are committed to protecting the wellbeing of all adults who participate in our activities.

Our safeguarding approach follows guidance and best practice from Badminton England and relevant UK legislation.

Our Commitment

We believe that everyone has the right to take part in badminton in an environment free from abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work to ensure that:

• Adults feel safe, respected, and listened to
• Concerns are taken seriously and acted on promptly
• People feel confident to raise worries without fear of repercussions

Our safeguarding responsibilities extend beyond club sessions and include concerns that may arise in someone’s wider life or community.

Who This Policy Applies To

Our Safeguarding Adults Policy applies to all individuals involved with the club, including:

• Players
• Coaches
• Volunteers
• Committee members
• Spectators

Hildenborough Badminton Club is an adult badminton club and does not provide sessions for children.

Safeguarding & Welfare Officer

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

Safeguarding & Welfare Officer:   Kathryn Stewart

Email:   📧 WelfareOfficer@hbcbadminton.co.uk

All concerns will be treated seriously and handled sensitively and confidentially.

What to Do If You Are Worried About Someone

If you are concerned about the welfare or wellbeing of an adult involved in the club:

• Speak to the Safeguarding & Welfare Officer as soon as possible
• Share concerns even if you are unsure – it is always better to raise them
• If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services by calling 999

You do not need proof to raise a concern. Listening, noticing changes, and speaking up can make a real difference.

Recognising Concerns

Concerns may arise from things you notice, things that are disclosed to you, or changes in behaviour. These might include:

• A noticeable change in behaviour or confidence
• Someone withdrawing from sessions or communication
• Signs of distress, fear, or self-harm
• Someone telling you they are being harmed or abused

Safeguarding concerns are not always obvious, and no concern is too small to raise.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We respect confidentiality, but information may need to be shared if there is a concern about someone’s safety or wellbeing. Any information shared will be done appropriately and only with those who need to know, such as Badminton England or relevant safeguarding agencies.

Safeguarding Policy

Our full Safeguarding Adults Policy sets out our responsibilities, procedures, and approach in more detail.

Review and Governance

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