Safeguarding & Child Protection
Paddle Scotland is committed to protecting children and young people taking part in paddlesport and will:
- Ensure there are policies, procedures, systems, structures, resources and personnel in place to promote the welfare and protection of children taking part in paddlesport.
- Actively work jointly with parents and other agencies through joint planning, training and monitoring of their arrangements for the protection of children.
- Ensure there are quality assurance mechanisms in place to monitor, review and evaluate arrangements for the protection of children.
If you have any queries about Safeguarding first check the FAQs pages. Alternatively, email the
Paddle Scotland Safeguarding Officer . The Safeguarding Officer for the Paddle Scotland is also the Chief Operating Officer, Andy Murray, who can be contacted either by email or by phoning
Each discipline development group has a safeguarding officer too. Feel free to contact them for any concerns, advice or help you might need:
- Polo - TBC
- Marathon - Debbie Ives
- Sprint - Rachel Syme
- Surf - John Ross
- SUP - Liam Watson
- WWR - To be confirmed
Policies and Procedures
We work closely with British Canoeing to implement policies and provide a range of guidance on safeguarding.
Guidance and Resources
- Safeguarding Guidelines
- Responding to Wellbeing and Protection Concerns - summary
- Responding to Concerns or Allegations
- Recording Concerns Report Form - Online Form, PDF Form, Word Form
- SPC- G5 Code of Conduct for Coaching Workforce
- SPC- G6 Guidelines for use of Photographic and Filming Equipment
- SPC- G8 Guidance for Clubs and Centres -Interim Suspension Pending Investigation
- SPC- G9 Paddlesafe Away Trips
- SPC- G10 Paddlesafe Events
- SPC- G18 Codes of Conduct for Parents and Carers
- SPC- G20 Text & Email Messaging Guidance
- Safeguarding Training Requirements
- Digital Communications Guidance
- Coaching and the Rule of 2
- SPC- G25 Social Media Guidelines for Clubs, Centres and Volunteers
- SPC- G27 Interim Suspension of Individuals Pending an Investigation
- Appointment and Selection Guidelines for Regulated Work in the SCA
- Staying Safe Online - poster for young people
- Keeping Young people safe online - poster for adults
- Club Safeguarding Officer Poster
- Registration and Application Form - PDF or Word - for individuals who applying to an SCA position (paid or unpaid) where the role is deemed to be 'Regulated Work'
- Self Declaration Form - PDF or Word - for individuals who applying to an SCA position (paid or unpaid) where the role is deemed to be 'Regulated Work''
- Code of Conduct - to be completed by all SCA voluteers or staff working wtih under 18's
- Resources from Children 1st - Safeguarding in Sport.
- Event Safeguarding Officer Poster.
- SPC-G1 Useful Contacts.
- Paddlesafe Flyer.
- Reference template
- Event Safeguarding Plan template
Useful Links
Responding to Concerns
Why it is important to respond to concerns?
It takes considerable courage for a child or adult to disclose abuse. Disclosures need to be handled very carefully and sensitively to avoid causing further distress to the child. All concerns must be responded to in a way that ensures that a child receives appropriate help and support and to ensure that appropriate action is taken against those who pose a risk to children and to protect not only the child involved but all other children.
Robust procedures for responding to concerns will:
- help to avoid those receiving information from engaging in judgements.
- reassure those who report concerns that an appropriate course of action will ensue.
- support those charged with managing concerns by providing them with a step-by-step process to follow.
- safeguard the rights of those against whom complaints or allegations have been made.
Need Help Now?
Where a child’s immediate safety is at risk contact the local police or social work department for advice.
It is not the job of anyone in the SCA or Affiliated Clubs to decide whether or not a child has neen abused. It is however, everyone's responsibility to report concerns.
Guidance on Responding to Concerns and Allegations
Responding to Wellbeing and Protection Concerns - summary
