Safeguarding at WeSwim

At WeSwim, we’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who takes part in our sessions. Our volunteers play a vital role in keeping swimmers and fellow volunteers safe, and this page explains what to do if you ever have a concern or if someone shares something with you.

To record a safeguarding concern click here

You don’t need to be an expert, just remember that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

As a Volunteer it is important to know:

• How to identify the signs and types of abuse
• What to do if you have a safeguarding concern
• The Volunteer Code of Conduct & Our Commitment To You

1. Identifying Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person. It may be single or repeated acts, and they may be in immediate or longer term danger.

The likelihood of encountering a serious situation is extremely low, so there is no need to be overly worried. Although it can be unpleasant to consider the reality of abuse, it is important to know what the five different types of abuse and their potential signs are, in case a swimmer / service user indicates or discloses that they are at risk. We are all responsible for safeguarding service users from abuse.

The five different types of abuse are 

• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect
• Financial Abuse

WeSwim’s volunteer induction training covers the five different signs of abuse. If you need a reminder about how to identify the 5 different types of abuse click here.

Ways that abuse might be brought to your attention:

• A direct disclosure from the person being abused
• A disclosure about another person
• Worrying information or signs of concern in someone’s appearance / behaviour

2. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

If you are ever worried about a swimmer, another volunteer, or anyone involved in WeSwim, it is your duty to act. You don’t need proof, just a real concern.

Follow the three key steps:

1. Recognise – Be alert to signs of distress, injury, or changes in behaviour. If you need a reminder about how to recognise the different types of abuse click here. 
2. Report – Talk to your committee member who is your local Safeguarding lead. You or they can then contact the Safeguarding Officer (CEO) as soon as possible. 
   
3. Record – Write down what you have seen or heard, including dates, times, and who was involved. Capture all the information on our safeguarding reporting form. 

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 999 first, then inform the Safeguarding Officer.

3. What to Do if Someone Discloses Abuse

If someone tells you they are being harmed or abused:

• Stay calm and listen without judgement.
• Reassure them that they’ve done the right thing by telling you.
• Do not investigate, question, or promise confidentiality.
• Explain that you will need to share what they’ve said with the Safeguarding Officer to help keep them safe.
• Make a clear record as soon as possible and pass it to the Safeguarding Officer through the reporting form.
• If someone is in immediate physical danger, you should contact the emergency services and report to the safeguarding officers as a matter of urgency.

4. Role of the Safeguarding Officer

Our CEO, Tash Fleming, is the Designated Safeguarding Officer. Details to get in touch are further down this page. 

Tash provides advice and support on safeguarding matters, coordinates responses to concerns, and makes referrals to statutory agencies when necessary.

Each club also has a committee safeguarding lead who supports volunteers locally and reports concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.

5. Confidentiality and Consent

It is important to respect individuals’ rights to privacy and not to discuss people’s personal information with other swimmers or volunteers.

Safeguarding issues or concerns should only be discussed with the safeguarding lead or officer. If someone is in immediate physical danger, you should contact the emergency services and report to the safeguarding officers as a matter of urgency.

All other safeguarding concerns should be reported to the safeguarding officers as soon as possible. If sending an email or leaving a voicemail then personal initials should be used.

Where possible, the Safeguarding Officer will seek the consent of the swimmer or service user before taking action. However, if someone is in danger or unable to give consent, action may still be taken to protect them.

6. Allegations and Whistleblowing

If you are concerned that a volunteer, staff member, or anyone representing WeSwim is behaving inappropriately, you must report it to the Safeguarding Officer immediately. If your concern relates to the CEO, report it to the Chair of Trustees.

You will not be penalised for raising a genuine concern. WeSwim promotes a culture of openness and encourages volunteers to speak up.

7. Contact Details

Safeguarding Officer: Tash Fleming, CEO – tash@weswim.club | 07449108301

Chair of Trustees: Jane Harbage – jane@weswim.club

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.

8. Review and Further Information

This procedure is reviewed annually by the CEO, with oversight from the Board of Trustees, to ensure it reflects current best practice and legislation.

For the full WeSwim Safeguarding Policy, please click here.

To record a safeguarding concern click here once you've spoken to the safeguarding officer.