Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Our commitment
Highland Group RDA is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults who take part in our activities.
Everyone involved with the group has a responsibility to help create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
Safeguarding is always a priority and underpins everything we do.
What safeguarding means to us
Safeguarding means:
- Protecting people from harm, abuse, or neglect
- Ensuring participants feel safe, listened to, and respected
- Acting promptly and appropriately if concerns arise
- Creating an environment where concerns can be raised without fear
This applies to all participants, whether children or adults, and to everyone involved in the group.
Who this applies to
Our safeguarding approach applies to:
- Participants
- Parents and carers
- Volunteers
- Coaches and instructors
- Trustees and committee members
- Anyone working with or on behalf of Highland Group RDA
How we keep people safe
Behind the scenes, we take safeguarding seriously by:
- Following RDA UK safeguarding policies and guidance
- Ensuring appropriate checks (including DBS/PVG where required)
- Providing safeguarding awareness and guidance to volunteers and staff
- Maintaining clear boundaries and codes of conduct
- Ensuring activities are supervised and risk-assessed
- Handling personal and sensitive information confidentially
From a participant’s point of view, this means activities are delivered in a calm, structured, and supportive way.
Recognising concerns
A safeguarding concern may include:
- A disclosure from a child, young person, or adult at risk
- A change in behaviour that causes concern
- Something observed or overheard
- A situation where someone feels unsafe or uncomfortable
All concerns are taken seriously.
Reporting a safeguarding concern
If you have a safeguarding concern about someone involved with Highland Group RDA:
- Report it as soon as possible
- Speak to a coach, trustee, or safeguarding lead
- You can also contact us confidentially by email
Email: info@highlandgrouprda.org.uk
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services straight away.
What happens next
When a concern is raised:
- It will be listened to carefully and respectfully
- Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis
- Appropriate action will be taken in line with RDA UK guidance
- The safety and wellbeing of the individual will always come first
Safeguarding concerns are never ignored or dismissed.
Photography and media
Photographs or videos are only taken with appropriate consent and are used responsibly.
Images are never shared in a way that could place someone at risk.
Policy and review
Our safeguarding arrangements are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and appropriate.
This page reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone involved in Highland Group RDA.