Safeguarding

If you become aware of a safeguarding or wellbeing concern at your club, fishery, federation or event it is important these are responded to and reported quickly.

Please use the below flowcharts for guidance on how to report safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding concerns may be incidents of minor poor practice, serious or repeated poor practice or actual abuse. Sometimes concerns will involve individuals operating within angling (e.g. coaches, volunteers, or other anglers) and sometimes they will involve issues that have occurred outside of the sport (e.g. at home, school or in the wider community). In either case whether you are concerned about a child or adult’s welfare, this should be reported to the Welfare Officer of your club/fishery or the named Safeguarding Officer or Angling Trust staff member at an event as soon as possible. There should be mechanisms in place to support individuals once this has been reported.

Remember, it is not for you to decide whether abuse has taken place, but you are responsible for reporting the concerns. All safeguarding concerns should then be reported to the Angling Trust using our online reporting tool.

Dom Lattimer, Angling Trust’s Designated Safeguarding Lead can also be contacted for advice and guidance on [email protected] or by calling 07301 088542.

Do not contact the AT Safeguarding Team first in the below circumstances:

• If any individual is in immediate danger or is injured phone 999.
• If you are worried that a child may be suffering or at risk of significant harm you can call the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)/Children’s Social Care in your area or call the Emergency Duty Team/Service for children (out of hours).
• If you suspect an adult is being neglected, harmed, has unmet care needs or is suffering abuse you can call the Adult Social Care line in your area or the Emergency Duty Team/Service for adults (out of hours).
• If there are immediate mental health concerns, please phone 111 for advice/guidance.

You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 for concerns around a child experiencing abuse and harm.

You also can contact the Ann Craft Trust on 0115 951 5400 for safeguarding advice about concerns for an adult.

The below Incident Reporting Form can also be used to report safeguarding concerns and returned to [email protected] and the AT Safeguarding Team will respond as soon as possible. This email can also be used for ongoing advice and guidance.

As the National Governing Body, it is our responsibility to ensure that safeguarding policies are clear, adopted, and actively implemented across our diverse member community.

A policy is only effective if it is put into practice. To safeguard young people and adults, it is essential that everyone involved in angling proactively follows the below policies and guidance documents.

By following the sensible steps in our policies and guidance, we can reduce the risk of harm and ensure that angling remains a positive experience for all. We continually review our practices in collaboration with the Child Protection in Sport Unit, Sport England, The Ann Craft Trust and the NSPCC to maintain up-to-date safeguarding standards.

Policies

Guidance

Templates

A Welfare Officer in angling clubs and fisheries plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting a safe and inclusive environment for both children and adults. Clubs, Fisheries and Federations should have a designated Welfare Officer that is DBS checked and trained by the Angling Trust for their role to meet safeguarding guidelines and be compliant with insurers. Below is a Welfare Officer Role Description, details of what support is on offer for Welfare Officers and member organisations as well as the booking link for our Welfare Officer training events.

Active Partnerships – Sport Welfare Officer Network

The Sport Welfare Officer (SWO) Network, funded by Sport England through National Lottery funding, supports National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local clubs in promoting safer sport and best practices. Comprising 63 officers across 43 active partnerships, the network collaborates with key partners to assist club welfare officers, fostering safer environments and enhancing experiences for participants of all ages. Sport England plays a key role in connecting and strengthening this vital network.

Visit the Active Partnership website to connect with your local Sport Welfare Officer for tailored support and resources for your club or fishery.

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As a parent or carer, if you have a concern the club, fishery, or event your child attends should have policies and procedures in place to safeguard their well-being. There should be a designated Welfare Officer or Safeguarding Officer to report any concerns to, and the club or event organisers should ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, both children and adults.

All clubs, fisheries, and events have a responsibility to meet safeguarding standards, provide relevant insurance cover, and maintain a high duty of care to all participants, whether coaches or volunteers. Ensure the club has a child protection policy, a code of conduct, and clear boundaries around behaviour and physical contact. A well-run club will be transparent and proactive in keeping children safe.

If you have concerns about your child’s safety, you should feel confident in asking about these safeguards and know that there are clear steps for reporting and addressing any issues. If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999. For non-urgent concerns, the NSPCC is available at 0808 800 5000 for advice. Always expect a high standard of care and transparency from organisations ensuring your child’s safety in angling.

If you would like to raise a safeguarding concern directly to the Angling Trust, please use the Angling Trust Safeguarding Referral Form under the Reporting Concerns dropdown.

Dom Lattimer, Angling Trust’s Designated Safeguarding Lead can also be contacted on [email protected] or by calling 07301 088542.

Visit the Child Protection in Sport Unit website for more information and useful links to other organisations who can help.

Angling is a great way to enjoy nature, learn new skills, and make friends, but it’s important to know where to turn if you ever feel worried, upset, or unsafe. Here’s how you can find help and support if you’re experiencing any problems:

Remember

You’re never alone, and there are always people ready to help you. Speaking up is the first step to getting the support you need. Your safety and well-being are the most important things.

What You Can Do if You’re Worried

1. Talk to an Adult You Trust
   Reach out to someone you feel comfortable with, like:
   • A parent, guardian, or family member.
   • A teacher, school counselor, or school nurse.
   • A doctor or other trusted professional.
2. Speak to Your Club’s Welfare Officer
   Every angling club should have a Welfare Officer who is trained to handle safeguarding concerns. Find out who they are and speak to them as soon as you can.
3. Don’t Keep It to Yourself
   It’s okay to feel upset, scared, or stressed—what matters is that you share how you’re feeling. No problem is too big or small, and help is always available.

Ways to Reach Out for Support

• Talk in Person: If you prefer face-to-face conversations, speak directly to someone you trust.
• Online Support:
  • Visit Childline to access message boards or one-to-one online chats with trained counselors.
  • Read their FAQs for answers to common worries.
• Write It Down: If speaking feels hard, write a letter or email explaining your feelings and concerns.

If Someone Has Made You Feel Unsafe

• Protect Yourself: Avoid being alone with the person who made you feel uncomfortable.
• Tell Someone Immediately: Share what happened with a trusted adult or your club’s Welfare Officer.
• If you would like to report a concern straight to the Angling Trust please click the below form:

Helpful Resources

Angling offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, develop skills, and foster connections within a community. However, it’s essential to recognise where to seek support if you ever feel worried, unsafe, or face a challenging situation. Safeguarding ensures that everyone can engage in angling with confidence and dignity.

Consent and Safeguarding

In the UK, safeguarding adults respects individual autonomy and the principle of consent. If you disclose a concern, your Welfare Officer or the Angling Trust will seek your consent before taking any action unless:

• There is a risk to others, including children.
• You are being coerced, manipulated, or unable to act in your own best interests due to duress or lack of mental capacity.
• A crime has occurred, or legal obligations require disclosure.

These exceptions ensure safeguarding interventions balance individual rights with the need to prevent harm. However, if you feel your rights are not being protected you should be able to raise this as a concern.

Respect and Confidentiality

Safeguarding processes are designed to be transparent and supportive, ensuring your voice is heard throughout. Whether your concerns relate to poor practice, harm, or abuse, remember that help is always available, and you are not alone in addressing these issues.

Taking Action if You Have Concerns

1. Speak to Someone You Trust
If you’re feeling concerned or unsafe, confide in someone you trust. This could include:

• A family member, friend, or colleague.
• A medical or mental health professional.
• Your club’s Welfare Officer, who is trained to provide support and handle safeguarding concerns.

2. Contact Your Club’s Welfare Officer

Every Angling Trust-member club is required to appoint a Welfare Officer who is knowledgeable about safeguarding processes. They are there to offer advice, take appropriate action, and ensure your concerns are addressed respectfully and confidentially. There should also be a named safeguarding contact at events or competitions who fulfil a similar role to the Welfare Officer.

If You Feel Unsafe

1. Prioritise Your Safety: Avoid being alone with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Create distance and seek a safe environment. Please let people know where you are and who you are with.

2. Report the Issue: Speak to your club’s Welfare Officer or contact the Angling Trust’s Designated Safeguarding Lead directly.

3. Document Your Concerns: Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, and any communications.

Accessing Support

1. In Person: Arrange a private conversation with your club’s Welfare Officer or someone you trust within your angling community.

2. Written Communication: If speaking feels difficult, send an email or letter to outline your concerns.

3. Online and Phone Support:

• If you are not being responded to by your club or organisation, safeguarding concerns can be reported to the Angling Trust using our online reporting tool under the ‘Reporting a Concern’ dropdown.
• Angling Trust Safeguarding Team can be contacted at [email protected] or call 07301 088542.
• Explore resources from organisations as shown below under Helpful Resources.

4. In Emergencies: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-urgent medical or mental health concerns, contact 111.

Helpful Resources

The Angling Trust have created the above policies and guidance in line with relevant legislation and statutory guidance. Including:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004 (NI Order 1995)
• Working Together 2023 guidance
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991
• CPSU Safeguarding in Sport Standards
• Keeping Children Safe in Education KCSIE (2024)
• Care Act 2014
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Care and Support Statutory Guidance (especially chapter 14) 2014
• Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults Framework
• The Data Protection Act 2018
• General Data Protection Regulations 2018
• Equality Act 2010
• Ongoing Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or specific independent reviews such as
• Sheldon, Quinlan, LTA/Tennis and the Whyte review.