Safeguarding Policy

Last reviewed: 13/10/2025

1. Purpose & Scope

This policy sets out measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and protected adults in all activities delivered by Underwhelming Adventures. It applies to indoor climbing, outdoor bouldering, and snowboarding, and covers staff, contractors, volunteers, and participants.

2. Definitions

• Children: anyone under 18.
• Protected Adults: age 16+ receiving healthcare, personal care, support services, or assistance due to illness, disability, or impairment.
• Regulated Activity: structured teaching/supervision or care (e.g., climbing or snowboarding sessions) where the instructor is responsible for participant safety.

3. Legal Compliance & Background Checks

• Registration with the PVG Scheme in Scotland, and Enhanced DBS check in England, for regulated work with children and protected adults.
• No individual barred from working with vulnerable groups will be involved in service delivery.

4. Code of Conduct

• Respect & boundaries: professional conduct at all times.
• Supervision & transparency: activities in open, observable environments whenever possible.
• Physical contact: only when necessary for safety/instruction, explained in advance and consented to.
• Communication: strictly professional; no private/personal messaging.

5. Risk Management & Safety Protocols

• Detailed risk assessments for activities and venues, factoring environmental hazards, participant needs, and emergencies.
• Safeguarding training to identify risks and respond appropriately.
• Valid 16-hour first aid certification maintained and renewed as required.

6. Responding to Concerns & Allegations

• Concerns reported immediately to relevant authorities and documented securely and confidentially.
• Allegations against an instructor: full cooperation with investigations and suspension from activities if required.

7. Preventing Allegations & Misunderstandings

• No one-to-one sessions in private settings; activities in recognised public locations or pre-approved venues.
• Physical contact minimised, always necessary, explainable, and proportionate.
• Where possible, a parent, support worker, or institutional representative is present.

8. Confidentiality & Data Protection

• Personal information stored securely and not shared without consent unless legally required.
• Disclosures handled sensitively and in line with GDPR.

9. Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Policy reviewed annually to reflect legislation and best practice updates.
• Additional measures from regulators, insurers, or professional associations integrated as required.

10. Contact

For safeguarding concerns or queries, contact:
Mike Marcus (Director)
Email: info@underwhelmingadventures.com