Safeguarding Policy

Zero-tolerance commitment

GROW Golf Foundation has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, harassment, bullying, discrimination, neglect or any conduct that places a child, young person, vulnerable adult, caddie, volunteer or participant at risk.

Who this policy covers

This policy applies to Board members, advisers, employees, coaches, volunteers, contractors, consultants, programme partners, visitors and authorised representatives.

Expected conduct

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respectful behaviour.
• Conduct activities in visible, accountable environments.
• Avoid being alone with a child in an isolated or unobservable setting.
• Obtain appropriate consent for transport, photography, video and off-site activities.
• Never exchange inappropriate private messages, images or content with a participant.
• Never engage in exploitative, humiliating, threatening, discriminatory or abusive conduct.
• Report concerns, disclosures or suspicious behaviour without delay.

Recruitment and training

People working directly with children or vulnerable participants should undergo proportionate identity and reference checks, appropriate screening where available and safeguarding orientation before undertaking unsupervised duties.

Photography and communications

Participant and guardian consent must be obtained where appropriate. Personal stories and images must preserve dignity, avoid unnecessary identifying information and never place a participant at risk.

Reporting and response

Any immediate danger should be reported to emergency services or the appropriate public authority. Other concerns should be reported promptly to the Foundation. We will assess immediate safety, record the concern securely, restrict involvement where necessary, refer serious matters to competent authorities and support affected individuals.

The Foundation will not use an informal internal settlement where a serious allegation requires referral to the relevant authorities.

Confidentiality and non-retaliation

Safeguarding information will be shared only with people who need it to protect participants or meet legal duties. Retaliation against a person who raises a genuine concern in good faith is prohibited.