Safeguarding and welfare policy

The ThruDark Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race (“DW”) is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. All competitors should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of DW.

We believe that taking part in paddlesport should be a positive and enjoyable experience for all concerned and provide an interesting challenge which all can build on for future ambitions. Safeguarding is a collective responsibility. Everybody involved in paddlesport has a duty of care to safeguard and protect children and adults alike, both inside and outside our sport.

DW has identified an individual to carry out the role of Event Welfare Officer. This person will be the point of contact for anyone who has allegations, suspicions or concerns relating to the welfare of anyone taking part in the event. The Welfare Officer contact details can be found on the ‘Contact’ page of the DW website (www.dwrace.co.uk) and will be clearly communicated throughout the duration of the event at Easter weekend.

Anyone with concerns relating to the welfare of any individual during the event should contact the Welfare Officer in the first instance. In the unlikely event that the Welfare Officer is unavailable they should contact a DW Director via Race Control, or the Paddle UK Safeguarding Team (details can be found on the Paddle UK website).

This policy has 4 key areas set out below: 

General Principles

  • The welfare of ALL Competitors is paramount, and they will be treated equally, with respect and dignity. 

  • All DW Officials and Volunteers should read and adhere to the Paddle UK Safeguarding Policies. DW will follow the guidance of the relevant Paddle UK policies in the event of any concerns or allegations. 

  • DW has, and regularly reviews, a formal Risk Assessment for the event.

  • DW will review this Safeguarding & Welfare Policy annually.

  • In relation to children, DW defines a Junior Competitor as “paddlers who are 15 yrs and less-than-19yrs on 1st January of the year of the race" (per Clause 7.1 of DW 2025 Race Handbook).

Consent

  • Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed Risk” “Water Contact Sports” that may carry inherent risks. All participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

  • The Entry Form on the DW Website contains the general indemnities applicable to entries of all ages, where competitors are required to accept the Race Terms & Conditions. 

  • DW will obtain written medical details for competitors with pre-existing conditions via the Entry Form, which may be made known to certain DW Officials, where deemed appropriate and/or necessary. 

  • Running a safe event is a shared responsibility, and competitors are required to provide mandatory information specified in the Entry Form. Failure to do so may result in the DW Organisation refusing to accept an entry.

  • For Junior Competitors, or Parent/Guardian or other Adult empowered to sign on their behalf, acceptance of the Terms and Conditions by signing the Entry Form and Disclaimer grants permission for the Junior Competitor to participate in the event and camp overnight, in accordance with the Junior Class Rules.

Detailed Guidance

Safeguarding Junior Competitors

In addition to the Paddle UK Safeguarding Children Policy, DW and its Volunteers will adhere to good practice:

  • DW runs a mixed campsite for male and female Junior Competitors and will always ensure that, appropriately vetted, male and female staff are available at the campsite.

  • Changing facilities are provided, and relevant steps are taken to align with Paddle UK Changing Room Guidance.

  • Always work in an open environment; avoid private or unobserved situations, or situations alone with one Junior Competitor. 

  • Where possible ask Parents/Team Leaders to be responsible for Junior Competitors in changing rooms. 

  • Always ensure that whoever supervises Junior Competitors work in pairs. 

  • If any form of physical support is required ask the permission of the Junior Competitor, explain what is being done and why, to both the paddler and Parents/Team Leader.

  • Ensure that any suspicions, allegations or concerns relating to the safety or wellbeing of a Junior Competitors will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

  • Parents and paddlers should be aware that images of the race may be posted on the web and social media sites, by DW and by individuals associated with the race. DW seeks to minimise any risks by working to the standards published in the Paddle UK Guidance on Digital Communications.

Safeguarding Adults

Aligned to the Paddle UK Safeguarding Adults Policy, DW recognises the need to promote the welfare and interests of adults in all circumstances, and ensure that inclusive of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation ALL adults are able take part in paddlesport safely and are protected from ANY form of bullying, harassment, discrimination and abuse.

DW will strive to provide a safe environment for all adults ensuring that they are protected from abuse, discrimination, harassment and harm. We recognise that there may be additional factors which mean some adults may be at increased risk of harm; they may require additional protective measures and may be eligible for more formal processes. These adults are known as “Adults at Risk”.

We also recognise that a key difference between safeguarding children and adults is an adult’s “right to self-determination”. Ultimately, an adult may choose not to act at all to protect themselves. 

Before reporting any suspected/known abuse against an adult, remember adults have the right to self- determination, and this means:

  • CONSENT from the adult must be granted before reporting any concerns (except for the exceptions listed below). 

  • We must RESPECT THE DECISION of the adult, regardless of our own assessment of a situation.

  • The starting position is always to ASSUME MENTAL CAPACITY unless proven otherwise.

This may ONLY be overridden: 

  • To protect others. 

  • Where not intervening would cause further harm to the individual. 

  • If the adult lacks the capacity to make the decision for themselves. 

  • Where a crime may have been committed. 

DBS Checks

  • DW will work to ensure that anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for a Disclosure (DBS) Check will not be deployed until a satisfactory check has been returned. Eligibility will be determined, against a matrix of defined DW Roles, using the Paddle UK Disclosure Policy.

  • DW requires that DBS checks are renewed every 3 (three) years.

  • Individuals who have subscribed and kept a continuous subscription to the DBS Update Service can be checked by completing a DBS status check and are therefore not required to submit a new application every three years. A status check of their certificate will need to be requested every three years, consistent with the Paddle UK Guidance on Portability for DBS Certificates for England and Wales.