Safeguarding and child protection Policy 2025/26

Last Updated: Thursday 15th January 2026 4:01pm

1. Policy Statement
The Kent County Ladies Indoor Bowling Association is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all participants in our sport, including vulnerable adults and young people under the age of 18. We aim to provide an environment where everyone can enjoy the game of bowls free from any form of abuse, harassment, bullying or exploitation. Our policy aligns with the following Safeguarding in Bowls Policies which have been developed to unify the sport of bowls. They are to be followed by all national governing bodies under the Bowls Development alliance, and are the official safeguarding policies that must be followed by all EIBA affiliated Clubs and Counties.

Safeguarding Children in Bowls Policy
Safeguarding Adults in Bowls Policy
Anti-Bullying Policy

2. Scope
This policy applies to all members, volunteers, coaches, officials and anyone working on behalf of the Kent County Ladies Indoor Bowling Association.

3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect.
  • Vulnerable Adult: An adult who may be unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

4. Aims
To promote the welfare, health, and development of children and vulnerable adults. To provide staff and volunteers with guidance on procedures they should adopt to ensure the safety of all participants. To ensure all suspicions and allegations of abuse are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

5. Responsibilities

  • Association Officials: Ensure the implementation of this policy and oversee its adherence.
  • Coaches and Volunteers: Adhere to the policy and report any concerns about the welfare of participants.
  • Participants and Members: Respect and support the safeguarding measures in place.

6. Code of Conduct
All members, volunteers, and staff must:

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
  • Put the welfare of participants first.
  • Ensure that activities are appropriate to the age, maturity and ability of the participants. Avoid situations where they are alone with a child or vulnerable adult unless necessary.
  • Never condone, engage in or allow any form of inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, abuse or harassment.

7. Recruitment and Training
Implement a thorough recruitment process, including background checks for those working with children and vulnerable adults. Provide regular training on safeguarding issues for all relevant individuals. Ensure that all training is in line with the safeguarding policies of EIBA and BDA.

8. Reporting Procedures
Any concerns about potential abuse or inappropriate behaviour should be reported immediately to the designated Safeguarding Officer. The Safeguarding Officer will:

  • Record the concern accurately and securely.
  • Report serious concerns to the relevant authorities, in accordance with 
  • EIBA and BDA guidelines. All safeguarding concerns must be reported the EIBA:
    safeguarding@eiba.co.uk
    01664 481900

9. Confidentiality
All concerns and reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis to protect the individuals involved.

10. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any significant changes in legislation or guidance. Feedback from participants, members and staff will be considered in the review process. The policy will also be updated to remain consistent with the safeguarding policies of EIBA and BDA.

11. Safeguarding Contact:

Maddie McConomy
Safeguarding Officer

Tel. 01227 261121