Welfare and Wellbeing
Serpentine Running club takes the welfare and wellbeing of its members very seriously. We are obliged through our affiliation to various governing bodies to implement the policies and procedures that they have established.
Welfare Officer - contact us
The Welfare Officer will listen confidentially* to any issue that may arise, and endeavour to support your individual needs and well being. If you have any queries or concerns, we encourage you to contact the Welfare Officer, Sophie Telfer and discuss your concern directly with her.
She can be reached at welfare@serpentine.org.uk or look in Serpiebase for other contact details. If the Welfare Officer is not available, please get in touch with a member on the Committee and one of us will respond to you as soon as possible.
Welfare - what it means
The Club aims to create an environment where you feel safe and are able to participate in club events without being subject to any form of harassment, bullying, verbal or physical abuse or excessive pressure.
Welfare covers a wide range of issues such as safeguarding and protecting children, anti-bullying, equality, poor practice in coaching and disciplinary and grievance matters. The Club's Codes of Conduct and procedures for dealing with child protection concerns, other welfare issues or grievances are provided in Club Rules, Bylaws and grievance procedures. We have adopted UKA Child Safeguarding Policy and the UKA Adult Safeguarding Policy. The latest version of both of these documents can be viewed here.
Welfare – what we expect from our members
It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all those who participate in club events.
Children and Vulnerable Adults
Any person with information of a disclosure, allegation or concern about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult must immediately report to one of the Welfare Officers who will refer the matter to UKA’s CPLO or Home Country lead welfare officer, as appropriate. These concerns may arise due to:
- an individual disclosing that they are being abused
- the behaviour of an adult towards a child or vulnerable adult
- a number of indicators observed in a child or vulnerable adult over a period of time.
Affiliated Bodies
* In order to provide the support for your needs and wellbeing, the information shared with a Welfare Officer may be shared with other Welfare Officers and/or the Committee, but only on a need to know basis. Exceptions are also made, for example if you may present a danger of violence to others; or if there is a reasonable suspicion that you are likely to harm yourself unless protective measures are taken.