Report a Concern

How to report a concern whether it's a concern or allegation that has been disclosed to you by someone else, whether it's something you have witnessed yourself, or something that has been worrying you. All concerns raised will be treated sensitively and seriously.

If you or someone else needs immediate medical attention, or you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm or danger, call emergency services for the police or ambulance (999 or 112) immediately.

If you've been personally affected:

• Report your concern to your Club/Centre Welfare Officer

OR

• Tell someone you trust
• Call (24hour helpline) Childline 0800 1111 or NSPCC 0808 800 5000 (keep trying if you can’t get through straight away)
• Call British Canoeing Safeguarding Team Tel: 0115 8655354*

*(If calling out of office hours, leave a message and we will respond as soon as possible the next working day.)

If you have a concern about someone else:

Remember: It is not your responsibility to investigate a concern or allegation, or to decide whether someone is being abused. It is your responsibility to pass the information you have on to the appropriate person or organisation.

• Complete the British Canoeing Reporting Concerns Form with as much detail as you know.
• Report the concern to British Canoeing's Safeguarding Team Tel: 0115 8655354*
• If there is an urgent concern and the British Canoeing Safeguarding Officer is unavailable refer immediately to Children’s Social Care, Adult’s Social Care or the Police.
• Within 24 hours, send a copy of the Reporting Concerns Form to Aneela Mushtaq at British Canoeing, marked Confidential.
• Ensure confidentiality at all times and share information only with the appropriate people and on a ‘need to know’ basis.

*(If calling out of office hours, leave a message and we will respond as soon as possible the next working day.)

ENSURE YOU KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR CONCERN AND HOW YOU REPORTED IT. Try to include the date, time and place, what happened, the name of anyone who may have seen what happened and who you reported it to and when. Try to note as much detail as you remember.