1. Introduction Summerhayes Juniors Fishing Club ("the Club") relies on volunteers and coaches to deliver its junior fishing activities. We are committed to recruiting them safely and fairly so that every child in our care is protected. This policy sits alongside our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and follows the safer recruitment guidance of the Angling Trust and the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU).

2. Purpose The aim of safer recruitment is to:

• Attract and appoint suitable people to work with children.
• Deter and identify applicants who are unsuitable to work with children.
• Make sure everyone understands their safeguarding responsibilities before they start.

3. Scope This policy applies to all coaches, committee members, volunteers, and helpers who take on a role involving children at the Club, whether paid or unpaid, regular or occasional.

4. The Recruitment Process No one will be appointed to a role involving children until the relevant checks below have been completed. Depending on the role, the process includes:

• Role description: Every role has clearly defined responsibilities, including its safeguarding expectations.
• Application: Applicants complete an application form providing relevant personal details and experience.
• Self-disclosure: Applicants complete a self-disclosure form to help assess their suitability to work with children.
• Identity: The identity of each applicant is verified (for example, photographic ID).
• Interview or discussion: A personal interview or informal discussion is held before anyone is appointed, to assess suitability, motivation, and understanding of safeguarding.
• References: A minimum of two references is obtained and checked before a role is confirmed.
• Enhanced DBS check: Everyone in a role involving children must have an Enhanced DBS check, including a barred list check, renewed every three years.
• Qualifications: Coaches hold the Angling Trust Level 2 coaching qualification, or work towards it under the supervision of a qualified coach.

5. Induction and Training New volunteers receive an induction covering this policy, the Club's Safeguarding Policy, and the Code of Conduct. Volunteers complete safeguarding training as recommended by the Angling Trust, and are made aware of first aid and emergency procedures at sessions.

6. Supervision and Probation New volunteers are supervised while they settle into their role, and their suitability is kept under review. A minimum ratio of one coach to four children is maintained, and a volunteer is never left responsible for a child on a one-to-one, unobserved basis.

7. Recruitment of Ex-Offenders The Club does not automatically bar anyone who has a criminal record. Each Enhanced DBS disclosure is considered fairly and on a case-by-case basis, in line with Angling Trust guidance, taking into account the nature of the role and the relevance of any offence. Deliberately failing to disclose relevant information may result in an application being withdrawn.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection All information gathered during recruitment — including application forms, references, and DBS information — is treated as confidential, stored securely, handled in line with UK GDPR, and retained only for as long as necessary.

9. Equality and Diversity Volunteers are recruited on the basis of their suitability for the role. The Club welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and does not discriminate unlawfully.

10. Records The Safeguarding Officer keeps a record of the checks completed for each volunteer, including DBS status and renewal dates, references, and safeguarding training.

11. Concerns About Suitability If information comes to light at any stage that suggests a person may be unsuitable to work with children, the appointment will not proceed, or will be reviewed and withdrawn where appropriate, following the Club's safeguarding procedures.

12. Policy Review This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary in line with best practice and legal requirements.

For any questions about volunteering or safer recruitment, please contact:

Safeguarding Officer: Kelly Brooks - 07557 774039
Angling Trust Safeguarding Officer: Dom Lattimer - 07301088542