Safeguarding

Safeguarding Training

Training Levels/Courses 

The Pony Club recognises three levels of training:

1) Safeguarding for Equestrians – Initial Training, Tutor Lead (delivered face to face virtually)

2) Equestrian Advanced Safeguarding – Refresher Course, Self-Guided

3) Equestrian Safeguarding Officer – For Area, Branch and Centre Safeguarding Officers, Tutor Lead (delivered face to face virtually)

The first approved safeguarding workshop to attend must be the Safeguarding for Equestrians course, this is a face to face, tutor lead course that is delivered virtually.  This is followed three years later by the Advanced Safeguarding for Equestrians refresher course, this is a self-guided workbook style course that can be completed in your own time.  The two courses are then repeated every three years in strict rotation.

The Equestrian Safeguarding Officer course is for Area, Branch and Centre Safeguarding Officers and focuses on processes and procedure that will assist them in their role.  In addition, the course explores more complex scenarios and provides the tools and knowledge to address issues effectively.  It is essential that participants must have completed the Safeguarding for Equestrians course prior to registration.

Who needs to attend a course?

All individuals who carry out a role in regulated activity/work must attend an approved safeguarding workshop. The only exception to this rule is for:

• First aiders who will only require a disclosure check, and,
• Those at residential camps where each night a minimum of two of the overnight supervisors must have attended an approved safeguarding workshop.

It is strongly recommended that any other persons carrying out regulated activity/work on an overnight basis at residential camps should also attend an approved safeguarding workshop.

Safeguarding Training for Members in Scotland

For those residing in Scotland only, please be aware you MUST complete Module One from Sports Scotland prior to attending the Pony Club Safeguarding Course.  Please ensure you allow a minimum of 20 days prior to your selected Pony Club Safeguarding Course, to allow us to register you with Sport Scotland and for you to complete Module One in advance of your selected Safeguarding Course.

Can I use my safeguarding course from another organisation?

An individual who has attended a safeguarding workshop externally delivered can apply for their learning to be taken into consideration as an alternative to attending the Pony Club offering.

Please see the following options.

Pre-Approved Courses

The Pony Club also has a list of pre-approved courses that can be attended in place of the BEF Safeguarding for Equestrians course. These do not need approval.

The pre-approved courses include:

• UK Coaching: Safeguarding and Protecting Children/ Safeguarding in Sport
• SportScotland: Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport
• SportScotland: In Safe Hands
• Sport Ireland: Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Sport
• CPSU Time to Listen
• NSPCC courses (depending on the level)
• Designated Lead Officer 3-day courses offered by your Local Authority

* Please provide a copy of certification to support processing on to PELHAM

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

For those courses not listed on the pre-approved list, the APL procedure should be followed.

The APL form can be downloaded from the Resource Hub and should be submitted along with a copy of the certificate of attendance and course content details (e.g. learning outcomes and/or copy of presentation/handout). The procedure is detailed within the form.

To be shared with safeguarding@pcuk.org

Safe To Play

Aimed at coaches, parents, participants and volunteers involved in the sector, the campaign’s objective is to ensure that everyone is aware of signs of abuse, how to report concerns and how to keep everyone safe while enjoying the sport they love.

The campaign includes a brand-new website, which includes educational videos, top tips and FAQ’s as well as an easy way to confidentially report a concern online. Assets including posters, pull-up banners and pocket cards are available for coaches, equestrian centres and events to help spread the message.

With this campaign, British Equestrian and its member bodies aim to:

• Educate those in a position of trust on safeguarding standards and how meet their duty of care
• Educate parents or guardians, children and young people, on what signs to look out for and who to speak to if they have a concern
• Make reporting concerns more accessible across a range of channels