Welfare of Vulnerable People
POLICY GUIDELINES
The British Sub-Aqua Club

The welfare of vulnerable members, both adults and children, is the first consideration.

• All members have the right to be protected from bad practice, neglect, bullying and all forms of emotional and physical abuse.
• Suspicions and allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• It is the duty of all members suspecting inappropriate behaviour and actions to act on any concern.
• As defined in the Children Act 1989, anyone under the age of 18 years should be considered as a child for the purposes of this Policy
• To treat all members fairly, equitably and without prejudice.
• Not to participate in or tolerate behaviour that frightens, degrades, embarrasses, demoralizes or negatively affects a member's self esteem
• Not to tolerate acts of aggression
• Photography - Members should be aware that the recording of photographic images might be inappropriate.
• The members of the British Sub-Aqua Club should not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexuality, age, occupation, religion or political opinion.
• Branch Officers and Instructors will be made aware of good practice with a specific Welfare course available - free of charge, together with appropriate documentation, training and support from HQ, to ensure that Branches are able to implement the Welfare Policy.

Awareness of these issues, and the adherence to these simple guidelines, will help maintain professionalism and safeguard good practice, secure the protection of both the vulnerable and those responsible for them, from accusations arising from misinterpretation of innocent actions.

The full BSAC procedures and guidelines can found in the document "WELFARE OF VULNERABLE PEOPLE (& Other Vulnerable People) in Snorkelling and Scuba Diving" on the BSAC website.