Crew Connection Talent ID

Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 1st December 2025
Event Dates: 14th December 2025 & 25th January 2026
Venue: Thames Rowing Club, London


This safeguarding policy applies to all attendees and activities at the Crew Connection Talent ID Camps. The camps are subject to the Talent ID Camp Terms & Conditions, as well as the general Crew Connection Terms of Service, available at: https://www.crewconnection.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

1. Safeguarding Statement

Crew Connection recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people participating in its Talent ID Camps. We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, or poor practice. All staff, coaches, volunteers, parents, and athletes must uphold this commitment.

2. Scope & Application

This policy applies to:

  • Crew Connection staff and volunteers running the camp

  • U.S. coaches or ex–student-athletes attending the camp

  • Parents/guardians and accompanying family members

  • All participating athletes and any accompanying minors

3. Supervision & Staff / Coach Conduct

3.1 Supervision Ratios

Crew Connection will maintain appropriate supervision ratios in line with safeguarding guidance:

  • A minimum of two adults will be present for all athlete activities

  • We aim for a 1:15 adult-to-athlete ratio throughout the day

  • Additional staff will be available to support transitions, changing areas, and safeguarding needs

  • Private or sensitive conversations must take place with at least two adults present or in a visible, supervised area.

3.2 Same-Sex Support Where Possible

  • Where practicable, athletes will have access to same-sex staff or coaches for welfare concerns or sensitive matters.

4. Training & Induction

  • All staff and volunteers will receive a safeguarding briefing before the camp.

  • This includes conduct expectations, reporting procedures, and emergency contacts.

5. Risk Assessment & Health & Safety

  • A full Event Risk Assessment will be prepared for all camp activities (e.g. erg tests, tank sessions, workshops, athlete mixing, changing room use, and parent access).

  • At least one qualified first-aider will be present. Medical procedures and nearest facility details will be confirmed.

  • Risk assessments will be reviewed after each event and after any incident.

6. Photography, Filming & Communications

Photography & Filming

  • Consent is required before photographing or filming any athlete under 18.

During the Event

  • All communication with junior athletes must occur through official Crew Connection channels.

After the Event

  • Crew Connection acknowledges that U.S. university coaches may contact athletes independently after the event via email or social media. These interactions are outside Crew Connection’s supervision or safeguarding remit.

  • Athletes and parents are strongly encouraged to:

    • Maintain appropriate boundaries

    • Involve a parent/guardian in communications

    • Report any concerns to Crew Connection staff

Reporting Concerns

If a communication or interaction with a coach makes you feel uncomfortable or raises concerns, you have the right to report it. Options include:

  • Crew Connection – While we are not responsible for coach conduct after the event, we will support any athlete or parent who needs help identifying the right reporting channel.

  • U.S. Center for SafeSport – This is the main U.S. body for reporting abuse, misconduct, or harassment in U.S. Olympic and collegiate sports.

  • The Coach’s U.S. University – Most U.S. colleges have a “Title IX” office or compliance office where misconduct or inappropriate behaviour can be reported.

Note: Crew Connection does not monitor or facilitate post-event communication and is not responsible for third-party contact after the camp concludes.

7. Confidentiality, Record-Keeping & Complaints / Reporting

7.1 Reporting Framework

  • All concerns or allegations must be reported to:

    • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Sholto Carnegie

    • Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Hope Cessford

  • Crew Connection will maintain confidential records of any incidents or reports.

  • Records will be securely stored and retained for a minimum of 6 years.

  • Serious concerns involving harm or abuse will be escalated to appropriate authorities.

7.2 External Reporting – Wandsworth Council

  • As the venue is within Wandsworth Borough, safeguarding referrals may be made to:

    • Wandsworth MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub):

      • Tel: 020 8871 6622 (Mon–Fri)

      • Out of hours: 020 8871 6000

    • Wandsworth LADO (for allegations against staff):

      • Email: lado@wandsworth.gov.uk

      • Tel: 07974 586 461

  • In cases of emergency or immediate danger, call 999.

  • Crew Connection will report any allegations involving staff or volunteers to the LADO within one working day.

8. Behaviour Standards & Boundaries

  • Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.

  • Physical contact is discouraged and should only happen when essential for safety, and always with consent.

  • No athlete may be taken off-site without prior written parental consent and supervision.

9. Parent / Guardian Participation & Responsibilities

  • Parents attending the camp agree to follow safeguarding procedures.

  • They must stay in designated areas and not enter athlete-only zones (e.g. changing rooms).

  • Parents may not film or photograph other athletes without explicit written consent.

  • During designated activities (e.g. U.S. Coaches Panel), parents must respect athlete space and supervision arrangements.

10. Changing Rooms & Toilets

  • Separate facilities will be clearly signposted for junior male and female athletes.

  • A separate toilet will be available for coaches, staff, and parents.

  • Crew Connection staff may only enter changing rooms when absolutely necessary and must:

    • Knock and announce before entering

    • Avoid entering when athletes are changing

    • Where possible, ensure a same-sex staff member enters first

  • Parents and coaches are not permitted to enter athlete changing rooms or use athlete-designated toilets under any circumstances.

11. Athlete Expectations & Consent

  • Athletes must follow all safety instructions from staff and coaches.

  • They must respect personal boundaries and report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

  • Participation is dependent on a signed consent form covering:

    • Camp participation

    • Emergency medical treatment

    • Optional media/photography permissions

12. Review & Updates

This policy will be reviewed:

  • After any safeguarding incident or concern

  • Annually, or prior to future Talent ID Camps, to remain in line with current legislation and best practice