Crew Connection Ltd – Safeguarding Policy Statement

Our commitment

Crew Connection Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, grooming, bullying (including online), harassment, and poor practice. We believe every athlete has the right to enjoy sport in a safe, respectful, inclusive environment.

Who this applies to

This policy applies to all mentoring, consulting, coaching, recruiting support, and any other service or action delivered by Crew Connection consultants, where an athlete or young person is involved, including when a parent/guardian is the primary contact.

This includes:

  • Remote coaching sessions and training support

  • Recruiting and college advisory services

  • In-person camps, events, and training support

  • All digital communication (email, messaging apps, video calls, etc.)

All Crew Connection staff/consultants must follow professional standards, including:

  • Appropriate boundaries at all times (no over-familiar or sexualised behaviour)

  • No direct messaging via personal social media (Instagram/TikTok/Snapchat etc.)

  • Transparent communication: for under-18s, we use approved channels and will include a parent/guardian in group communication. Any communication without a parent/guardian included is only with parental/guardian approval.

  • Two-consultant standard (group chats): any group chat used for consulting or mentoring includes at least two Crew Connection consultants.

  • In-person standard: any in-person activity takes place in a public/observable venue and is delivered either (a) with two Crew Connection representatives present, or (b) with a parent/guardian present.

  • All staff/consultants working with under-18s are appropriately vetted, including enhanced DBS checks

  • Safety-first coaching: no unsafe training demands; wellbeing comes before performance

Online sessions and session records

Some online sessions may be recorded or documented for quality and safeguarding purposes, with prior notice. Access is restricted and records are stored securely.

U.S. college coach / recruiting interactions

Some athletes will interact with U.S. university coaches during recruiting. These coaches are not Crew Connection employees. If a concern relates to a U.S. coach/program:

  • Report directly to the university’s Title IX Office/Coordinator (see the institution’s Title IX webpage)

  • If anyone is in immediate danger in the U.S., call 911

  • Where applicable, reports may also be made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport
    Crew Connection can help families identify the correct reporting contact for a specific institution.

How to raise a concern

If something feels wrong, even if you’re unsure please report it. We will take you seriously and respond in a supportive, trauma-informed way.

Safeguarding contact (confidential inbox):
Email: crewcnnt@gmail.com (monitored by the Safeguarding Lead and Deputy)

If a child is in immediate danger (UK): call 999
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111

You can also report a safeguarding concern to British Rowing here:
https://br.vissro.com/br/forms.nsf/safeguarding-report