All clubs MUST nominate a Safeguarding Officer by April 1^st of any year and inform the Area Safeguarding Officer by this date to allow for the relevant DBS check to be carried out. Failure by any club to comply with this procedure will result in the affiliation of that club to the Area and the WCGBA being withdrawn.

If the Safeguarding Officer of any club resigns after April 1^st, that club must inform the Area Safeguarding Officer immediately and nominate a new Safeguarding Officer within ONE MONTH to allow for the relevant DBS check to be carried out. Failure by any club to comply with this procedure will result in the affiliation of that club to the Area and the WCGBA being withdrawn.

When appropriate seminars in Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, to outline the policy and procedures of the WCGBA (through the BDA), are held in the club’s own area the Nominated Safeguarding Officers are expected to attend unless a valid reason can be given.

Any allegations in respect of Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults should be referred to their area Safeguarding Officer initially, who will then inform the WCGBA Safeguarding Lead Officer or the WCGBA Chief Executive Officer if necessary.

The WCGBA shall use it best endeavours to ensure that all allegations of abuse are taken seriously and that the response to them is swift and appropriate.