Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride

Safeguarding Policy

How we protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Our commitment

Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Charitable Trust (Registered Charity No. NIC110259) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all trustees, volunteers, partners, and anyone representing the Trust to share this commitment.

This policy applies to our events in Northern Ireland (including the Christmas Charity Ride and related activities) and to our partnership work with communities in Uganda.

Who this policy covers

  • Trustees and anyone acting on behalf of the Trust.
  • Volunteers, stewards, and helpers at Trust events.
  • Contractors and partners engaged for Trust activities.
  • Children, young people, and vulnerable adults who take part in or attend our events, or who are beneficiaries of our Uganda programmes.

Our approach

The Trust will:

  • Take all reasonable steps to protect people from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
  • Promote a culture where concerns can be raised safely and without fear of reprisal.
  • Recruit, induct, and supervise volunteers with safeguarding in mind.
  • Require a clear code of conduct for anyone representing the Trust.
  • Work with partner organisations in Uganda that share our safeguarding standards.
  • Report concerns promptly to the appropriate statutory authorities where required.

Responsibilities

  • Trustees are responsible for approving this policy, ensuring it is reviewed regularly, and overseeing safeguarding arrangements.
  • Event organisers and lead volunteers are responsible for applying safeguarding practice on the day, including safe supervision of children and young people.
  • Everyone acting for the Trust must report concerns without delay and follow the guidance of statutory agencies when involved.

Reporting a concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, young person, or vulnerable adult in connection with the Trust’s work, please contact us as soon as possible:

Where a person is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services first. Do not investigate the matter yourself beyond gathering enough information to make a clear report.

Immediate concerns

If you have an immediate concern about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, contact the appropriate statutory authority without delay — for example the Police, Social Services, or the NSPCC. You can also contact the Trust using the details above so we can support an appropriate response.

Partners in Uganda

Where we fund or support projects overseas, we work with trusted local partners and expect them to uphold safeguarding standards consistent with this policy. Concerns relating to partner activity should be reported to the Trust and, where appropriate, to local authorities.

Review

This policy is reviewed by the trustees at least annually, or sooner if law, guidance, or our activities change.

Contact

For safeguarding enquiries, email info@saintfieldchristmascharityride.org or see our Contact page. Related information is also available in our Complaints Procedure.