At Gordano Valley Archers (GVA) we are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in archery. All Coaches and the Welfare Officer are DBS checked, with annual renewals.

From 1 September 2026, changes introduced through the Crime and Policing Act 2026 mean that the previous supervision exemption has been removed from the definition of regulated activity with children. This affects some volunteer roles that were previously exempt where the volunteer was supervised by a member of staff undertaking regulated activity.

Under the new arrangements, unpaid roles involving teaching, training, instructing, caring for or supervising children are now classed as regulated activity where they take place:

  • on more than 3 days within a 30-day period; or
  • overnight.

This means that volunteers undertaking these activities will require an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list information.

Everyone shares the responsibility for safeguarding and creating safe environments in archery whether as a parent, coach, spectator, club member or official.

All should operate within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrate exemplary behaviour to both safeguard children, young people & adults at risk and protect all personnel from abuse, grooming, bullying or poor practice.

All members and visitors to the club must conduct themselves in a manner that keeps themselves and others safe. Further information on the obligations can be found in the GVA Code of Conduct.

Children, who are anyone under the age of 18, must be cared for in the correct manner, as set out in the GVA Welfare Policy.

As part of the GVA safety and welfare for all members, it is expected that young people will be supervised whilst attending the club:

  • For juniors under the age of 11, a parent or designated responsible adult must be present at all Club archery sessions and events, and will be responsible for the care of that junior.
  • For a junior, aged between 11 and 18, if the adult responsible wishes not to remain with that young person during any Club archery sessions or events, they may leave if they have gained prior consent of the Club’s Chairman or Coach in charge, and completed and signed the Parent/Carer Consent form. They must also collect the young person at the end of the session or event, at the time requested.

Full details can be found in the GVA Welfare Code of Practice.

Gordano Valley Archer’s guidelines are based on Archery GB’s Policy for Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults which is mandatory for archery clubs to follow. The Archery GB Policy can be viewed on their website www.archerygb.org or their policy viewed directly via this link.

The Club takes Safeguarding of its members very seriously and will follow up all reports in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures.

If you wish to know more about the GVA Safeguarding policy or wish to discuss any welfare related concerns, please contact our Welfare Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Thank you for helping to keep archery a safe and enjoyable sport for everyone.