Cycling should be a safe and positive experience for everybody. All those involved in the sport have a part to play in safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. To assist with this, British Cycling will offer support and guidance, reflective of good practice, to all our members.
Read our Safeguarding Strategy
You can read our Safeguarding Strategy, published in June 2024, through the button below. The strategy details our plans to strengthen the safeguarding culture, environment and operations in British Cycling over the coming years.
Take the course - Safeguarding Awareness (£19.99)
British Cycling have developed an online Safeguarding Awareness course so everyone in cycling understands how to ensure our sport and activities remain safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.
More about Safeguarding Awareness course
Reporting your concerns
One of the most important way to protect and safeguard children and adults at risk is to report any concerns.
Reporting your concerns
If there is no immediate risk but you have concerns about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, or you have concerns about the behaviour or practice of a coach, or anyone else involved in the sport, then talk to our Integrity and Compliance Department on 0161 274 2000 or email compliance@britishcycling.org.uk
Safer Recruitment
Safer recruitment ensures the protection of your members and the club, especially if the club includes junior members.
A template volunteer application form can be found here which includes requests for references, an agreement to complete a DBS if required and a self-declaration around criminal convictions.
We also recommend volunteer inductions as they ensure clubs understand the needs of the volunteer, and that volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities. It is suggested to include: details of their role, the code of conduct, an introduction to other volunteers including the committee members, and details of key policies and procedures.
DBS Checks
Anyone involved in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults will require a DBS check.
DBS Guidance
Flowchart – working with Children and Young People
DBS Flowchart – working with Adults
Do you require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check?
A Young Person’s Guide to Safeguarding and Wellbeing
It’s important that you can talk to someone if you are worried or upset. This may be your parent/carer, a teacher or your Club Welfare Officer. If there isn’t someone you feel that you can talk to, you can call Childline 0800 1111 or contact them via www.childline.org.uk.
There are some fantastic resources available online that provide further support and guidance. Here are just a few:
- Young Minds - click here to access their mental health resources
- Beat eating disorders - click here to access their downloadable resources
- Shout - click here for tips on anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed
- UK Safer Internet Centre - click here for more information on how to enjoy your time online whilst staying safe
Separate information, policies, contacts and advice on wellbeing and protection for people in Scotland can be found here:
Safeguarding in Scotland
NSPCC Helpline
In August 2021, the NSPCC launched a new, free and independent Helpline to offer support and guidance to individuals with concerns about non-recent or current abuse within cycling. The Helpline has been commissioned by British Cycling to further strengthen our work to ensure that the sport continues to be safe for young people, and provide individuals with an additional route to report concerns and access trained support.
The Helpline is open from 08:00 - 22:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 - 18:00 on weekends, and can be accessed either by phone, on 0800 614 458, or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.
To find out more, click here.
The following sections apply to people in England and Wales:
Contact
British Cycling Safeguarding Manager
Tel: 0161 274 2000
Email: compliance@britishcycling.org.uk
In case of an emergency situation contact:
Police: 999
Your Local Social Care Emergency Duty Team
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Club welfare officers
All clubs are encouraged to recruit one or ideally two interested volunteers to take on this challenging but rewarding role. To help you understand the primary responsibilities of the Club Welfare Officer we have produced a Role Description.
It is essential that the club welfare officers make themselves known at club coaching sessions, races and events. British Cycling has created a poster allowing clubs to display a photo and basic contact details of the club welfare officer to ensure that all members are aware of who to contact should they need someone to confide in or report safeguarding concerns to.
Whistleblowing and sharing of information/concerns
British Cycling acknowledges the need for a 'Whistleblowing policy' in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA).
British Cycling whistleblowing policy
Trips, visits, and training camps with children and young people
These events are very exciting and important for a young rider's development. The majority of such trips take place without any issues however it is important to prepare for the worst case scenario. After much publicised cases where trips with children have gone wrong there is increased demand for advice to minimise risk.
Trips, visits, and training camps with children and young people
Parent in Sport poster
Download a Parent in Sport poster to display at your event, session or activity to promote positive parental involvement in cycling.
Feedback
Whilst British Cycling, as far as possible, tries to ensure it is compliant and robust in its Safeguarding procedures. We welcome suggestions on how we can improve this. If you have any feedback, please email compliance@britishcycling.org.uk and entitle your email "Safeguarding Feedback".
Further information
For further information on safeguarding children and adults at risk please visit the following websites.
Child protection in sport unit
Disclosure & Barring Service
Childline
Ann Craft Trust – Safeguarding Adults in Sport
For information relating to criminal records disclosures in Scotland and Northern Ireland please follow the links below.
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Policies
The safeguarding policies and supporting documents are detailed below.
British Cycling Safeguarding Strategy 2019 – 2021
British Cycling Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
British Cycling Safeguarding Adults Policy
British Cycling Safeguarding Regulations
The adoption and application of codes of conduct for cycling clubs
Anti-bullying guidance for cycling clubs
Advice and support for junior cyclists
British Cycling and information sharing
Using social networking services and social media
Instant messaging - safeguarding guidelines
Safeguarding and photography
Photographer registration document
Guidance for photographers
