Safeguarding

Safeguarding and welfare is a priority for Wanstead Golf Club. From 2021 it is a requirement for all golf clubs to hold the SafeGolf accreditation, and we want to be on the front foot in this regard. Not just ‘ticking boxes’, but actually ensuring that all players understand what they need to do to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Government guidance makes it clear that ‘safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility’, and we all have a part to play. It is essential that every sector in the golfing community, including players, officials and club staff take the safety of young players seriously.

In October 2018, England Golf launched a national standalone safeguarding accreditation called SafeGolf. SafeGolf is a partnership of UK golf bodies committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in the sport of golf.

The safeguarding standards of SafeGolf include the following: -

Adopting the England Golf safeguarding policy.

Communicating this to members, visitors, staff, volunteers and parents.

Ensuring the appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place for the recruitment and deployment of staff and volunteers who work with children.

Appointing a club welfare officer, with a clear role description and training.

Providing regular training in safeguarding and child protection for professionals, staff and volunteers who regularly work with children.


Anyone who has a negative experience of golf at a young age is less likely to become a long-term participant. It is important for the future of the sport and every golf club that children and young people have an enjoyable experience of golf.

We should all be talking about safeguarding and contributing to meeting our overall duty of care.

This is not a child welfare policy, it is a club welfare policy put in place for the protection of all members and visitors.


Wanstead is a great club, it is very friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking. This award helps spread that message and conveys that children and vulnerable adults are safe and secure here and the club understands the needs of beginner golfers.

We believe everyone should have the chance to get involved in golf – at all levels and in all roles. Our equality and diversity policy shows our commitment to making golf an inclusive sport in England.

Our Club is bound by our policies and procedures, including our equality policy. We recommend that clubs and counties also have an equality and diversity policy.

Preventing discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 protects the rights of individuals and promotes equality of opportunity.

No one can lawfully discriminate against anyone under these ‘protected characteristics’:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation