Child Protection Safeguarding Policy
Sussex County Croquet Club and the Croquet Academy
Safeguarding Children and Adults
Updated June 2025
Anyone could be vulnerable some of the time
Everyone should be safeguarding all of the time
All members should be familiar with the club’s Safeguarding policy:
Our policy has been updated in compliance with the CqE policies. The full documents including further definitions, and what to look out for are available through the link below to Croquet England or by visiting Croquet England and searching for welfare policies.
Safeguarding is about keeping all adults and children who make up our croquet community safe from harm. Sussex County Croquet Club aims to create an environment and a culture of zero tolerance of harm to both adults and children.
An ‘adult at risk’ is defined by the Care Act 2014 as an individual aged 18 years and over who has needs for care and support and who is experiencing, or at risk of abuse or neglect, and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect. It should not be presumed that only ‘adults at risk’ may be vulnerable to abuse; it could happen to any adult. Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. It can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of the person subjected to it.
A child is someone under the age of 18. Young people under 18 (whether members or not) attending the club must be accompanied by a parent/designated responsible adult, or by their own Group Leader in the case of groups.
It is the duty of all us to recognise the circumstances that may increase vulnerability to harm either temporarily or permanently; to know how adult exploitation, abuse or neglect manifests itself; and to be willing to report safeguarding concerns. We all have a duty of care - ignoring a concern is not an option.
SCCC will put first the well-being of those at risk. Physical contact, "horseplay", taunting, suggestive comments or other potentially inappropriate behaviour should be avoided. If a child or adult reports an incident of abuse to a member, that member should ensure that the conversation is continued in an area preferably within sight of others. Individuals will be supported to communicate their views and the outcomes that they want to achieve. The rights and dignity of all those involved will be treated with respect, however the member should never give a promise of secrecy.
If an incident or incidents are reported to a member, or if a member observes or suspects abusive behaviour towards an adult member or to a child, it must be reported to the Safeguarding Officer as a matter of urgency. In the case of a group of visiting children, it should be mentioned to the group leader and also reported to the club’s Safeguarding Officer at the earliest opportunity. An incident report form will be completed by the Safeguarding Officer. The report will then be shared with the Club Chairman. Together they will decide on an appropriate course of action according to CqE policy, which could involve police and/or social services and/or any other relevant authorities.
Safeguarding Officer:
Name: Jo Crosby
Email: safeguarding@sussexcountycroquetclub.org.uk
Links to relevant documentation
All relevant documents may be found on the Croquet England website by following this link: