Welfare and Child Protection


Runnymede Swimming Club has a dedicated Welfare Officer to oversee all aspects of Child Protection and Welfare within our club and fully endorses the Swim England commitment to Child Welfare. If you have any concerns or questions regarding Child Protection and Welfare then please contact the Welfare Officer at welfare@runnymedeswimmingclub.com or any other member of the Committee or coaching team who will redirect you to the relevant person.

Welfare is not simply about child protection. It also covers all areas of discrimination, bullying, disability, illness, ethical behaviour, drugs and alcohol, and economic hardship. The Club’s Welfare Officer is available to answer any questions that you may have on these subjects.  Alternatively the Welfare Officer may decide to consult the appropriate agency or ASA department if an answer is not readily available.

All members and personnel are bound by the Rules in the Club Constitution, and the Club Code of Ethics. The club has also adopted the Swim England guidelines on Equal Opportunities and Equity in sport.

Swim England is committed to promoting the welfare of children in our sport. That is why they have joined with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in creating SwimLine. The service is provided for anyone involved in swimming, including children and young people who believe that the welfare of a young child is at risk. This could be neglect or abuse, bullying or fear of someone, or anything that is worrying you and you don’t know who to discuss it with.

If you feel that you need to talk to someone other than the Club personnel then please call the Swim England SwimLine or one of the other numbers provided on this page. SwimLine calls are free and do not appear on itemised bills unless the call is made from a mobile phone. SwimLine does not use the 1471 code or any other call return or call display facility.   If you leave a message they aim to ring back during the next working day.  If you phone over the weekend, they will aim to contact you on Monday.

Contact Numbers

SwimLine: 0808 100 4001

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline direct: 0808 800 5000 (open 24 hours a day and calls are free).

Textphone: 0800 056 0566