Safeguarding

Welcome to the Safeguarding Hub for Alton Golf Club. We are incredibly proud to hold the official SafeGolf Certification, which demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone who visits our course.
Whether you are a lifelong member, a first-time visitor, a volunteer, or a parent of a junior player, your welfare and safety are our top priorities.

MEET YOUR CLUB WELFARE OFFICER
As your Club Welfare Officer (Safeguarding Lead), I am your primary point of contact for any safeguarding queries, concerns, or advice. I am independently trained, hold an Enhanced DBS check, and am here to listen to you in strict confidence.
• Name: David Barrett
• Email: safeguard@altongolfclub.com
• Phone: 07584048577
• Availability: You can reach out directly via email or phone or speak to the clubhouse staff who can arrange for us to have a private, confidential chat.

QUICK-FIRE GUIDE: WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN
If you are worried about the physical or emotional welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk—or if you have concerns about the behaviour of a coach, member, or visitor—please follow these simple steps:
1. Do not wait: Report your concern as soon as possible.
2. Do not investigate: It is not your responsibility to prove what happened, interrogate anyone, or gather evidence. Your only job is to report it.
3. Contact me immediately: Use the contact details above to share your concerns confidentially.
4. Immediate Danger: If someone is in immediate physical danger or requires urgent medical attention, dial 999 for the Police or Ambulance service straight away.
5. National Escalation: If I am unavailable or you feel you need external support, report your concern through the national framework at www.safegolf.org or contact the England Golf Safeguarding Team at 01526 351851.

ESSENTIAL SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS
If you ever need external support, guidance, or emergency help, please use the directory below:
• Alton Club Welfare Officer: Primary contact for club-level concerns - 07584048577
• England Golf Safeguarding: National escalation, reporting, and advice - 01526 351851
• NSPCC Helpline: 24/7 expert support for concerns about a child - 0808 800 5000
• Childline: Direct, confidential help and advice for children - 0800 1111
• Hampshire Local Authority: Local Adult and Children Social Care (LADO) - 0300 555 1384

OFFICIAL CLUB DOCUMENTS AND POLICIES
To maintain our SafeGolf accreditation and ensure we are protecting our community, the management committee has adopted the most up-to-date England Golf safeguarding frameworks. Please take a moment to review our core policies and club guidelines via the links below:
• Safeguarding Policies: You can view our overarching statement on SafeGolf and access specific documentation protecting juniors and adults at risk on our Safeguarding Policies Page: https://altongolfclub.com/safe-guarding-policies
• Members and Visitors Code of Conduct: Defines our zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Read it here: https://altongolfclub.com/code-of-conduct
• Junior Course Safety Rules: For safeguarding reasons, children under 14 may not play on their own and must be accompanied by an adult. View our Etiquette & Respect Rules for full details: https://altongolfclub.com/etiquette-respect-priority

A Note to Our Community: Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. By renewing your membership, participating in coaching, or paying a green fee at Alton Golf Club, you agree to uphold the principles set out in these policies. Let's work together to ensure the game remains safe, respectful, and fun for all.