Safeguarding & Welfare
Lancaster Canal Boaters Association (LCBA)
The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association (LCBA) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone who engages with our activities, whether online or in person.
This page explains our approach to safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing, and how concerns can be raised.
You can report a safeguarding concern by clicking here.
Policy Owner: LCBA Committee
Effective Date: 01 / 01 / 2026
Next Review: 01 / 01 / 2027
Our Commitment
LCBA recognises that:
- Some people we engage with may be vulnerable or isolated
- Volunteers and committee members have a duty to act responsibly
- Safeguarding and welfare are everyone’s responsibility
We are committed to:
- Protecting children, young people, and adults at risk
- Promoting wellbeing and respectful behaviour
- Acting promptly on concerns
- Complying with relevant legislation and good practice
Who This Applies To
This safeguarding and welfare approach applies to:
- LCBA volunteers and committee members
- Members of the public attending LCBA events
- Boaters and canal users engaging with LCBA
- Online users of the LCBA website, forums, and digital platforms
What We Mean by Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting people from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
At LCBA, safeguarding may be relevant during:
- Canal-side activities and events
- Boat visits and one-to-one interactions
- Online engagement via our website or digital platforms
LCBA volunteers are trained to recognise concerns and report them, not to investigate or provide professional intervention. You can view our Full Safeguarding Policy by clicking here.
Welfare & Wellbeing
LCBA recognises the importance of welfare and wellbeing, particularly for people living or spending significant time on the canal.
Our volunteers:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Are mindful of emotional wellbeing
- Encourage appropriate professional support where needed
Volunteers are not counsellors or mental health professionals and will not attempt to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Equality, Dignity & Respect
LCBA is committed to equality and inclusion in line with the Equality Act 2010.
We aim to ensure:
- Fair and respectful treatment for all
- No discrimination, harassment, or bullying
- Inclusive language and behaviour online and in person
We expect everyone engaging with LCBA to behave respectfully. You can view our Diveristy, Equality and Inclusion Policy here.
Raising a Concern
If you are worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing in connection with LCBA activities, we encourage you to raise a concern.
Concerns can be raised:
- By speaking to an LCBA volunteer or committee member
- By contacting us via the website contact form
- By emailing the LCBA committee
All concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately.
Immediate Danger
If there is an immediate risk of harm, please contact emergency services by calling 999.
LCBA volunteers may also escalate concerns to emergency services where appropriate.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
Information relating to safeguarding or welfare concerns is:
- Treated sensitively
- Shared only on a need-to-know basis
- Handled in line with data protection legislation
We cannot promise confidentiality if someone is at risk of harm.
Governance & Policies
LCBA has formal policies and procedures in place, including:
These are reviewed annually and approved by the LCBA Committee.
Contact
If you wish to raise a safeguarding or welfare concern, or have questions about this statement, please contact the LCBA committee via the website.
This Safeguarding & Welfare Statement reflects LCBA’s commitment to responsible community engagement and good governance.