Under-18 Policy

The Caving Crew adheres to The Children Act 1989, defining individuals under 18 as children, and has established
safety protocols in alignment with the British Caving Association (BCA) to safely include under-18s in some club
activities.

Safety Protocols

• Minors must always be under the supervision of a parent or guardian during all club activities, ensuring they are
  never left unattended by that person.
• Members (who are not that parent/guardian) are prohibited from being alone with an unsupervised minor.
• Trip leaders do not require DBS checks when minors are accompanied by their parent or guardians.
• The club is committed to best practice in safeguarding and child protection at all times.

Policy Objectives

• To ensure the safety and protection of minors during club activities under the supervision of their guardians.
• To empower club members to handle child safeguarding issues effectively and ensure all concerns are addressed
  promptly.
• To affirm the right of all children to a safe environment, irrespective of their background.
• To allow parents clarity on what events they can attend with under-18s, and to support parents raising young
  children.

Caving Activities

• Participation in caving activities is contingent on the consent and supervision of the minor’s parent or guardian.
• Only designated caving trips for under-18s are open to them, with mandatory supervision.
  • Events that are accessible to under-18s are clearly shown at sign up as “open to Under 18s” and all other events
    including day trips, weekend trips, training, and social events are not accessible for under-18s.
  • Leaders and seconders on u18 trips are required to take required minimum safeguarding e-learning as recommended
    by the club.
• Under-18s, including those with guardians, are barred from attending any caving trips not designated specifically
  for under-18s.
• Attendance of under-18s and their parent/guardians on designated caving trips requires they have acknowledged the
  associated risks through signed consent forms.
• Designated caving trips for under-18s require leaders proficient in managing young cavers.
• Parents/Guardians retain responsibility for their minors throughout all club activities, whether below ground or
  above ground.

Young Children Exception (Under 6s)

• Children under 6 years old are welcome at designated surface-level club events subject to Trip Director approval and
  mandatory registration for each event. Whilst they may be present above ground, they are not permitted underground.
• Children under 6 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times.
• Special care must be taken with under-6s on non-designated overnight trips, and a conversation with the committee or
  Trip Director must be had in advance, to secure appropriate sleeping situations. This likely involves the child
  sleeping with their parent/guardian in separate accommodation.
• Parents of young children understand that the Crew is unlikely to support significant adjustments to accommodate
  them on non-designated trips and as such – there may be people up late being noisy, swearing, and enthusiastically
  merry-making.

Weekend and Social Events

• Special weekend events may be organised for under-18s, with appropriate accommodations and supervised activities.
• A designated “weekend leader” will be responsible for safeguarding, compliance, and generally ensuring under-18s are
  looked after.
• Under-18s can attend suitable social events with guardian consent and supervision.

Complaint Procedures

• All complaints/concerns regarding the behaviour of Members should be presented and submitted in writing to the
  club’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (currently the Secretary). These could also be presented to the President,
  Chair, or another member of the Exec Committee.
• Complaints will be managed in accordance with the club’s disciplinary policy, including potential membership
  termination.