Policies

The health, safety and welfare of all of our employees, volunteers and users of the Guernsey Sailing Trust LBG and other people who may be affected by our activities is fundamental to everything we do.  We are committed to ensuring that responsibilities for safety and health are properly assigned, accepted and fulfilled at all levels of the organisation.

The Guernsey Sailing Trust LBG will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that:

• Employees, volunteers and users are provided with such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to secure their health and safety
• Our premises, activities and operational areas are safe and without risks to health and that adequate provisions are made in relation to suitable and sufficient facilities and arrangements
• All vehicles, boats, plant and equipment are in a serviceable condition, safe and without risks to health
• Safe access and egress is provided and maintained for our premises, activities and operational areas
• Adequate information is available with respect to articles and substances used detailing the conditions and precautions necessary to ensure that when properly used they will be safe and without risk to health
• All activities are appropriately planned and risk assessed
• Employees, volunteers and users are aware of a responsibility to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions
• A just culture is integral and core to everything we do, meaning that anyone can report a health and safety accident, incident or hazard without fear of blame or reprisal so as long as there has not been a deliberate breach of our policies, processes or procedures

By working together, we can maintain a safe, healthy and efficient organisation that promotes enjoyable and exciting boating and activities.  This policy is reviewed and updated as and when deemed necessary but it will be reviewed at least every 12 months. 

Reviewed March 2026

It is the policy of the Guernsey Sailing Trust that all participants, coaches, instructors, officials, parents/carers and volunteers show respect and understanding for each other, treat everyone equally within the context of the sport and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organisation.  The aim is for all participants to enjoy their sport and to improve performance.

Abusive language, directed swearing, intimidation, aggressive behaviour or lack of respect for others and their property will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.

Participants 

• Listen to and accept what you are asked to do to improve your performance and keep you safe
• Respect other participants, coaches, instructors, officials and volunteers
• Abide by the rules and play fairly
• Do your best at all times
• Never bully others either in person, by phone, by text or online
• Take care of all property belonging to other participants, the GST and all its users.

Coaches, Instructors, Officials and Volunteers

• Consider the welfare and safety of participants before the development of performance
• Encourage participants to value their performance and not just results
• Promote fair play and never condone cheating
• Ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
• Build professional relationships based on mutual trust and respect
• Work in an open environment
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with students, especially young or vulnerable people
• Be an excellent role model and display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, including using appropriate language
• Do not drink alcohol, smoke or vape when working directly with students
• Communicate clearly with participants and carers
• Be aware of any relevant medical information
• Follow RYA and club/class guidelines and policies
• Be aware of and follow Safeguarding Policies, including the Social Media Policy and E-Safety Code of Conduct
• Holders of RYA Instructor and Coach qualifications must also comply with the RYA Code of Conduct

Carers

• Accept that adult participants have a right to take risks and to take decisions about their welfare, unless they lack the capacity to do so as defined by the Mental Health Act 2005
• Support the participant’s involvement and help them enjoy their sport
• Help the participant to recognise good performance, not just results
• Never force the participant to take part in any activity 
• Never punish or belittle the participant for losing or making mistakes
• Encourage and guide the participant to accept responsibility for their own conduct and performance
• Respect and support the instructor/coach
• Accept officials’ judgements and recognise good performance by all participants
• Use established procedures where there is a genuine concern or dispute
• Inform the GST of relevant medical information
• Ensure that the participant wears suitable clothing and has appropriate food and drink
• Provide contact details and be available when required
• Take responsibility for the participant’s safety and conduct in and around the GST Facilities

If you are concerned that someone is not following the Code of Conduct, you should inform one of the GST Welfare Officers or the person in charge of the activity.

Reviewed March 2026

Instructors & volunteers (staff) who work with children and young people are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motives and intentions.  This code applies to both interactions between instructors and instructor to student interactions.

When working with children and young people you are advised to:

• use email to arrange work or sailing sessions, with parents copied in
• avoid using over-familiar language
• only communicate regarding organisational matters, not for social or personal contact
• if you need to share a phone number with a young person, and do not have a business phone, all messages should be work related

Websites and social media

All staff posting onto our website or social media must ensure that:

• our guidance on use of images is followed:
• parental consent must be gained before publishing any photos or videos
• limited identifying  information is to be published
• if unsure about the suitability of any image, please speak to a member of the office staff before publishing

When using social media, it is recommended that you:

• have a personal and a professional page for your social media
• do not allow young sailors to follow or be friends with your personal account
• set your privacy settings as high as possible on your personal account
• challenge the way that young sailors post or comment to you or others on social media if it is inappropriate
• educate young sailors about the boundaries between them and their Instructor

Any one that is concerned about any information or posts should contact a GST Welfare Officer immediately.

For more information on the use of social media through the Guernsey Sailing Trust Account, please see the  ‘Social Media Code of Conduct’ in the Additional SOPs.

When communicating with young people:

• All communication via the internet/social media platforms will be for professional purposes only
• All communication should acknowledge and maintain respectful professional boundaries and be transparent and open to scrutiny
• Staff should not use the internet to share/communicate any personal messages with young people they know only from the workplace
• All staff should record and report without delay any situation where they feel the actions of themselves/others (including young people) may have compromised the organisations or their own professional standing
• Any member of staff concerned about the professional conduct of another member of staff should report this to the Guernsey Sailing Trust Welfare Officer
• Anyone can request to have photos/comments relating to themselves removed by contacting the administrator
• Any comments made on the organisation’s social media platforms by others that are deemed hurtful shall be removed by the administrators and appropriate action will be taken
• Mobile phones and devices should not be used by staff during any sessions, unless to aid sessions aims or for emergency purposes as agreed with a Senior Instructor or senior member of staff
• Staff should not share their mobile phone numbers or have any contact with children and young people on their personal devices; an organisation-specific phone is available to contact parents/guardians if needed 
• Staff will not use personal devices to take photographs or video of young people unless agreed by a Senior Instructor or higher (in cases where organisation equipment is unavailable); in these cases photographs will be emailed to or downloaded to an organisation PC/device as soon as possible and permanently deleted from the personal device
• Staff will not use personal devices or contact via internet in such a way that could abuse or bully other members of staff 

Reviewed March 2026

RYA Instructor Code of Conduct
for RYA Instructors, Coach Assessors, Trainers and Examiners

The RYA values and respects the very talented people that make up our training network, and views them as important ambassadors of the RYA’s brand and values. This document outlines the code of conduct to which all holders of RYA instructor qualifications and RYA training appointments (hereafter referred to as instructors) are required to comply. The code of conduct is intended to make clear to all participants, instructors and RYA appointment holders, the high standards to which all are expected to conform.

Instructors must:

1. Behave in a manner that is consistent with the values of the RYA, particularly with regards equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability.
2. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally within the context of their boating activity.
3. Place the wellbeing and safety of the student above the development of performance or delivery of training.
4. Encourage and guide students to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
5. Only develop relationships with students that are appropriate and legal, (especially those under 18) whether face to face or in a digital context. Relationships must be consensual, based on mutual trust and respect and must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Ensure the activities they direct or advocate are student focused, and appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual. Always clarify with students (and where appropriate their parents or carers) exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect.
7. Behave appropriately to ensure the safety of instructors, students and others under your direction.
8. Treat all RYA instructors, appointment holders, staff and other stakeholders with respect.
9. Act with integrity in all customer and business to business dealings pertaining to RYA training.
10. Read, understand, and comply with the Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults policies and guidelines as detailed on the RYA website at www.rya.org.uk/safeguarding.
11. Comply with the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which they are operating.
12. Follow all RYA guidance and standards with regards specific training or coaching programmes.
13. Not do or neglect to do anything which may bring the RYA into disrepute, including through the use of social media.
14. Hold relevant, up to date governing body qualifications as approved by the RYA.
15. Only teach or provide RYA courses or RYA certification within the framework of an RYA recognised training centre.
16. Notify the RYA immediately of any court-imposed sanction that precludes the instructor from contact with specific user groups (for example children or adults at risk) and be aware that certain sanctions may result in the automatic withdrawal of your qualification.
17. Notify RYA Training in the event of any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out their responsibilities, including the use of medication which may impact their role.
18. Not carry out RYA training, examining or coaching activities whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Failure to adhere to the RYA Instructor Code of Conduct may result in the suspension or withdrawal of RYA qualifications or appointments.

Reviewed March 2026

GST Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidelines FEB 2026

GST Safeguarding and Child Protection Guidelines Feb 2026

Introduction

Equity in sport means ensuring fair access, opportunity and treatment for everyone, while recognising that different people may face different barriers to participation.

Sports Equity is about making sure that everyone has an equal chance to participate in and contribute to sport or physical activity if they choose to do so, and that no one is discriminated against unfairly for any reason, including – but not limited to – gender, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, social background, ethnic origin, language, marital or civil partnership status or pregnancy.

The Guernsey Sailing Trust believes sailing should be accessible to all members of the community. We are committed to removing barriers that prevent people from participating and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to take part.  We value diversity and recognise that a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthens our organisation and the sailing community.

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, instructors, participants, parents and visitors involved in Guernsey Sailing Trust activities.

Statement of Intent

The Guernsey Sailing Trust:

• Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure that no individual is discriminated against on the grounds of protected characteristics including age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, or marital/civil partnership status
• Take reasonable steps to remove barriers to participation, including making reasonable adjustments where possible
• Ensure that all policies, programmes and services are developed with equity and accessibility in mind
• Promote awareness of equality and inclusion among staff, instructors and volunteers
• Respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns or complaints relating to discrimination or harassment
• Monitor participation where appropriate to help identify and address inequalities

• Principles

Our Policy reflects the following principles:

• Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation will not be tolerated.
• Everyone involved in the Guernsey Sailing Trust has a shared responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• All individuals have the right to participate in our activities without fear of discrimination.
• Achieving equality may require different levels of support or resources to ensure that everyone has fair access to opportunities.

Accessibility Commitment

We will make reasonable efforts to ensure that facilities, communication and activities are accessible to people with disabilities or additional needs wherever possible.

Training Commitment

Staff and volunteers will be encouraged to develop awareness of equality and inclusion as part of their training and professional development.

Legal Obligations

The Guernsey Sailing Trust will comply with all relevant States of Guernsey equality and employment legislation, as well as guidance from the Royal Yachting Association and other relevant governing bodies.

Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure

Any concerns or complaints relating to discrimination, harassment or breaches of this policy should be reported as soon as possible to the Principal or General Manager.

Complaints will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the Guernsey Sailing Trust complaints and disciplinary procedures.

Where appropriate, matters may be referred to the Board of Trustees or relevant safeguarding authorities.

Definitions

The Guernsey Sailing Trust recognises direct and indirect discrimination and regards both as gross misconduct subject to disciplinary action.

Direct discrimination occurs where someone is treated less favourably than another person would have been in the same circumstances.

Indirect discrimination occurs when a requirement or condition is applied, which, whether intentional or not, adversely affects a section of the population characterised by ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age or social background.

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment.

The Guernsey Sailing Trust recognises that harassment, bullying and victimisation are also examples of gross misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action.

Reviewed March 2026

The Guernsey Sailing Trust (GST) will ensure that all complaints are dealt with appropriately and recorded, investigated (if required) and acted upon in a timely and correct manner.

It is not always clear when a complaint is formal or when something is being raised as a concern. Initially, the expression of dissatisfaction may not constitute a formal complaint, but it may escalate later and therefore all complaints and concerns will be recorded on the Complaints Form for future reference.

All complaints must be directed to the RYA Principal who will follow the below procedure: 

• Complaint received (verbally, by email, letter or over the phone) 
• Complainant asked to complete and return the Complaint Form below

On receipt of the completed Complaint Form, the complaint will be dealt with in the following way: 

• Marked as strictly confidential 
• Principal to review the complaint and determine whether the Chairman, HR representative or Safeguarding officer need to be involved
• If a second complaint of the same nature occurs, the Chairman and HR representative on the management committee will be informed and join the Principal and General Manager in dealing with the complaint
• Any further occurrences will be passed directly to the management committee to be dealt with

GST Complaints Form

Reviewed March 2026