Safeguarding & Misconduct (R9)

Safeguarding

Bowls Northumberland Safeguarding Officer: Karen Milner (contact details, here)

Safeguarding Officers are a mandatory requirement for all Affiliated Clubs, as set out by major sports governing bodies and reinforced by Sport England. Their presence is not optional — it is a core expectation designed to protect everyone who takes part in our sport.

Without designated Safeguarding Officers, clubs risk creating gaps in oversight that can be exploited by individuals seeking to cause harm. These roles exist to ensure that every club has clear, accountable points of contact who understand how to prevent, identify, and respond to concerns. In short, they help keep our members safe.

Safeguarding is about more than compliance. It’s about building a culture where every participant — from junior bowlers to long-standing adult members — feels safe, respected, and supported. Safeguarding Officers help to:

Promote a safe and welcoming environment
Ensure reporting routes within Bowls England are understood and accessible
Support coaches, volunteers, and committee members in recognising early signs of concern
Uphold standards of fairness, respect, and appropriate behaviour across the club

Although safeguarding is often associated with children, it is equally vital for adults. Research shows that 47% of adults display characteristics that may make them vulnerable, meaning nearly half of our adult membership could be at increased risk. This reinforces why safeguarding must apply to everyone, not just young people.

Further guidance, including detailed responsibilities and best practice, can be found in the Bowls England Safeguarding Overview under the “Safeguarding” section at the top of the page.

Misconduct Regulation (R9)

Regulation 9 (R9) sets out a consistent, fair and proportionate process for managing misconduct by Affiliated Members across Bowls England, its Affiliated Clubs, and County Associations. It exists to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that concerns are handled transparently and with natural justice.

Key Principles

R9 as the required framework — All misconduct complaints must follow the procedures set out in Regulation 9. This ensures that every case is approached in a consistent and accountable way, no matter where it arises within the sport.
Appropriate level handling — Complaints must be addressed at the level closest to where the incident occurred: Club, County, or National. This keeps decision‑making relevant, proportionate, and timely.
Clear submission and assessment process — Complaints must be submitted in writing using the official Complaint Form and sent to the Complaint Assessor. The Assessor reviews the information and determines whether the complaint is unfounded or should be categorised as minor, moderate, or serious. This classification guides the correct route for resolution.
Confidentiality and fairness — All complaints must be handled discreetly, impartially, and with respect for everyone involved. Defined roles and responsibilities ensure that decisions are made fairly and transparently.
Right of appeal — Members may appeal decisions, but only to the next organisational level (Club → County → National). This maintains fairness while preventing repeated or circular appeals.

Key links, including the Complaint Form, guidance documents, and supporting resources, can be found at the bottom of the R9 Overview page on the Bowls England website.