Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Last updated: 11/02/2026

Moira Lakes is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, supportive and secure environment for all participants, particularly those under the age of 18.

This policy reflects current safeguarding legislation and best practice within Northern Ireland and aligns with Paddle UK safeguarding principles.

1. Our Commitment

Moira Lakes is committed to:

  • Providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and young people.
  • Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
  • Embedding safeguarding into our daily operations and decision-making.
  • Listening to and respecting children and young people.
  • Working in partnership with parents, guardians, group leaders and statutory agencies where appropriate.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Moira Lakes is:

Martin Hoy
Director, Moira Lakes

The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures, managing concerns, and liaising with external agencies where required.

Safeguarding concerns can be reported to:

Email: info@moiralakes.com
Telephone: 028 9244 0788

If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted on 999.

3. Safer Recruitment & Vetting

Moira Lakes operates safer recruitment practices. This includes:

  • AccessNI checks for all relevant staff working directly with children.
  • Verification of identity and references where appropriate.
  • Clear codes of conduct for staff and instructors.
  • Safeguarding awareness and activity-specific training.

4. Supervision & Parental Responsibility

  • Participants under 16 must have a responsible adult present on site unless attending as part of an organised group with designated supervision.
  • Participants under 18 must have appropriate parental or guardian consent completed prior to participation.
  • For organised groups (e.g. Scouts, schools, youth organisations), the group leader retains responsibility for behaviour management and appropriate supervision ratios.
  • Minimum age requirements vary by activity and are clearly stated at the time of booking.

5. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat children and young people with respect and dignity.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of participants.
  • Challenge and report inappropriate behaviour.
  • Follow Paddle UK safeguarding guidance and Moira Lakes internal procedures.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns will be:

  • Taken seriously and recorded appropriately.
  • Reported internally to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • Referred to statutory authorities in Northern Ireland where required.

Moira Lakes will cooperate fully with safeguarding investigations where necessary.

7. Photography & Online Safety

Photography and video may be used for promotional purposes in accordance with our Privacy Policy and consent procedures.

Parental consent is obtained for participants under 18. Parents and guardians may opt out of marketing photography at the time of booking.

Images are used responsibly and will not include unnecessary identifying information.

8. Working with External Organisations

When hosting organised groups such as Scouts, schools, or youth organisations, safeguarding remains a shared responsibility.

Moira Lakes instructors are responsible for delivering activities safely. Group leaders remain responsible for pastoral care, behaviour and supervision outside of instructed sessions unless otherwise agreed in writing.

9. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects current legislation, best practice guidance and Paddle UK safeguarding standards.