Safeguarding

Keeping our members safe at all times

Safeguarding and welfare for all Young Farmers is at the heart of everything we do.  If you have any concerns for yourself or anyone else you can confidentially approach the YFYFC Designated Welfare and Safeguarding Officer.

You will be listened to, offered support and know that positive action will be taken to help you.

YFYFC will make the greatest effort to safeguard all our members. Anyone with concerns about safeguarding members within YFYFC should email safeguarding@yfyfc.org.uk. If you would prefer to speak to someone, please contact County Office during office hours who will sign-post you accordingly.

YFYFC Designated Welfare and Safeguarding Officer

Simon is YFYFC’s Designated Welfare and Safeguarding Officer.  Simon grew up in the Kent countryside of apples and hops. Simon lived and worked in London for 25 years and moved to God’s own country after falling for it’s charm and welcoming people.

Simon has worked most of his life in public protection and has a background of safeguarding Britain’s most vulnerable people in society. Vulnerable people can range from victims of assault, child neglect, exploitation, people suffering from mental health issues; the list is almost exhaustive. Simon enjoys the great outdoors and enjoys walking, running, surfing, wild swimming, cycling and anything else there is to do.

Yorkshire Young Farmers relies on the generosity of lots of volunteers who give up their time to support the development of young people. Unfortunately, those with poor intent may try to access our organisation to gain contact with vulnerable groups. We have policies, systems and procedures to prevent this.

Those volunteers applying for roles working with vulnerable groups within our organisation will be required  to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check and complete e-safeguarding training.

All under 18’s parents/guardian sign off parental consent on the digital membership database to attend Club Meetings.  We also require Parental Consent Forms for under 18’s attending competitions, trips or activities. Click the button to download and print the form.

Parental Consent Form

Club Officers

Club Meetings are organised and run “by the members for the members”, with the help of Club Leaders. The Club Officers include the Club Chairman, Club Vice Chairman, Club Secretary, Club Treasurer and Club Leaders who are elected annually and have overall responsibility for the Club and the activities members participate in.  All Club Officers are asked to complete a DBS check and complete the NFYFC e-safeguarding training.

Behaviour and Discipline

All members are expected to behave appropriately following NFYFC Code of Conduct. Inappropriate behaviour that may have an impact on other members is not tolerated. Minor incidents will generally be dealt with by the Club Chairman at their discretion, which could simply be a talk with the member.

Parents will be contacted if more serious incidents occur by the Designated Welfare and Safeguarding Officer. Information can be found in the YFYFC Standards of Behaviour Policy and NFYFC Winning Behaviours Policy available from the County Office on request.

Parental and Photographic Consent

On joining, all YFC members complete a digital membership, consent form and agree to the Code of Conduct. It is vital that the club holds a valid, up-to-date general consent form for each member.

Members under 18 will also need to ask their parent/guardian to complete a parental consent form for competitions, specific trips or event arrangements.  At Northern Area and National competition finals, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a parental Jotform.

Safeguarding within Club

Most clubs will elect at least one safeguarding officer to support their club members.  They will be supported by the County Designated Welfare and Safeguarding Officer, who in turn is supported by the NFYFC Safeguarding Team.

Communication with Members

YFC Clubs will communicate with members in a variety of ways to make sure they are aware of the club’s programme. Communication with children and young people must involve the parents/guardians for under 18 year olds. Communication arrangements are made locally between the Club Officers and the parents/guardians and may include social media platforms, WhatsApp, a printed club programme, phone calls and texts etc.

Transporting Members

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to arrange transport for their child to get to and from meetings or activities. All members and volunteers who take on the responsibility to transport members will be asked to complete a DBS check.  For more information please check out the YFC Transporting Young People Guidelines.

Code of Conduct

YFC members should:

  • Follow the Law: Make sure everything you do is legal.
  • Treat everyone fairly: Be kind and fair to everyone, no matter their age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or background.
  • Support each other: Create a positive space where everyone feels welcome, valued and included, and don’t support bullying, discrimination, or peer pressure.
  • Promote health and well-being: Take care of your mental and physical health and encourage others to do the same.
  • Respect others and their opinions: Even if you don’t agree, everyone deserves to be heard unless they are using oppressive or discriminatory language and attitudes.
  • Respect property: Take care of your belongings and the resources of others.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour: Avoid saying or wearing anything that could offend or hurt someone else.
  • Be responsible online: Use the internet and social media in a way that is safe, respectful, and protects everyone’s privacy.
  • Represent YFC positively: Always behave in a way that makes YFC proud.
  • Highlight your club and county’s achievements: Positively promote the work of your club and county.
  • Follow YFC policies: Stick to the rules of your Club, District, County Federation, and NFYFC.
  • Speak up: If you see or hear something that’s not right, let someone in charge know.
  • Be environmentally conscious: Practice sustainability by recycling, reducing waste, and participating in activities that protect the environment.
  • If you’re a parent, carer, or supporter, please:
    • Keep your child safe: Follow any instructions to ensure their safety.
    • Stay up to date: Provide any necessary consents and information about your child.
    • Ensure safe drop-off and pick-up: Make sure your child arrives at and leaves YFC meetings and events safely and promptly.
    • Engage with YFC: Stay informed about your child’s activities and progress, and maintain open communication with YFC leaders.
  • If you hold a Position of Trust or responsibility in YFC, you have an important role. Your actions should:
    • Support YFC’s purpose: Help YFC achieve its goals.
  • NFYFC Purpose: The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs exists to be a national rural organisation supporting, enabling and empowering local Young Farmers’ Clubs. We offer essential life skills, inspiring all young people as members to play an active role in their communities, help them achieve their full potential, and connect with the countryside through fun, learning and achievement.
    • Keep learning: Participate in any training that helps you do your role well.
    • Act with integrity: Be honest, objective, reliable, and open to feedback.
    • Be accountable: Demonstrate leadership qualities, take responsibility for your decisions and actions.
    • Work as a team: Collaborate with others and share information appropriately.
    • Be a mentor: Support and guide younger or less experienced members.
  • Know emergency procedures: Be familiar with what to do in an emergency, including evacuation routes, first aid, and how to contact emergency services.
  • Report concerns: Always report any concerns about safety, safeguarding, or inappropriate behaviour.

Should you have any questions or would like to contact us please call or email County Office and we will be happy to help