EGB’s Policy towards Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults

There has been a lot of media publicity recently regarding the introduction of a new scheme designed to protect vulnerable groups in our society.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) was launched in October 2009 to help make sure that inappropriate individuals are kept away from jobs or activities where they would be involved with children or vulnerable adults. Anyone employed or volunteering regularly with children or vulnerable adults will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)

How does this affect EGB? It would appear that only volunteers having contact on a frequent or intensive basis are needed to register. Those good folk who organise and volunteer to help at rides and therefore have occasional contact with young riders or vulnerable adults will not be required to register with the ISA. The only exception to that would be if young riders were involved in overnight stays - at a training camp for example.

But, even though as volunteers we are not required to register with the ISA, we all still have a duty of care towards children and vulnerable adults.  EGB has adopted the BEF Child Protection Policy. They have produced an excellent document called the Child Protection Policy with Duty of Care Guidelines which can be found on our website by clicking on the link at the bottom of the home page. Here you will find paragraphs which describe the principles of both good and poor practice which are really worth reading from time to time to keep these guidelines in the forefront of our minds when coming into contact with vulnerable groups. The most important advice is to remember never to put ourselves in a vulnerable position when with young or vulnerable people, for the protection of both volunteer and individual.

We are seeking to establish a network of Welfare Officers covering all regions of the country so that we can all be kept informed as to what constitutes good practice and to flag up any new initiatives regarding this valuable and essential subject. If you are able to take on this role, that’s great, or maybe you know someone in your area who would be interested and would be willing to be contacted. Please get in touch with me at so that we can begin to form our network.

More information about the Vetting and Barring Scheme can be found on www.isa-gov.org.uk

 The Board of Endurance GB have, since the AGM in 2007, accepted and supported the BEF Child Protection Policy