Student Motorsport Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: March 5th, 2025

Version: 2.0

Student Motorsport – Trading as Student Motorsport Limited

Registered in England and Wales

Company Number: 09238023

This policy will be reviewed annually or when there is a legislative change or updated guidance on best practice, and specifically before the enhanced website launch in September 2025.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding
  3. Online Safety and Prohibited Content
  4. Student Motorsport Safeguarding Core Principles (5 P’s)
  5. Roles, Responsibilities, and Legal Considerations
  6. Safeguarding Procedures (Reporting, Moderation, etc.)
  7. Data Privacy and Age Verification
  8. User Responsibility
  9. Collaboration with Authorities
  10. Background Information: Six Core Principles of Safeguarding
  11. Named Contact

1. Introduction

At Student Motorsport, we recognize our vital role in supporting the enjoyment, safety, and well-being of all participants in the Student Motorsport Challenge, both online and at in-person events. We are committed to ensuring that all activities prioritize the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. This policy outlines our commitment to best practices and robust safeguarding measures across all our operations, particularly at racing circuits, training sessions, and online activities. We believe that strong safeguarding protocols are essential in protecting vulnerable individuals, and failure to uphold these responsibilities would undermine our core values and obligations. This policy applies to all participants involved in Student Motorsport events or activities.

2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Our customers, schools, colleges, and universities typically have their safeguarding policies. However, we recognize our responsibility to ensure that all Student Motorsport activities adhere to safeguarding standards. This safeguarding policy is designed to prevent abuse, identify potential risks, and outline steps for protecting all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups, from harm. As safeguarding concerns continue to grow across England, we are committed to embedding safeguarding procedures into all aspects of our operations to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved in the Student Motorsport Challenge.

3. Online Safety and Prohibited Content

Student Motorsport is committed to maintaining a safe online environment. The following content is strictly prohibited:

  • Explicit Sexual Material: Any content that is sexually suggestive, exploitative, or abusive.
  • Hate Speech: Content that promotes discrimination, hatred, or violence based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
  • Violent Content: Content that depicts graphic violence, including threats of violence.
  • Child Exploitation and Abuse: Any content that exploits, abuses, or endangers children.
  • Harassment and Bullying: Content that harasses, bullies, or intimidates others.
  • Misinformation and Disinformation: Content that is deliberately misleading and could cause harm.
  • Personal Information Sharing: Sharing of personal information of others without consent.

4. Student Motorsport Safeguarding Core Principles (5 P’s)

Student Motorsport, as the operator of the Student Motorsport Challenge, is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. We recognize our responsibility to create a secure environment that supports the educational and sporting development of everyone involved.

  • Prevention: Proactive measures to stop harm before it occurs.
  • Protection: Ensuring support and safety for those at risk.
  • Partnership: Collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen safeguarding.
  • Proportionality: Responses are appropriate and least intrusive.
  • Accountability: Transparency and responsibility in all actions.

5. Roles, Responsibilities, and Legal Considerations

  • Resource Allocation: We will dedicate the necessary resources to ensure that our safeguarding commitments are fully implemented.
  • Policy Distribution and Communication: Student Motorsport will actively publicize, promote, and distribute safeguarding policies and procedures to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Support for Affiliated Organisations: We will offer comprehensive support to all affiliated institutions.
  • Legal Considerations: We ensure that all safeguarding activities and procedures consider the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998, ensuring that the rights and dignity of individuals are respected and upheld.

6. Safeguarding Procedures (Reporting, Moderation, etc.)

  • Reporting Mechanisms:
    • Users can report suspected violations by emailing [email address removed].
    • Reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly.
  • Moderation Process:
    • Reported content will be reviewed by the Safeguarding Officer.
    • Appropriate actions will be taken, including content removal, account suspension, or reporting to authorities.
    • Any accounts that repeatedly violate the policy will be suspended.
  • Responding to Allegations or Incidents:
    • Report to the Safeguarding Officer immediately.
    • Document the incident and assess the situation.
    • Inform relevant authorities if necessary.
    • Provide support to all involved.
  • Disciplinary Procedures:
    • Thorough investigation by the Safeguarding Officer.
    • Appropriate disciplinary measures, including suspension or termination.
    • Confidentiality and respect for all individuals.
  • Definitions of Abuse and Neglect:
    • Abuse: Intentional harm, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
    • Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm.

7. Data Privacy and Age Verification

  • Data Privacy:
    • We collect, store, and protect user data in compliance with GDPR.
    • Details of data collection and usage are available in our Privacy Policy.
    • We will review the privacy policy before the new site launch in September 2025.
  • Age Verification:
    • If applicable, age verification procedures will be implemented to prevent underage access to inappropriate content.
    • We will be implementing more robust age verification on the new website in 2025.

8. User Responsibility

  • Users are responsible for behaving appropriately online and respecting others’ privacy.
  • Users must not engage in prohibited activities.
  • Users should report any concerns or violations.

9. Collaboration with Authorities

  • Student Motorsport will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in case of serious violations.

10. Background Information: Six Core Principles of Safeguarding

  • Empowerment: Supporting informed decisions.
  • Prevention: Taking proactive steps to avoid harm.
  • Proportionality: Ensuring responses are appropriate and least intrusive.
  • Protection: Providing support to those in need.
  • Partnership: Working together with stakeholders.
  • Accountability: Ensuring transparency and responsibility.

11. Named Contact