1. Purpose and Definitions
This policy outlines the commitment of National Model Railroad Association British Region to protect the welfare of children and adults at risk who engage with our activities.
National Model Railroad Association British Region and its constituent divisons or local groups.
| Children | Any person under the age of 18. |
| Adults at Risk: | Any person aged 18 or over who is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, or illness, and who is, or may be, unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. |
| Regulated Activity | Any activity which involves regular contact with children or adults at risk. |
2. Safeguarding Commitment
National Model Railroad Association British Region acknowledges that it has a legal and moral duty of care to ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe environment. We are committed to:
Promoting the safety and well-being of all individuals.
Ensuring that volunteers are aware of their responsibilities under UK safeguarding legislation (including the Children Act 2004 and the Care Act 2014).
Responding appropriately to any allegations or concerns of abuse.
3. Supervision Requirements
To ensure the safety of minors and adults at risk at our events:
Parental/Guardian Responsibility: National Model Railroad Association British Region does not provide childcare. Children and adults at risk must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an explicitly designated carer at all times during meetings, exhibitions, or events.
Visual Contact: The accompanying adult must remain in visual contact with the at-risk person. The organization cannot accept responsibility for the supervision of minors or adults at risk left unattended.
Designated Carers: Where a parent or guardian cannot attend, they may designate a responsible adult to oversee the at-risk person. This must be communicated to the event lead in writing prior to the event.
4. Volunteering and External Partnerships
Supporting External Groups: We encourage our members to provide material support (e.g., equipment, kits, funding) to established youth organizations (e.g., Scouts, schools) that hold their own robust safeguarding policies. Such support does not constitute National Model Railroad Association British Region managing a youth program.
Volunteer Requests: We may circulate requests for volunteers to support external organizations. In such cases, volunteers act in their own capacity and are subject to the vetting and safeguarding procedures of the host organisation, not National Model Railroad Association British Region.
Individual Participation: Our members may participate in outside activities directed at children or adults at risk; however, they do so as individuals and must adhere to the policies of the host organization.
5. Membership and Insurance
National Model Railroad Association British Region maintains insurance for civil liability. This policy does not extend to the direct supervision of children or adults at risk.
Independent clubs or groups affiliated with us are responsible for their own safeguarding protocols and insurance arrangements.
Important Note for Implementation
UK safeguarding law (specifically the Disclosure and Barring Service – DBS or PVG in Scotland) is quite specific about “Regulated Activity.” If your organization intends to run activities specifically for children or adults at risk on a regular basis (once a week or more, or 4+ times in a 30-day period), you are legally required to:
Perform DBS/PVG checks on staff or volunteers involved in that supervision.
Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to handle any disclosures or concerns.
Implement a formal recruitment process for volunteers, including references.