This week is Keeping Children Safe in Sport Week, organised and promoted by the NSPCC and its Child Protection in Sport Unit.

Motorsport UK recognises that it has both a moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. It is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected, valued and supported to participate at all levels within the sport to the best of their abilities.

Over the past 18 months Motorsport UK’s Safeguarding Department has established a robust policy and procedure for all Clubs to follow when organising activities with children to ensure a safe and positive environment.

This includes ensuring each Club has a Club Safeguarding Officer who is in receipt of an Enhanced DBS (or equivalent) check, ongoing learning support for all Club members and a comprehensive procedure when issues do arise.

“Keeping people safe in a race or rally environment has been a fundamental principle of motorsport for so long, however there is much more to safety in a motorsport environment than just physical protection in the event of an accident,” explains Motorsport UK Head of Safeguarding, Amy McLeod. “We recognise that promoting a safe space for everyone, and especially children, is critical to their enjoyment of the sport and to their development. There are many different ways to do this, but at their heart is the need for everyone involved in motorsport to set good standards and to ensure that where these standards are not met, it is reported to Motorsport UK and acted upon appropriately.”

Further information for Clubs is available for via the toolkit and information for parents can be accessed here.