Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy
Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy
NI Orienteering is committed to good practice which promotes the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk who come along to our events and training. We want you to feel safe and welcome, and our Designated Safeguarding Officer, Mairi Stirling, is always there if you need any support or would like any advice.
We encourage you to raise any concerns you have or incidents you witness at the earliest opportunity to our Designated Safeguarding Officer or British Orienteering’s Lead Safeguarding Officer.
Everyone has a shared responsibility for safeguarding and creating safe, enjoyable environments in Orienteering, whether as an orienteer, parent, coach, club official or spectator.
Reporting a concern or incident
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services (999) first.
All reports are taken seriously and dealt with in a sensitive manner. Should you wish to report a concern or incident, please contact either:
- Your specific Club Designated Safeguarding Officer who ensures your safety in each of our registered clubs. Please find contact details below in ‘Useful Safeguarding Contacts’.
- Our NI Orienteering Designated Safeguarding Officer
- Mairi Kennedy 07718 883996 safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk
- British Orienteering’s Lead Safeguarding Officer
- Jeanette Downing 07981 091662 safeguarding@britishorienteering.org.uk
This includes any concerns about safeguarding either within orienteering or outside of orienteering and any concern over adult behaviour related to the welfare of children or adults at risk, including those away from the sport that involves members or participants.
All reports will be logged in confidence with the Lead Safeguarding Officer who will also explain the processes which will be followed depending on each case.
Useful Safeguarding Contacts
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| Club | Contact | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NI Orienteering | Mairi Kennedy | 07718883966 | safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk |
| Lagan Valley Orienteers | Mairi Kennedy | 07718883996 | LVO.safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk |
| Fermanagh Orienteers | Jean O’Reilly | 07855812562 | FERMO.safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk |
| North West Orienteering Club | Fred Corscadden | 07856743552 | NWOC.safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk |
| Queens University Belfast Orienteering Club | Ric Gamble | 07717297676 | QUO.safeguarding@niorienteering.org.uk |
| NI Schools Orienteering Association and Active Clubs | Ric Gamble | 07717297676 | activeclubs@niorienteering.org.uk |
| British Orienteering (National Governing Body) | Jeanette Downing | 07981091662 | safeguarding@britishorienteering.org.uk |
Your Designated Safeguarding Officer
Mairi Kennedy has replaced Chloe Reed as the Designated Safeguarding Officer for NI Orienteering. Thanks are due to both Chloe and Mairi.
Reporting Forms
In addition to contacting the Designated Safeguarding Officer or Lead Safeguarding Officer, British Orienteering has introduced a quick report form which can be used to make immediate reports to the Lead Safeguarding Officer. This can be accessed here. This form is user friendly on mobile devices.
Safeguarding Policies
We support and follow British Orienteering’s two safeguarding policies, these can be found via the links below:
What you can expect from us
When you bring your children to our orienteering events, we will help you to ensure their welfare and safety by ensuring that;
- The people who run the sport are safe to be with.
- We take all reasonable steps to ensure that your children will be safe from other participants and strangers.
- The challenges set will be manageable so that your children are able to find their way around the course.
- They are not likely to be injured but if they are there are people and procedures in place to look after them.
- Your children’s individual needs will be considered as far as possible within the nature of the sport.
Last reviewed: 1 April 2026
Our safeguarding policies are under constant review and will be amended to meet changing needs.
