For details of the Club's Grievance and Disciplinary Policy and Procedure ...

Aims

The Club aims to provide high quality coaching and safety on and off the water for all its members.  The Club is committed to provide a safe environment for children and other vulnerable members. The Club aims to meet the needs of disabled members where it can do so safely or, where this is not possible, to facilitate access to another Club that can meet their needs.

Resolution of any conflict should recognise these aims and the following principles.

Principles

Fairness. The investigation of any conflict should be fair to all involved, both during any investigation and in any resolution.

Transparency. The Club will ensure that any enquiry is carried out impartially, and that all parties concerned are kept informed of the progress of any investigation throughout the proceedings. The final resolution should be seen to be fair and clear to all parties.

Speedy Resolution.  A rapid resolution will be sought to minimise the distress and inconvenience to all concerned.

Confidentiality.  Whilst any resolution may need to be made known to all Club member the details of the investigation will be kept confidential. 

Presumption of Innocence.  Whilst a grievance is investigated any individuals involved will be presumed innocent. Where it is necessary to ensure the protection of children or vulnerable adults, individuals may be required to limit their activities with the Club or to accept supervision whilst engaged on Club activities during the period of the investigation.

Conflict of Interest. Any person who has previous involvement in the matter under investigation or who will have to reach a decision on the findings should not carry out the investigation

Procedure

Wherever possible an attempt should be made to resolve disputes informally with the appropriate person or people. If resolution is not possible, the Club will ask for a written statement from the person with the grievance.

Inform the Committee, via the Chairman or Secretary, or Welfare Officer as appropriate.

• Where the issue is one of child protection notify Welfare Officer.
• Where child protection or harassment is involved a more discrete approach by the Welfare Officer may be more appropriate than a tribunal  If this is the case then advice will be sought from British Canoeing, NSPCC or other competent body at the earliest opportunity 
• If child protection is an issue, the Welfare Officer will involve Social Services/ Police and other agencies as necessary.
• Where the issue is not one of child protection, notify the Chairman (Secretary if Chairman subject of complaint)
• Where the grievance may raise disciplinary issues with another Club member, the alleged wrong doer should be notified and asked for a written statement. The alleged wrong doer may be suspended pending investigation if necessary.

Separate meetings should be arranged with all parties:

• To explain the Club's grievance and disciplinary procedure,
• To explain that individuals may be accompanied by another Club member if they desire, 
• To explain the right of appeal and
• To agree the likely time required for investigation.

Investigation to determine all relevant facts:

• Chairman to convene a tribunal (Secretary if Chairman subject of complaint)
• The tribunal to harness relevant expertise
• The tribunal to avoid conflicts of interest
• Consider whether the Club should nominate an 'advocate' for each party on the tribunal
• Written statements should be requested from any witnesses at the earliest opportunity whilst memories are fresh
• Provide an early opportunity for the alleged wrong doer to present their understandings of the facts

Present findings to Committee:

• Committee to adjudicate or mediate as appropriate
• Committee to decide on any disciplinary action
• Committee to decide whether any other parties should be informed (for example British Canoeing).

Right of appeal to the Directors:

• There will be a right of appeal to the Directors
• The person seeking to appeal should notify the Committee who will liaise with the Directors to make the arrangements for the appeal to be heard