Policies That Protect and Support Every Participant
Our Commitment to Safety, Privacy & Inclusion

Policies That Protect and Support Every Participant

At Reel Wellbeing, your safety and trust are at the heart of everything we do. Our policies are designed to ensure every fishing session is safe, respectful, and welcoming.

Constitution

1. Name
The organisation shall be known as Reel Wellbeing.

2. Purpose
Reel Wellbeing exists to improve mental health and social wellbeing through inclusive, community-based angling sessions. We are committed to providing safe, supportive, and enriching experiences that benefit both participants and volunteers.

3. Objectives

  • To deliver accessible fishing sessions that promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
  • To support individuals experiencing isolation, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
  • To build social connection, peer support, and personal resilience through nature-based activities.
  • To uphold values of inclusivity, dignity, and respect in all we do.
  • To promote environmental stewardship and outdoor responsibility.

4. Membership Membership is open to all volunteers, staff, and participants. Membership is inclusive and without prejudice, ensuring access regardless of age, background, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or mental health status.

5. Governance Reel Wellbeing is governed by a steering group composed of volunteers and community representatives. This group provides strategic oversight, monitors safeguarding and safety, reviews performance, and ensures transparency in decision-making.

6. Meetings An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held to review activities, approve accounts, and elect officers. Steering group meetings shall occur quarterly or as needed. Minutes shall be recorded and made available upon request.

7. Finance As a not-for-profit organisation, all income and property are used solely to further our aims. The Treasurer shall maintain detailed financial records. Accounts shall be reviewed annually by an independent reviewer and made available to stakeholders.

8. Amendments Proposed amendments to this Constitution must be submitted in writing and passed by a two-thirds majority at the AGM or an Extraordinary General Meeting.

Code of Conduct

Reel Wellbeing strives to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all. This Code outlines the behaviour expected of everyone involved in our activities, including staff, volunteers, and participants.

1. Respect and Inclusivity

  • Treat every person with dignity and kindness.
  • Celebrate diversity and challenge discriminatory behaviour.
  • Respect differences in ability, health, identity, background, and culture.

2. Behaviour and Boundaries

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries. Do not engage in relationships that could be perceived as exploitative or inappropriate.
  • Refrain from swearing, shouting, or any aggressive behaviour.
  • Refrain from physical contact unless absolutely necessary and appropriate.

3. Confidentiality

  • Keep personal and sensitive information private.
  • Only share details with appropriate personnel when safeguarding, health, or legal obligations require it.

4. Safety and Welfare

  • Always follow health & safety procedures, including during set-up, activity, and pack-down.
  • Monitor your own wellbeing and support others if needed.
  • Report concerns about anyone's safety immediately.

5. Substance Use

  • Alcohol, illegal substances, and being under their influence are strictly prohibited.
  • Prescription medication must be used responsibly.

6. Raising Concerns

  • All staff and volunteers must report concerns about behaviour, safety, or welfare to the Safeguarding Lead.
  • Reports will be treated seriously, confidentially, and in line with due process.

Safeguarding Policy

Reel Wellbeing is committed to protecting the welfare of all participants, particularly vulnerable adults and young people.

1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • A trained DSL shall be appointed to handle all safeguarding concerns.
  • The DSL shall ensure safeguarding training and awareness among volunteers.

2. Principles

  • All individuals have the right to be safe.
  • All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon swiftly.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

3. Safer Recruitment

  • All volunteers and staff will undergo appropriate checks (e.g. DBS for roles involving vulnerable adults or youth).
  • Two references will be required for all volunteers.

4. Reporting Concerns

  • Any concerns of abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behaviour must be reported to the DSL.
  • Emergency situations should be reported to police or social services immediately.

5. Confidentiality

  • Only relevant personnel will be informed of safeguarding concerns.
  • All information will be stored securely.

Health and Safety Policy

Reel Wellbeing is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all activities.

1. Risk Assessments

  • Risk assessments will be carried out for every venue and session.
  • These will be reviewed regularly or after any incident.

2. First Aid

  • A qualified First Aider will be present at every session.
  • First aid kits will be checked and replenished regularly.

3. Venue Safety

  • Venues must be accessible and safe.
  • Water safety procedures (e.g. bankside assessments, life rings) must be followed.

4. Emergency Procedures

  • Volunteers will be trained on what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Emergency contact numbers will be available on site.

5. Equipment Safety

  • All fishing gear will be checked regularly.
  • Participants will be shown how to use equipment safely.

6. Incident Reporting

  • All accidents and near-misses must be recorded and reviewed.

Environmental Policy

Reel Wellbeing is committed to protecting and respecting the natural environment.

1. Litter and Waste

  • All litter must be collected and removed from the site.
  • Bins and bags will be provided.

2. Wildlife Protection

  • Volunteers and participants must avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • No feeding or interfering with animals or nesting areas.

3. Sustainable Practices

  • Use of barbless hooks and catch-and-release practices are encouraged.
  • Care must be taken to prevent pollution or habitat damage.

4. Education

  • Volunteers and participants will be encouraged to learn about and care for the environment.

Volunteer Recruitment Policy

Reel Wellbeing seeks to recruit, train, and support volunteers in a fair, transparent, and safe manner.

1. Equal Opportunities

  • We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and identities.

2. Application and Selection

  • Prospective volunteers must complete an application form.
  • Interviews or informal chats will be held to assess suitability.

3. Checks and References

  • All volunteers will be asked for references.
  • DBS checks are required for roles involving direct participant support.

4. Induction and Training

  • All volunteers will receive an induction.
  • Training includes safeguarding, health & safety, and role responsibilities.

5. Supervision and Support

  • Volunteers will have access to a named point of contact.
  • Regular check-ins and support will be provided.

Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

  • Names, contact details, health/disability information (with consent), and session attendance data.

2. How We Use Your Data

  • To manage registrations, deliver services, contact participants, and ensure safety.

3. Legal Basis

  • Data is processed under legitimate interest or with explicit consent.

4. Storage and Security

  • Data is stored securely and only accessible to authorised personnel.
  • We do not sell or share personal data with third parties.

5. Your Rights

  • You may request access to your data, corrections, or deletion at any time.

6. Contact

Terms of Use

1. Use of Website and Services

  • Use of our website and attendance at sessions implies agreement to these terms.

2. Eligibility

  • You must be aged 18+ to register unless otherwise stated.

3. Code of Conduct

  • You agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct and policies during sessions.

4. Cancellations

  • If you cannot attend a session, please let us know as soon as possible.

5. Liability

  • Reel Wellbeing accepts no liability for personal loss, damage, or injury unless caused by proven negligence.

6. Intellectual Property

  • All content on our website is owned by Reel Wellbeing and may not be used without permission.

7. Changes to Terms

  • We reserve the right to update our terms and policies. Changes will be published on our website.

Stay in the Loop!

Sign up to get the latest updates on upcoming events, competitions, coaching sessions, and more from your club.