Waveney Sailability News Article
Rules and Regulations, Compliance, and more!!!
David Collins - 20/01/09
EVEN in the five years that we have been operating the amount of legislation, rules and regulations seem to have multiplied.
There are more and more regulations that Sailability centres must follow and Waveney Sailability cannot escape from this ever in-creasing tide. Compliance is the buzz word that has invaded industry, the professions and the voluntary sector like a plague. However like all those who are affected by this tide of rules and regulations we have to live in the world as it is, and not as we would like it to be. The Trustees of Waveney Sailability have a statutory duty to comply with all the relevant regulations and to act in a responsible manner. They cannot and will not take any actions or knowingly allow any breach of the regulations., and they will do their utmost to meet all the requirements of our in-surers.
For the coming sailing season we will be asking for more information from those who apply for membership. Some is needed in order that we can make sure our sailors are using the correct life jacket or the manufacturers weight limit for each boat is not exceeded. Adherence to the weight limit is also a requirement of our insurers. Accordingly all members and helpers will be asked to provide their weight when applying for membership for the 2010 season. We will not be able to allow any person onto the water without a correctly completed application form signed by them or their parent or guardian.
The decision on the use of a life jacket or a dinghy will be made by our RYA Senior Instructor or an Instructor and that decision is final, albeit that individuals can appeal to the Board of Trustees by submitting the basis of the appeal in writing.
However please remember our aim is to provide sailing opportunities in a safe environment and to minimise as far as possible the risks associated with the sport of sailing. The Trustees have a duty of care and are fully aware of their re-sponsibilities under the Charities Act and the Companies Act.
Waveney Sailability provides training for its volunteers and will comply with all appropriate legislation. The RYA have recently made Sailability groups aware that The Governments new Vetting and Barring Scheme will start operating in July 2010 and will be phased in over five years. Although the new scheme will have a major impact on the recruitment of people working or volunteering with children there was some misleading media coverage in September about people working with vulnerable groups.
All clubs, groups, associations and training centres that organise activities specially for children and young people under 18 and/or adults with disabilities should be aware that this scheme is likely to affect them. But it does not mean that everyone who has contact with children will need to be checked, and does not apply to private arrangements between parents. More information will be published in RYA newsletters and on the website as it becomes available. Visit www.rya.org.uk and click on Information and Advice, Child Protection
Our volunteers are CRB checked and it now seems more checking and record keeping will become necessary. Our An-nual Report and Financial Statements take up 9 sheets of A4 and only 3 cover finance; with the rest being a statement of what we do why and how . If you would like a copy they will be available as a PDF download by the end of April 2010.
Our new website is now live and will be updated regularly with news, the programme and sailing results. If you have any suggestions for additional information that you feel would help our members please let us know.
Waveney Sailability News and Events
If you would like more information regarding Waveney Sailability, or to offer your services, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Waveney Sailability is only made possible by the kind generosity of our sponsors and supporters, and the help from our wonderfully dedicated team.
If you believe you can help, please contact us today.
We are currently looking for...
- More people with disabilities to come sailing
- More helpers to assist members put on life jackets, serve refreshments, assist with hoists deal with bookings and sailing schedules
- More experienced sailors to share their skills
- More sponsors and donations to ensure Waveney Sailability’s continued success
Waveney Sailability
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