Choose the right safeguarding qualification

At Paddles Up Training, we want to ensure you choose the right safeguarding qualification.

Paddle UK, Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Canoe wales and Paddle Scotland are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk.

Therefore we want to help you understand your responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk from harm and abuse.

So, consequently in the sporting environment, it is best practice to keep yourself up to date with the latest developments in safeguarding children and adults at risk.  Safeguarding training raises your awareness of the tell-tale signs of abuse and gives you the tools and confidence you need to deal with any issue sensitively, appropriately and effectively.

This will help to ensure that all paddlers enjoy their sport in a safe environment.

Im a Coach/Leader what training is required if:

• I work with children or adults at risk?
  • You need to complete, (as a minimum), a three-hour, interactive safeguarding course.
  • Every three years, refresh your  training with either Interactive or  eLearning based training.
• I do not  work with children or adults at risk?
  • You need to complete, (as a minimum), an eLearning based safeguarding course.
  • Every three years, refresh your training with an appropriate training.
• I get safeguarding training through my employer, organisation or another sport?
  • Your training can be recognised and recorded on your membership record.

I am not based in the UK what training do i need?

Our Safeguarding Training policy takes into account coaches and leaders who reside outside of the UK, in most cases we can recognise your training and provide an equivalence on your National Association Membership record or alternately British Canoeing Awarding Body Provides eLearning accessible from anywhere in the world.

You can read the full Safeguarding Training Policy For Coaches and Leaders here:

If you have any questions about the safeguarding policy, please contact your Delivery Centre:

• Paddles Up Training
• Canoe Association of Northern Ireland
• Canoe Wales
• Scottish Canoe Association

I am looking to register for an assessment, what training should I consider?

I have contact with children and/or adults at risk?

Your training should be at least 3 hours’ of interactive (not eLearning) Safeguarding training which covers the following topics:

• How to identify and recognise good coaching practice and the implications for your coaching;
• Explore your values and feelings in relation to child abuse and recognise their potential impact on your response;
• How to recognise and respond to possible signs of child abuse;
• How to take appropriate action if concerns about a child arise.

This training must be within the last 3 years and still be current or have been updated when you attend assessment.

I have no contact with children?

You must provide evidence of eLearning or Interactive training which covers the following topics:

• How to identify and recognise good coaching practice and the implications for your coaching;
• Explore your values and feelings in relation to child abuse and recognise their potential impact on your response;
• How to recognise and respond to possible signs of child abuse;
• How to take appropriate action if concerns about a child arise.

This training must be within the last 3 years and still be current or have been updated when you attend assessment.

I am training to become a Paddlesport Instructor?

There is no need for you to complete safeguarding training before your course.

This responsibility lies with your deployer to provide you with an appropriate level of training.