Safeguarding in the Bikeability industry

As guardians of the Department for Transport’s Bikeability brand, protecting children and vulnerable adults from harm sits at the heart of our approach.  

Safeguarding expectations 

We have set clear expectations for everyone that carries out Bikeability training. If these expectations are not met, we must provide a robust response that puts safeguarding at the forefront.  

I have spent over 25 years in the children’s charity sector, most of those at the NSPCC, Barnardo’s and the Children’s Society. My knowledge, understanding and commitment to safeguarding runs deeply and I came to Bikeability with an aim to strengthen the approach to safeguarding. 

We all want Bikeability to be a positive and safe experience for everyone involved, which is why our approach to safeguarding has to be rigorous. And as a charity we have a duty to report to the Charity Commission any safeguarding harm to children and vulnerable adults under Bikeability. 

We must show the Charity Commission that any steps we take are focused on protecting beneficiaries, employees, volunteers and others who come into contact with the Bikeability Trust. 

We do not compromise on safeguarding – we believe that no one should experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people, and adults to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them.  

Your responsibilities as instructors and training providers 

We have set clear standards for training providers and instructors through our registration and renewal process, delivery guidance, internal quality assurance and external quality assurance. As training providers and instructors, you have a responsibility to comply and keep up to date with all safeguarding policies and procedures. 

We have a Code of Practice for Bikeability instructors that sets out what is expected. If you have any questions on safeguarding issues you are welcome to get in touch with us directly on contactus@bikeability.org.uk. 

Further safeguarding information and support for instructors is being considered during our review of the delivery guide and Level 2 training. If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, please get in touch with us using the email address above. 

Bikeability deregistration and withdrawal of grants 

The Bikeability Trust has the authority to deregister training providers and instructors for serious breaches of the registration and grants criteria.  

If a serious complaint is made against an instructor or provider, we will consider taking this action if the complaint is found to be substantiated. 

All serious incidents and complaints must be reported to the Bikeability Trust so we can ensure that we are all taking all the necessary safeguarding steps. Not reporting incidents can lead not only to deregistration but also termination and refunding of the grant.  

We work with providers to maintain registration and in most cases, temporary deregistration with an agreed action plan leads to re-registration.  

However, any allegations of abuse of a child or adult on a Bikeability training course that are found to be substantiated amount to gross misconduct. This will lead to a withdrawal of registered status for Bikeability. This decision will always be taken win the involvement of the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer, Police and Disclosure and Barring Service). It does not affect an instructor’s qualification status with 1st4Sport but it means they cannot offer cycle training as Bikeability.  

Everybody has the right to be safe no matter who they are or what their circumstances. We will not compromise on protecting children and adults who come on Bikeability courses. Understanding and fulfilling your responsibilities as providers and instructors will ensure a great experience for everyone involved. 

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of safeguarding, please get in touch with us on contactus@bikeability.org.uk.