A case study on concerns about someone who isn't a participant
A group of parents contacted their club to express their concerns about John’s presence at shows. Initially John had come along to support his friend who was riding, but now turns up regularly on his own. He helps opening the arena gate and chats to the children as they enter and leave the ring.
They are concerned about John, and want to know what the club could do about it as the children begin to see him as a trusted familiar face. The parents believe he has previously been convicted.
John is not a member. The club contact their Member Body Safeguarding Officer who supports them to make an application to the police under ‘Sarah’s Law’, formally requesting information about this person who has contact with their junior membership, believing him to pose a risk.
In England & Wales ‘Sarah's Law', allows individuals to formally ask the police for information about a person who has contact with their child, or a child close to them, if they're concerned the person may pose a risk.
In Scotland the Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme, allows individuals to ask the Police to check if someone involved with a child has a record of sexual offences. This is done by completing an online application and it allows any member of the public to apply directly to them specifically if they are concerned about Child Sexual offences.
It is important to remember that anyone can make an application to the police about an individual who has contact with a child or children.