Complaints & Whistle Blowing

Welsh Shooting is committed to high standards of integrity, accountability and safeguarding. We want everyone involved in our sport to feel confident raising concerns when something is not right. 

Whether you wish to make a complaint about a service or decision or report a more serious concern through our whistleblowing process, we are committed to handling matters fairly, sensitively and appropriately. 

Making a Complaint 

We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously. Complaints help us learn, improve and put things right where we can. 

You may wish to make a complaint about: 

• An activity, event, programme or service delivered by Welsh Shooting 

• A decision or action taken by Welsh Shooting 

• Coaching, administration or governance matters 

• The conduct of someone acting on behalf of Welsh Shooting 

• A situation where you believe our policies or procedures have not been followed 

Where possible, concerns may be resolved informally. However, you can submit a formal complaint at any time. 

Submit a Complaint 

Complaints should be submitted using our online reporting form: 

Welsh Shooting Complaints Report Form  

If you require support to make a complaint, including assistance relating to accessibility or language requirements, reasonable adjustments will be made wherever possible.  

What happens when I submit a complaint? 

Complaints submitted through the online reporting form are received by Welsh Shooting’s Governance and Safeguarding Manager, who will carry out an initial assessment and ensure the complaint is managed in accordance with the Complaints Policy and Procedures. Where necessary, complaints may be referred to an appropriate manager, committee, investigator or panel to ensure they are considered fairly and independently. 

Can I make a complaint anonymously?

Complaints can be submitted anonymously; however, we encourage complainants to provide contact details wherever possible. Anonymous complaints may limit our ability to investigate fully, seek clarification, provide updates, or communicate the outcome of the complaint. Each anonymous complaint will be considered on its merits and assessed according to the information available. 

Whistleblowing (Speak Up) 

Welsh Shooting is committed to creating a culture where people feel safe and supported to speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to tell us. No concern is too small. 

Whistleblowing is different from making a complaint. It is used to raise concerns about serious wrongdoing, risks or misconduct that could affect individuals, the organisation or the wider public. 

This might include: 

• Safeguarding concerns 

• Fraud, theft or misuse of funds 

• Health and safety risks 

• Breaches of the law or regulations 

• Serious equality, diversity and inclusion concerns 

• Attempts to conceal wrongdoing 

Raise a Whistleblowing Concern 

Concerns can be reported through our secure online reporting form: 

Welsh Shooting Whistleblowing Report Form  

The form may be used by anyone associated with Welsh Shooting, including participants, coaches, volunteers, employees, directors, contractors, and stakeholders.  

Anonymous Reporting:  

You do not need to provide your name or contact details when making a whistleblowing report. 

Anonymous reports are welcomed and will be considered in line with our Whistleblowing Policy. However, providing contact details can help us investigate more effectively and, where appropriate, keep you updated on progress. 

When concerns are raised in good faith, Welsh Shooting will: 

• Take them seriously 

• Consider them fairly and impartially 

• Respect confidentiality wherever possible 

• Not tolerate victimisation or retaliation 

• Keep individuals informed where appropriate 

What happens when I submit a whistleblowing report? 

Reports submitted through the online reporting form are received by Welsh Shooting’s Governance and Safeguarding Manager for an initial assessment. Depending on the nature of the concern, the report may then be referred to the Chief Operating Officer, Chair, Board Lead, Designated Safeguarding Lead, external investigator, or an appropriate external agency. Reports are only shared on a need-to-know basis and confidentiality will be maintained wherever possible. 

External Reporting 

You do not have to report a concern internally before contacting an external organisation, particularly if the matter is serious or you do not believe it can be dealt with appropriately through Welsh Shooting. 

Depending on the nature of the concern, reports may also be made to organisations such as the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline, Sport Wales, the Health and Safety Executive, UK Anti-Doping, Social Services or the Police. 

Safeguarding Concerns 

If your concern relates to the safety or welfare of a child or adult at risk, please report it immediately by filling in the Welsh Shooting Safeguarding Report Form.  

Safeguarding concerns will be managed in accordance with Welsh Shooting’s safeguarding procedures and may be referred directly to statutory agencies where necessary.