VCC Chaperones Policy
Verulam Cycling Club requires that all riders under the age of 18 attending club rides, training sessions, or events must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult (Chaperone), unless participating in a formally organised session that meets British Cycling’s safeguarding and coaching supervision requirements.
1. Introduction
Verulam Cycling Club is fully committed to adhering to the safeguarding standards and guidance set out by British Cycling, ensuring that all young people (defined as individuals under 18) can participate in cycling with our Club in a safe, supportive, and well-managed environment.
In line with British Cycling’s safeguarding framework, the club requires that young members attending Club Runs, training sessions, and events are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult (Chaperone), unless the activity is a formally structured youth session under the supervision of qualified coaches.
2. VCC Supporting Youth Cycling
Verulam Cycling Club supports youth club cycling by combining:
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Safe participation through strong safeguarding practices via our Chaperones
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Skill development through real club riding experience
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Inclusive club culture
This approach ensures young riders can enjoy club cycling while developing safely and confidently within the club.
The club aims to:
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Foster a long-term love of cycling
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Develop independence over time
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Support the transition from youth to adult riding
By participating in club activities, young riders gain the skills and confidence to become lifelong cyclists.
The Club needs Club Chaperones to deliver this aim of supporting our youth Cyclists.
3. British Cycling Requirements
British Cycling has two key requirements for coaches, leaders and instructors of affiliated Clubs, working with youths / children, thus;
1) Chaperones must have a recognised safeguarding or child protection qualification, such as British Cycling’s Safeguarding Awareness course.
2) Chaperones require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
4. Runs Leaders and Chaperones
These are two distinct roles within any one riding group
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The Chaperone is responsible for the individual youth / child.
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The Runs Leader is responsible for the group ride
5. Role of a Chaperone on a Sunday Club Run
A Chaperone (parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult) is responsible for the direct supervision, safety, and welfare of a young rider under 18 throughout the duration of a Club Run
A Chaperone must:
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Stay with the young rider at all times (and must be accompanied by another adult)
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Monitor safety, ability, and wellbeing
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Provide practical and basic mechanical support
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Take responsibility if the rider needs to stop or leave the group
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Manage any incidents involving the young rider
6. Are you interested in becoming a VCC Chaperone?
It is a three step process:
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Safeguarding Awareness Course: The course costs £20 and can be found online here. The course is approximately an hour of elearning, followed by a one hour online seminar, which runs every fortnight.
- DBS Check: British Cycling requires a DBS certificate to be issued via British Cycling, and for these to be renewed every three years.. A DBS check issued by another organisation is insufficient. Guidance as to whether an individual requires a DBS check, and the process for application can be found here. Note: you will need to select the option 'Do you require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check?'
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Once you have attended the course and obtained the BC DBS check, please confirm to the Club Runs Secretary to be added to our separate list.
All costs will be refunded by the Club via the following email address:
Any Question please email:
