Running Industry Alliance (RIA) | Safeguarding Policy 

For Events, Conferences, and Business Community Activities across Running Industry Alliance (RIA) and Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)


1. Our Commitment 

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone who attends our events, conferences, meetings, runs, and community activities.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We take a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, abuse, discrimination, bullying, or any behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome.

This policy applies to:

  • All attendees, members, speakers, volunteers, staff, and partners
  • All genders, ages, abilities, ethnicities, backgrounds, and identities
  • All settings: in-person events, online spaces, social activities, and communications
  • RIA and TIA Members are aged 18 and over. Anyone under 18 is unable to join RIA / TIA or take part in any associated events or activities.

2. Expected Behaviour (Our Guardrails)

We expect everyone to:

  • Treat others with respect, dignity, and courtesy
  • Respect personal boundaries and consent at all times
  • Use inclusive, non-discriminatory language
  • Follow event rules, instructions, and safety guidance
  • Look out for one another and raise concerns when something doesn’t look or feel right
  • We recognise that some events include social activities and alcohol. Everyone is expected to drink responsibly and remain respectful of others at all times.

3. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are not tolerated:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or unwanted attention (verbal, physical, or digital / online)
  • Sexual harassment or inappropriate comments or contact
  • Discrimination based on the following characteristics, which people must not be treated negatively as a result of: age, disability, gender and gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
  • Bullying, coercion, or threatening behaviour
  • Inappropriate or unwelcome behaviour via social media, messaging apps or direct messages connected to our events or community
  • Intoxication that affects safety or conduct
  • Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern, asks for support, or acts as a witness

4. Safeguarding Officers & “Safeguarding Offers”

To support safeguarding at our events and within our community, we will implement Safeguarding Officers / Safeguarding Contacts.

Safeguarding Officers will:

  • Be clearly identified at events (e.g. badges, lanyards, signage)
  • Be trained to listen, support, and respond appropriately
  • Offer a confidential, non-judgemental point of contact
  • Help individuals feel safe, heard, and supported
  • Escalate concerns where necessary
  • Safeguarding Officers will include both male and female nominated contacts and the contact details for safeguarding support will be shared and available at event registration.Safeguarding Officers may escalate concerns to the CEO where appropriate.Safeguarding Offers mean:
  • Anyone can approach a Safeguarding Officer at an event at any time
  • Support is available whether something has happened now or in the past via the membership team

5. Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this policy, you can:

  • Speak directly to a Safeguarding Officer at the event
  • Contact the designated safeguarding contact after the event

All reports will be:

  • Taken seriously
  • Handled sensitively and respectfully
  • Treated confidentially where possible
  • Acted upon appropriately and proportionately

There will be no retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

6. Responding to Concerns 

Depending on the situation, actions may include:

  • Offering immediate support to those affected
  • Speaking with the individual(s) involved
  • Asking someone to modify their behaviour
  • Removing someone from an event or activity
  • Suspending or terminating membership
  • Escalating to external authorities if required

The safety and wellbeing of those affected will always be the priority.

7. Continuous Improvement

As our community grows, we commit to:

  • Regularly reviewing this policy
  • Providing guidance or training where appropriate
  • Listening to feedback from members and attendees
  • Updating safeguarding measures as needed

8. Shared Responsibility 

Creating a safe and welcoming environment is a shared responsibility. We encourage everyone to:

  • Be aware of how their actions, words and gestures affect others
  • Speak up if something feels wrong
  • Support one another as fellow RIA and TIA Members
  • Help us uphold the values of our community
  • Have a support system in your organisation

RIA believe great communities are built on trust, respect, and care for one another and safeguarding sits at the heart of that.

Updated
11/02/26