During the 2024 AGM, a motion was passed to update the Constitution with regard to membership.
Membership section 3(j) now reads:
Individual membership of the E.S.M.B.A. is open to anyone registered through a
club to a County Association, whose details are submitted by them to the ESMBA with the correct fee. In certain circumstances membership applications may be subject to a risk assessment in line with our safeguarding protocols.
The amendment was required to ensure that the constitution is in-line with our current safeguarding practice where a standardised risk assessment framework is used to manage and evaluate the membership application where required for a small number of members.
There are many reasons why further evaluation may be needed for an individual who wishes to join or re-join the ESMBA, and a risk assessment allows for all the risks to the individual, to the club members, and to the club itself, its reputation and viability to be highlighted, and mitigations to be considered.
County officers highlight to the ESMBA safeguarding panel any membership concerns they may have and they can liaise with counties and the individuals to assess and manage any risks that membership might pose.