Photography Policy

ALTON SOCIAL  BOWLS CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

(Proposed by John Kellow and approved by Committee on 9th September 2019)

 Introduction

All clubs need and welcome publicity. Photographs add colour, life and interest to articles promoting club activities and initiatives. Making use of photographs for publicity materials and to promote the club in the press can increase member motivation and help members, children’s parents, guardians or carers rights to privacy and be aware of potential child protection issues.

At Alton Social Bowls Club every reasonable effort will be made to minimise risk by following the guidelines detailed in this document and by securing members or parental consent for the use of photographs.

This policy applies to the use of photographs and film footage in club publicity materials, on its website and in the press. This policy reflects the consensus of opinion of the board of Alton Social Bowls Club. Its implementation is the responsibility of all members.

Child Protection

There may be a risk when individual pupils can be identified in photographs. For that reason, the board of Alton Social Bowls Club have developed this policy to make every effort to minimise risk. In the event of the inappropriate use of pupil’s or pupils’ photographs the Welfare Officer will inform the local Child Protection Officer and Social Services and / or the Police.

Data Protection Act

Photographs and other images of members are classed as personal data under the terms of the Data Protection Act. Therefore, using such images for school publicity purposes requires the consent of either the individual concerned or in the case of pupils, their legal guardians. Alton Social Bowls Club will not display images of members or pupils on websites, in publications or in a public place without such consent. The definition of a public place includes areas where visitors to the club have access. Where photographs are taken at an event attended by large crowds, this is regarded as a public area so it is not necessary to get permission of everyone in a crowd shot. The Data Protection Act does not apply to photographs or films taken for personal use by family and friends.

Appropriate Use of Images in Publicity Materials

Alton Social Bowls Club will:

v  ensure that images are stored securely and used only by those authorised

v  to do so

v  secure parental consent for the use of pupil’s photographs/film footage

v  not use an image of any pupil who is the subject of a court order

v  without consent will not use photographs of pupils or members who have left the club.

Club Website

Using photographs on our club website is no different from using them in any other kind of publication or publicity material. However, the board of the club are aware of the potential risk of inappropriate use of images because of the lack of control over who might see the image and the wide extent of the misuse of the Internet by certain people.

The club will seek the consent of parents and/or guardians or those responsible for them regarding the use of images on the Internet prior to them being included.

Children’s names will not be included in photographs or published on the club’s website without the relevant approval.

The Press

The use of photographs in newspapers and magazines is subject to strict guidelines. The Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice states that:

v  Journalists must not interview or photograph a child under the age of 18 on subjects involving the welfare of the child in the absence of or without the consent of a parent or other adult who is responsible for the child.

v  Pupils must not be approached or photographed while at the club without the permission of a coach who has seen and read the appropriate parental consent form.

Where parental consent has been secured there is no breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 in passing on a child’s name to a journalist.

Only the names of children whose parent(s) or guardian(s) have given their consent to Alton Social Bowls Club for activities at Alton Social BOWLS Club will be will provided  o accompany photographs agreed for publication. 

Parental Consent

Alton Social Bowls Club will seek the consent of parents / guardians or carers regarding the use of photographs and film footage of children during their time at the club.

Any school or other outside organisation using the club will be responsible for obtaining parental consent.

Where circumstances change, it is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or carer to inform the club in writing.

Consent forms will be retained as part of a child’s individual records while the child is at the club.

Complaints / Concerns

Concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography should be addressed to the Welfare Officer who will report them in the same manner as any other child protection concern following the appropriate reporting procedure.

Objections relating to the Alton Social Bowls Club photography policy should be brought to the attention of a member of the Board or the club’s Welfare Officer.

This policy was agreed at the committee meeting on…………………………………….