Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
(Proposed by John Kellow and approved by Committee on 9th September 2019)
Alton Social Bowling Club has considered its responsibilities to the young people participating in bowls at our premises and within our club very carefully, and has produced this Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy setting out the standards we wish to uphold in providing activities for children and safeguarding them accordingly.
Alton Social Bowling Club is affiliated to Bowls England, its National Governing Body and the Club recognises the policies of its Governing Body, as set in out in its “Safeguarding Bowls Guidelines”.
1. Policy Statement
Alton Social Bowling Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all young people (defined as those under 18) involved in bowls within the club. All young people have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account
Alton Social Bowling Club will endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all young people involved with the club through the Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures adopted by the Committee of the club.
2. Policy Aims
• To provide young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the club and also help them to enjoy their experience of the sport.
• To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible whilst participating in activities within the club.
• To provide support to club members and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively. 3. Principles
• The welfare of young people is paramount.
• All young people and adults, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Approved at Committee on
• All members have a responsibility to report concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.
• Club members, coaches and umpires will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of young people.
• Individuals will, as necessary, receive support through education and training to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light.
• Alton Social Bowling Club will work in partnership with young people and parents to review and implement child protection and safeguarding procedures.
• Alton Social Bowling Club’s policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK and international legislation and government guidance, including: • The Children Act 1989 and 2004. • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013. • The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. . • Any subsequent legislation relating to child protection would implicitly be incorporated into this document 4. Responsibilities, Communication, Monitoring and Review
• The Alton Social Bowling Club Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy will be available to all members and parents
• The Policy will be reviewed by the Committee one year every three years or in response to significant legislation and amended as appropriate. Guidance from Bowls England will be sought as part of the review.
• The Committee has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any appropriate disciplinary action to the national governing body as appropriate.
• The Club Welfare Officer has responsibility for responding to any allegations, concerns or child protection incidents, passing information to the Bowls England Safeguarding Officer and informing club officers where appropriate.
• Parents have a responsibility to work with the club in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to keep themselves safe.
• The policy will be monitored in partnership with Bowls England and Bowls Development Alliance procedures