Queensferry Rowing Club
Child Protection Policy Statement
and Procedures
Queensferry Rowing Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Scottish Coastal Rowing Association requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances, it aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children
- Have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Queensferry Rowing Club in a safe and child centred environment
- Are protected from abuse whilst participating in coastal rowing or outside of the activity
Queensferry Rowing Club acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy Queensferry Rowing Club will
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate training opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Queensferry Rowing Club. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
(Introduced 23 March 2017)
Child Protection Policy
Procedures
For the purposes of this document and procedures, a child or young person is defined as a person under 18 years of age.
Any Club member involved in coaching, coxing or accompanying children or young persons should hold a current PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Certificate.
Provision of certificates will be administered through the club and issued by VSDS (Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services).
Appropriate Child Protection courses will be offered to members who have a PVG certificate and members will keep up to date with current legislation and any changes.
Queensferry Rowing Club Child Protection Officer is;
Anne Purcell
20 Edinburgh Road
South Queensferry
EH30 9HR
Tel: 07989 236487
All incidents/disclosures should be reported immediately to the Child Protection Officer. In her/his absence you should contact Police Scotland. Information should only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect the child.
- You must never interview or investigate – this is the job of trained professionals
- As soon as is practical, write everything you have seen down in your own words but don’t delay in passing the information on for this
- When recording what a child has told you, you must record by hand in writing the exact words they used. It should be written down at the time or as soon as possible afterwards. It should be a verbatim account. You should sign and date the original which should be kept in a safe place by the Child Protection Officer. Electronic copies should not be made. This is because it could be used as primary evidence in any ensuing court case.
All Club members should be aware of this document and although not directly involved in the coaching, coxing or accompanying of children or young people should adhere to the principles.
Everyone has a responsibility to protect children and young people.
Every child has, at all times a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice which may result in physical or emotional harm.
Above all the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration and we must all work together to ensure children and young people are protected.