BDMFC Child protection policy

As BDMFC is open to junior members of under 18 years the club has a child protection policy.

BDMFC has adopted the general child protection policy published by the SAA (View SAA Policy here)
The policy should also be provided to parents/guardians of children as well as BDMFC instructors or members.

The following basic guidelines (taken from the SAA policy) provide a starting point for anyone involved in the instruction/supervision of children.

All members, parents, guardians and carers are to comply with SAA and club policies and guidelines for the promotion of welfare and care of children.

• A junior member is defined as being under 18 years of age.

• A vulnerable adult is defined as a person of 18 years of age or over but through mental or physical attributes requires a higher level of supervision than would be normally commensurate with an adult member.

• A responsible adult is defined as a senior member or parent/guardian who has the clearance, experience, knowledge and training commensurate with the type and degree of supervision required.

• Junior members must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. The level of supervision is to be commensurate with the junior member’s age, maturity, capabilities and levels of experience.

• Junior members under the age of 14 years shall not start an engine or carry a model with the engine running unless they are supervised by a responsible adult.

• No child or vulnerable adult shall undertake any activity which might place him or her at risk. In any event prior consultation with their parent, guardian or carer must take place if there is any doubt on the member’s abilities to undertake a specific activity.

No senior member is to be expected to assume responsibility for a child or a vulnerable adult unless he/she has been specifically requested to do so by the parent, guardian or carer. If required to do so, he/she is to assume complete and total responsibility for the child or vulnerable adult whilst he/she is in their charge.

• Notwithstanding the requirements of the previous paragraph, should a member discover a child or vulnerable adult at the BDMFC flying site that is unsupervised then he/she must assume responsibility for that person’s safety in the first instance. The situation should then be rectified as soon as possible by seeking out the parent, guardian, carer or nominated supervisor. Any instance of such an occurrence is to be reported to the club committee as soon as possible and a record made of the occurrence.

• Whilst supervising children or vulnerable adults, members should avoid placing themselves in a position that could be open to misinterpretation or question in accordance with SAA policy. Remember, the policy is there to protect you as well as children and vulnerable adults.

• Should any member, parent, guardian, carer or the person themselves have concerns about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults then he or she is to contact the child protection adviser for the club.

• All members are required to respect the rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare. Caring is largely a matter of common sense provided everyone is clear on what is expected of them and a few simple principles are adhered to. It is not a responsibility to be feared but is, nevertheless, essential if we are to ensure that we are to be a club that offers opportunities for all.

Instructor responsibilities

Instructors who intend to provide supervision/tuition to children should refer to the appropriate section in the policy. Under the guidelines of the policy instructors are advised to undergo vetting procedures including a 'Disclosure' application including a criminal record check.

Instructors wishing to go through this process should contact the club child protection adviser.

As an alternative to instructors undergoing a formal 'Disclosure' application the club may insist instead that children are accompanied at all times by their parents/guardians.

Use of photographs/video of children.
The use of photographs/video or names of children on newsletters, websites etc. should be carried out in accordance with the policy.
Most importantly is to obtain written consent from the parents/guardians before taking or using images of their children.

The Child protection advisor for the Club is Graeme Brown. Graeme can be contacted by telephone on 01501 771915

The Committee
BDMFC