CALDERDADS

ISSUED MAY 2006.

Definitions 3

Introduction 4

Policy Statement 4

Aims 5

Principles 6

Code of Conduct for Coaches and Volunteers 7

Child - anyone under the age of 18.

Abuse of trust – whereby a person in a position of power exploits or distorts that relationship for their own gain or to further their own social, political or religious views. It also includes the misuse of power to influence the development of attitudes towards training, drugs or cheating that conflict with those embodied in this policy.

Agency - another organisation involved in a partnership arrangement with Calderdads. This includes any area associations, education establishments, activity and community development, other local authority partners and sponsors involved either directly or indirectly in any activities provision.

Carer - any adult, such as a coach or a team manager, looking after a child in the absence of a person with parental responsibility.

Child abuse - anything done by someone which harms or poses a risk to a child including emotional, sexual, or physical abuse or harassment, neglect or bullying.

Emotional abuse - a failure to show due care and attention to another; use of threats, sarcasm, taunts or shouting that undermines another’s self confidence or self esteem; manipulation or misuse of power; placing of unrealistic pressure or expectations on someone.

Harassment and bullying - behaviour towards another that is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading, offensive or harmful through intent or negligence.

Neglect - failure to provide for basic needs (for food, shelter, warmth or care) of a child; leaving a dependent person without proper supervision or placing them at risk of injury; expecting someone to carry out tasks for which they do not have the necessary skills or safety training. Neglect also includes the imposition of inappropriate nutritional and/or weight control regimes.

Physical abuse - infliction of injuries or failure to prevent these. This includes, amongst others: giving alcohol to a child or forcing someone to drink alcohol unwittingly or against their will; administering or condoning the use of inappropriate drugs; and, expecting a child to train or compete at an intensity or in ways that are inappropriate to his or her stage of growth or physical capacity or when ill, injured or exhausted.

Poor practice - behaviour by a responsible adult that sets a poor example and thus negatively affects the experience of a child, this is not the same as abuse.

Responsible adult - any coach, volunteer or person associated in any way with the group looking after children who are taking part in a group activity or event.

Sexual abuse - exploitation of males or females for sexual gratification, including: trading sexual activities for fear or favour, sexual bullying or intimidation, sexual joking or harassment.

Welfare - the overall well-being of children, including the maintenance of appropriate safety, security, nourishment and shelter, and protection from all forms of misconduct.

This policy has been written to deal specifically with the issue of child protection, although the group is fully aware and supports the wider concerns for the welfare of all people taking part in entertainment, sports and other similar activities. It is however felt important to have a specific focus on the care and safety of children who participate in activities organised under the "Calderdads" Group.

• believe that everyone involved in any entertainment or sporting activities should thrive, fare well and enjoy safety, security and protection from abuse, maltreatment or misconduct and that every individual involved in the groups events and programes is responsible for upholding this belief.
• recognise that they have a responsibility to ensure the highest standard of care to all children involved in group activities.
• accepts that it has a moral and legal responsibility to implement procedures to provide a duty of care for children, safeguard their well-being and protect them from abuse.
• will respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of children taking part in all activities associated with or connected to "Calderdads".
• will instruct and supervise its volunteers and any coaches used by the group to adopt best practice in all equality issues, to safeguard and protect young people from abuse, and themselves against false allegations.
• require coaches and volunteers working with children to adopt and abide by the Group’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures, including its Code of Conduct, and to submit themselves for checking through the Criminal Records Bureau.
• will not permit photographs, video or other images of children to be taken without the consent of the parents/carers and children.
• will follow the guidance for the use of photographs issued by Activity and Community Development Section of Calderdale Council’s Community Services.
• will respond to any allegations appropriately and implement appropriate disciplinary and appeals procedures.

• ensure the highest possible standards of safety and welfare for all children engaged in any activities and events organised by the Group.
• embed a process of continuous improvement in its ongoing work with children in the activities or sports they are introduced to and encouraged to enjoy.
• work with its partners to ensure that relevant quality assured training is offered to all coaches and volunteers engaged in group programmes for children.
• adopt and promote good practice in the welfare and protection of children and other Group members.
• demonstrate ethical standards of leadership and behaviour in all its work.

Responsiveness –

Compliance with the statutory system –

• To keep under review the Group’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures ensuring they reflect local and national recommendations.
• To ensure volunteers, coaches, parents and children are aware of the Group’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
• To be a source of advice and information to volunteers and coaches within the Group regarding child protection matters.
• To be the recipient of information and concerns regarding child abuse or poor practice within the Group.
• To ensure that allegations / incidents / suspicions of child abuse or poor practice are reported and processed appropriately.
• To liaise with external organisations such as Health and Social Care and the Police as appropriate.
• To meet volunteers and coaches on a regular basis to discuss operation of the Group’s policy and any other issues of concern.
• To be available to see parents and carers on an individual basis or collectively depending upon circumstances.
• To ensure that all those helping with the Group members especially with children have the necessary skills, training, qualification or experience, have signed up to the Club’s Code of Conduct, and have satisfactorily completed a Criminal Record Bureau check.