Dowty Bowls Club has considered its responsibilities
to the young people participating in bowls at our premises and within
our club very carefully, and has produced the following
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning
procedures in order to set out the standards we wish to uphold in
providing activities for children and safeguarding the welfare of
children in our care.
Dowty Bowls Club affiliates to the National Governing
Body and the Club recognises the policies of their Governing Body,
as set in out in the "Safeguarding Bowls Guidelines"
1. Policy Statement
Dowty Bowls 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.
Dowty Bowls Club will therefore endeavour to ensure
the safety and protection of all young people involved with the club
through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Management
Committee of the club. It is the responsibility of all adults within
the club to assist the Management Committee in this endeavour.
2. Policy Aims
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
All young people, 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.
All staff and volunteers working in bowls have a responsibility to report concerns to their Club Welfare Officer.
Adults - club members, volunteers, coaches, referees and members will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of young people and vulnerable adults.
Individuals will 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.
Dowty Bowls Club will work in partnership with parents to review and implement child protection and welfare procedures.
Dowty Bowls Clubs policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration:
The Children Act 1989 and 2004.
The Data Protection Act 1994 & 1998.
The Police Act 1997.
The Human Rights Act 1998.
The Protection of Children Act 1999.
Caring for the young and vulnerable - Home Office Guidance for preventing the abuse of trust 1999.
The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused 2005.
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006.
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 and Communication
The Management Committee has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including taking any appropriate disciplinary action necessary.
The Club Welfare Officer has responsibility for responding to any allegations, concerns or child protection incidents, passing information to the appropriate National Governing Body Designated Safeguarding Officer and informing the appropriate club staff.
Parents have a responsibility to work together with the club in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to safeguard themselves.