Child Protection Policy

Adopted at the May 2009 AGM.

Introduction

Barry Camera Club welcomes people of all ages and wishes to ensure that all members and visitors are safe and protected from harm, in particular children.

We will refer any child protection issues to the appropriate agencies.

We also wish to protect its members and visitors from unfair allegations: the guidelines in this policy will ensure that there is no doubt over obligations and standards.

Legal background

The Police Act 1997, the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 provide an integrated system of child protection.  Essentially, the legislation provides that individuals may be disqualified from working with children by inclusion on one or more of a number of official lists.  It is a criminal offence for to knowingly recruit a disqualified individual into a post working with children, even in voluntary work.

The National Information Service (NIS) equates to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and both act as a “one-stop shop” for employers to check whether a prospective employee is a disqualified person.  Only standard checks are available from the NIS.  Enhanced checks are available from the CRB.

Policy Statement

As a responsible club we believe that:

• The welfare of the child or young person is vitally important;
• All children have the right to protection from abuse;
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be properly investigated and dealt with swiftly and appropriately;
• All members and visitors should be clear on appropriate behaviour and responses. Failure to maintain appropriate standards may be dealt with using the disciplinary procedure.

We will therefore ensure that:

• All members are aware of the Child Protection Policy and Procedures;
• Any interested parties are given information on our procedures regarding the safety of children; and
• Our complaints procedure is accessible to all.

Responsibilities

All members have a responsibility to maintain appropriate standards of behaviour and to report lapses in these standards by others.  Any concerns or reasonable suspicions of abuse should be reported to the Committee.

Any allegations of inappropriate behaviour should also be reported to the Chair who will liase with police and social services as necessary.

The role of the Chair will be to:

• Assess information promptly and carefully, clarifying or obtaining more information about the matter as appropriate;
• Consult initially with a statutory child protection agency, such as the local social services department or Local Health Group, or the NSPCC helpline to test out any doubts or uncertainty about the concerns;
• make a formal referral to a statutory child protection agency or the police.

Training

The committee are responsible for ensuring all members are aware of this policy.