Child Welfare Policy

The Club believes that the welfare of all young people is paramount and we recognise and accept our responsibility to safeguard and promote the interests and well being of young people. We are committed to ensure that our Club Members, whatever their age, gender, culture, ability, language, religious beliefs, racial origin, and/or sexual identity enjoy the game in a fun and safe environment, safe from abuse of any kind whilst participating in the sport and using Club facilities. We aim to deliver the highest possible standards of care in striving to meet this goal.

Our Aims

(a)To ensure that all of those involved in The club recognise and understand their responsibility of safeguarding our Club Members’ welfare, and protecting them from physical, emotional or sexual harm and from neglect or bullying of any kind.

(b)To respect young peoples’ rights, reasonable wishes and feelings.

(c)To ensure that all individuals working with young people will be made aware of good practice in order to ensure that they are not placed into situations where allegations could be made.

(d)To ensure that all Team Managers have appropriate qualifications for the tasks that they undertake. This shall be the responsibility of the Child Welfare Officer.

(e)To ensure that each Team Manager has the correct level of formal qualification for their specific teams’ age group.

(f)To ensure that each Team Manager has a clear understanding of their responsibilities both with respect to their coaching tasks and to their role within child welfare.

(g)To encourage at least one (1) other individual from each recognised team (assistant manager / coach etc.) to undertake formal child welfare training.

(h)For all Team Managers to be encouraged to undertake additional appropriate training to assist in their own development.

(i)To ensure that all relevant individuals who have regular supervisory or management responsibility over Club Members undertake an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. For the purpose of The Club this includes; all Team Managers, assistants/coaches, members of The Committee, any adult who regularly assists with coaching, adults/parents who take on the role of responsibility when travelling on tours with any respective team. This list is not exhaustive.

(j)To have and maintain Codes of Conduct covering all behavioural requirements for all; Team Managers, Club Members and Parents/Guardians. The Codes of Conduct are to be widely distributed and made readily available upon request.

(k)To have a minimum of one (1) Child Welfare Officer readily contactable by any person (adult or child) who has any child welfare concerns whatsoever.

(l)To have written and visible procedures for dealing with suspicions or accusations which are accessible to anyone.

For all Child Welfare issues or concerns, you are urged to contact either of the following in complete confidence;

Child Welfare Officer Jenny Bolton(07931) 308127cwo@cbfc.org.uk

Club ChairpersonMick Stoneley (01268) 452909stoneley@blueyonder.co.uk

Club Secretary Gary Steward (01268) 470357steward@cbfc.org.uk

Child Welfare Guidance: How to raise concern

Report your concerns

Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. If you are worried about a child it is important that you report your concerns - no action is not an option!

1.If you are worried about a child then you need to report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.

2. If the issue is one of poor practice they will either:

3. Deal with the matter themselves or

4. Seek advice from the County FA Welfare Officer.

5.If the concern is more serious - possible child abuse - where possible contact the County FA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children's Services.

6.If the child needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them this is a child protection concern. Let your Club Welfare Officer know what action you have taken.