Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy

Gargrave Bowling Club has considered its responsibilities to the vulnerable adults and young people participating in bowls on 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.

Gargrave Bowling Club affiliates to the National Governing Body and the club recognises the policies of their Governing Body, as set out in the “Safeguarding Bowling Guidelines”.

1. Policy Statement

Gargrave Bowling Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all young people (defined as those under 18), and all vulnerable people involved in bowls within the club. Everyone has the right to protection, and have their needs considered.

Gargrave Bowling Club will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved within the club through the guidelines adopted by the Management Committee of the club. It is the responsibility of everyone within the club to assist the Committee in this endeavour. 

2.    Policy Aims

• To provide all vulnerable people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the club and to enable them to enjoy their experience of the sport of bowls.

• To reassure Parents/guardians 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

• The welfare of everyone is paramount.

• All 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 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.

• Club members, volunteers, coaches, referees and members will be supported to understand their role and responsibility regarding the duty of care and protection of young people by the club and the National Governing Body.

• Individuals will receive support through education and training, coordinated by the club/national governing body to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage the welfare of everyone with issues that may come to light.

• Gargrave Bowling Club will work in partnership with young people and parents to review and implement child protection and safeguarding procedures.

• Gargrave Bowling Club’s 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

           Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015

           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 

• Gargrave Bowling Club Child Protection Policy will be available to all members, parents, staff, volunteers and participants.

• The policy will be reviewed every three years by the Committee and amended as appropriate. Guidance from Bowling National Governing Bodies will be sought as part of the review process.

• The Committee has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any appropriate disciplinary action to the governing body as appropriate.

• 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 where relevant.

• Parents have a responsibility to work together with the club in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to keep themselves safe.

5. Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed one year after being introduced and then every three years or in response to significant new legislation.

• The policy will be monitored in partnership with the National Governing Body.

6. Your Safeguarding Officers are:    Judith Haigh and Andy Sylvester

Mobile:      Andy - 07706 747870

Email:       andysylvester50@hotmail.com