SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION. POLICY and PROCEDURES

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1 Bowls Leicestershire BE Founder Member 2008 Unified County Formed 2013 SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY and PROCEDURES 1. Policy Statement 4. Responsibilities and Communication 1.1 Transport Policy 5. Documentation 2. Policy Aims 6. Procedures 3. Principles BL_SafeGuarding_Policy.doc, Revision01,

2 Bowls Leicestershire has considered its responsibilities to the young people (Under 18 years) and vulnerable adults participating in bowls in Leicestershire. At county level we have Under 25 and Under 31 bowls groups, both with younger players often involved. There are also players who, for varying reasons such as early stage dementia, learning difficulties etc.,who need to be safeguarded. We have therefore produced the following Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning procedures in order to set out the standards we wish to uphold when providing activities for the young and vulnerable and safeguarding their welfare when in our care. This policy also includes documentation for CLUBS affiliated to Bowls Leicestershire. 1. Policy Statement Bowls Leicestershire is a member affiliated to the National Governing Body and the County Association recognises the policies of our Governing Body, as set out in the Safeguarding Bowls Guidelines. Bowls Leicestershire acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all young people (defined as those under 18) and vulnerable adults involved in bowls within the county. All young and vulnerable people have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account. Bowls Leicestershire will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all young and vulnerable people involved with the county through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Executive Board and Management Committees of the county. It is the responsibility of all adults within the County Association to assist the Executive Board and Management Committees in this endeavour. 1.1 TRANSPORT POLICY All journeys involving under 18 year old bowlers, unless with a parent or guardian, must be logged. The completed log should be handed to the club Welfare Officer who should forward it to the County Welfare Officer at the end of the season. In the event that this policy cannot be upheld for practical reasons, the travel details MUST BE LOGGED below by the Team Manager / Event Organiser and made available for Inspection by the County Safeguarding Officer or Administrator on request and sent to the County Safeguarding Officer or Administrator at the end of the bowls season, normally 30 September. For Club Events, the Travel Log must be given to the Club Welfare/Safeguarding Officer. 2. Policy Aims 2.1 To provide young and vulnerable people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the county and also help them to enjoy their experience of the sport of bowls. 2.2 To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible whilst participating in activities within county bowls. 2.3 To provide support to County Executive, County Officers, Team Managers and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively.

3 3. Principles BL SAFEGUARDING POLICY 3.1 The welfare of young and vulnerable people is paramount. 3.2 All people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse. 3.3 All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. 3.4 County Executive, County Officers, Team Managers and volunteers working in bowls have a responsibility to report concerns to the County Safeguarding Officer. 3.5 Adults County Executive, County Officers, Team Managers, volunteers, coaches, umpires and members will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of young and vulnerable people by the County and the National Governing Body. 3.6 Individuals will receive support to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light. 3.7 Bowls Leicestershire will work in partnership with young people and parents to review and implement child protection and safeguarding procedures. The will be reviewed in consultation with parents. 3.8 Bowls Leicestershire s policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration: a. The Children Act 1989 and b. Working Together to Safeguard Children c. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. d. Any subsequent legislation relating to child protection would implicitly be incorporated into this document. 4. Responsibilities and Communication 4.1 Bowls Leicestershire Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy will be available to all members, member clubs, parents, staff, volunteers and participants. 4.2 The Policy will be reviewed every three years by the Executive Board and Section Management Committees and amended where appropriate. Guidance from Bowls National Governing Bodies will be sought as part of the review process, alongside Bowls Development Alliance procedures. Reviews may also be undertaken in response to significant new legislation. 4.3 Executive Board and Section Management Committees have responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any disciplinary action to the National Governing Body as appropriate.

4 4.4 The County Safeguarding Officer has responsibility for... a. responding to any allegations, concerns or child protection incidents b. informing the appropriate National Governing Body Designated Safeguarding Officer c. informing the LOCAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDRENS BOARD, specifically the Local Authority Designated Officer. I. LEICESTER CITY LSCB Web: II. Leicestershire & Rutland LSCB Web: d. informing the appropriate County Executive or Officers where relevant 4.5 Club Safeguarding, Welfare or Child Protection Officers have a duty to... a. inform the National Governing Body Designated Safeguarding Officer b. inform the County Safeguarding Officer 4.6 Parents have a responsibility to work together with the County in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to keep themselves safe. 5. Documentation CLUBS who have attained and maintain CLUBMARK status will already have their own approved documentation and procedures. The following documents have been produced in support of the Bowls Leicestershire Procedures outlined below. They will be published on the County Website, along with this Policy document. 5.1 Self-Disclosure Form (BL_Form101_Safeguarding_SelfDisclosure) c. For County Under 25 and Under 31 Team Managers. d. For ALL CLUBS with members who are IRREGULARLY involved in working with Under 18 players e. ALL CLUBS with members who are REGULARLY involved in work with Under 18 players should use this form whilst in the process of arranging suitable DBS checks/enhanced disclosures. 5.2 Under 18 Bowlers Consent Form () a. For Parents and/or Guardians of any Under 18 players in Leicestershire County teams

5 b. For Parents and/or Guardians of any Under 18 players in CLUBS affiliated to Leicestershire 5.3 Event & Travel Log (BL_Form103_Safeguarding_U18EventTravelLog) See POLICY 3.1 TRANSPORT. a. For County and Club use for ANY EVENT involving Under 18 players where transport is supplied. 6. Procedures 6.1 BL Under 25 Team Manager a. complete BL_Form101_Safeguarding_SelfDisclosure and return to the County Safeguarding Officer or Administrator b. provide ALL Parents and/or Guardians of Under 18 bowlers with c. complete and maintain BL_Form103_Safeguarding_U18EventTravelLog (for all County Events, Fixtures/Matches d. return the full seasons log to 6.2 BL Under 31 Team Manager a. complete BL_Form101_Safeguarding_SelfDisclosure and returns to the County Safeguarding Officer or Administrator b. provide ALL Parents and/or Guardians of Under 18 bowlers with c. complete and maintain BL_Form103_Safeguarding_U18EventTravelLog (for all County Events, Fixtures/Matches 6.3 Parents and/or Guardians of Junior (Under 18) Bowlers a. complete b. upon completion give or send this form to your Club Safeguarding Officer / Club Secretary AND give or send a copy to the County Safeguarding Officer or Administrator. 6.4 Other Event Organisers (Club or County) a. provide ALL Parents and/or Guardians of Under 18 bowlers with b. complete and maintain BL_Form103_Safeguarding_U18EventTravelLog (for all Events where Under 18 players are involved.