1. No category

Policy for Safeguarding
and Protecting Children in
Sport.
Formal Review:
July 2010
Annual review by:
____ Denise Richards
January 10th 2010
A review will also be carried out in the event of organisational change or
legislation or in the event of a serious incident
Please see table on following page for amendments/review dates
1
Amendments since first issue.
Reference
7.0 Recording information
– reference to locked
storage system.
PAGE 34
Appendix Guidelines on
physical contact.
Date of amendment
July 2008
Officer details
Denise Richards
July 2008
Denise Richards
2.1 Last line addition
“If they cannot
produce one, NCC
will undertake CRB
clearance.” PAGE 8
August 2008
Denise Richards
Contacts PAGE 36
Rushcliffe changed
Mansfield changed
City added.
Complaints procedure
appendix
Appendix C - E
Technology policy
Contact telephone
numbers for social care
page 36.
Page 25 Bullying 4.6 now
includes Cyberbullying
Change of sports
development job titles for
lead and deputy child
protection officer.
September 2008
Denise Richards
Denise Richards
Denise Richards
Denise Richards
Denise Richards
February 2010
Denise Richards
February 2010
Denise Richards
February 2010
Denise Richards
February 2010
Denise Richards
Please note the important changes to social care telephone numbers for help,
advice and repo
2
Contents
Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Foreword
Policy statement
Principles
Scope
Safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children
2.0 Recruitment, Employment and Deployment of Staff and
Volunteers
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Introduction
Recruitment Process
Induction of Coaches
Continuous Professional Development
Monitoring and Appraisal of Coaches
Formal Complaints Procedure
3.0
Promoting Good Practice with Young People
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Introduction
Good Practice Guidelines
Code of Ethics and Conduct
Guidelines for Use of Photographic and Filming Equipment at Sporting Events
4.0
Recognition of Poor Practice, Abuse and Bullying
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Introduction
Poor Practice
Definition of Abuse
Recognising Abuse
Race and Racism
Bullying
5.0
Responding to Disclosure, Concerns and Allegations
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7.
5.8.
Responding to Disclosure
Responding to concerns
Responding to previous abuse
Responding to allegations/concerns about the suitability of staff and volunteers
Sharing concerns with parents
Action if Bullying is suspected
Designated Officers and other organisations
Contacts
6.0
After Reporting has taken place
6.1
6.2
6.3
Support for the reporter of suspected abuse
Support generally.
Types of Investigation
7.0
Recording Information
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
Confidential Information
Following a Referral
Support to deal with the aftermath
Internal enquiries and suspension
3
8.0
Implementation and Monitoring Procedures
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Foreword
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as
protecting children from maltreatment; Preventing impairment of
children’s health or development; Ensuring that children are
growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe
and effective care; and undertaking that role so as to enable those
children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood
successfully.
Sport plays a major part in the life of many children and families.
Children have a right to be happy in the sports activities that they
or their parents or carers choose. Parents have a right to believe
that the sports club or organisation to which they entrust their
children is safe. All sports organisations have therefore a duty of
care for the children for whom they provide activities.
Most children are safe and well cared for, both by their families and
the organisations that provide activities. However, children may be
abused regardless of their age, gender, religious belief, racial
origin or ethnic identity, culture, class, disability or sexual
orientation. They are usually abused by people they know and
trust. Within sport there are an increasing number of cases of
abuse being reported. In addition those people involved in sport
are in a unique position to recognise and act on concerns about
children’s welfare that may also arise away from the sporting
context.
Adopting best practice will help safeguard young people from
potential abuse.
4
1.2 Child Protection Policy Statement.
Nottinghamshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and
promoting the welfare of children and young people. We will
respond robustly to all concerns about the safety and welfare of
children and young people that are reported to us. This
commitment applies equally to children and young people that we
work with directly and those that we come into contact with. We
expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service is
committed to ensuring that children (including young people
under the age of 18) are protected and kept safe from harm
whilst they are taking part in any activity lead by the
organisation.
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service will
endeavour to ensure that an activity is carried out to our
level of minimum operating standards in terms of
safeguarding e.g. health and safety, coach player ratios as
detailed in the coach employment and induction pack.
whether it is funded in full or in part by the organisation, or
lead by an external organisation
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service will
implement the Inter-Agency Guidance on the Assessment of
Children in Need and the Local Safeguarding Children’s
Board procedures which cover both Nottingham City and
Nottinghamshire as a whole. These procedures underpin the
Child Protection Policy. They also reflect the Government
guidance provided in “Working Together to Safeguard
Children” (2006) and “Assessing Children in Need and their
Families” (2000)
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service
acknowledges that young people have a right to be treated
with respect and for all their concerns to be listened to and
acted upon
5
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service will provide
clear procedures for children, parents, staff and volunteers
so that they can voice their concerns if they feel unsure or
unhappy about a matter concerning a child. This will include
concerns about abuse within a child’s family as well as
concerns or allegations about staff or volunteers
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service will ensure
that its staff and volunteers are carefully selected, trained
and supervised
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service has a
nominated Child Protection Officer who is responsible for
dealing with allegations or suspicions of abuse.
• The Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Development
Child Protection Officer is Denise Richards, Sports
Development Manager, (Community Sports System)
telephone 0115 9772311 [email protected]
and the deputy is Anna Quick, Sports Development Officer
(Clubs and Organisations), telephone 0115 9772218
[email protected])
• Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service will ensure
that any staff, contracted staff or volunteers working with
children are aware of and apply the Nottinghamshire County
Council Sports Service Code of Conduct
• Nottinghamshire County Council accepts the moral and legal
responsibility to implement procedures to provide a duty of
care and safeguard the wellbeing of young people.
• Nottinghamshire County Council will require partners with
whom it works to have adequate policies and procedures in
respect of child protection.
• Nottinghamshire County Council will expect partners to
respond to any allegations appropriately and implement their
own procedures.
6
• Nottinghamshire County Council will respond to any
allegations appropriately and implement the appropriate
disciplinary appeals procedure.
1.3 Principles
The guidance given in the procedures is based on the following
principles:
•
The welfare of young people, (the Children’s Act 1989
defines a young person as under 18 years of age
•
All young people, whatever their age, culture, disability,
gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or
sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
•
It is the responsibility of the children’s social care and the
police to determine whether or not abuse has taken place
but it is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns.
•
All incidents of suspected poor practice and allegations of
abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly
and appropriately.
Confidentiality should be upheld in line with the Data Protection Act
1998 and the Human Rights Act 2000.
1.4 Scope.
Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service work in
conjunction with a wide range of partners. Therefore this policy is
designed to cover all aspects of the units of work with young
people and relates to all staff and volunteers employed or
deployed by the Unit for the programmes over which it has
supervision and control. Nottinghamshire County Council will need
to be satisfied that partners with whom it works, have adequate
child protection policies and procedures.
7
Terms & Abbreviations
The following terms and abbreviations may be used throughout
this document:
LSCB
NGB
scUK
NCC
SS
The organisation
Local Safeguarding Children’s Board
National Governing Body
Sports Coach UK
Nottinghamshire County Council
Sports Service
Nottinghamshire County Council
Sports Service
• Anyone under the age of 18 years is considered to be a child /
young person.
• The term “parents” is used as a generic term to represent
parents, guardians and carers.
8
1.5 Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children
Definitions.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:
Protecting children from maltreatment;
Preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances
consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
Undertaking that role so as to enable those children to have
optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.
Child protection is a key element in work to safeguard and promote
the welfare of children. Child Protection refers to work undertaken
with children identified as being at risk of significant harm
All those who come into contact with children and families in their
everyday work, including practitioners who do not have a specific
role in relation to safeguarding children, have a duty to safeguard
and promote the welfare of children. See section 3.2 Good
Practice Guidelines.
9
2.0 RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT &
DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
2.1 Introduction
Nottinghamshire County Council will take all reasonable steps
to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with
young people. Volunteers currently complete a self declaration
form and a copy of their current CRB is requested. If they
cannot produce one, NCC will undertake CRB clearance.
2.2 Recruitment Process
We have adopted the following procedures:•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Establish role and responsibility – job description
Establish person specification
Evaluate the need for an Enhanced CRB Disclosure –
conduct risk assessment.
Ensure that anyone involved in working with children
undergoes relevant checks and references including a
CRB Disclosure.
Receive applications/select for interview
Check identity, qualifications, skills, experience etc
Select successful candidate
Offer can be made subject to receipt of satisfactory
references and enhanced level CRB Disclosures
Take up 2 references
Self disclosure
Make final decision.
10
Applications
All applicants whether for paid or voluntary, full or part-time
positions must complete an application form, which will request
the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Account for any gaps in employment history.
Name, address and National Insurance Number (to
confirm identity and right to work).
Present or last coaching employer (if applying to be a
coach)
Relevant
experience,
qualifications
and
training
undertaken.
Any criminal record, including spent convictions formal
warnings and cautions
The names of at least two people (not relatives) willing to
provide written references that comment on the applicant’s
previous experience of, and suitability for, working with
children and young people (previous employer).
Checks and References
On the selection of a successful candidate:•
Request Enhanced Disclosure check from Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB).
•
Seek confirmation of identity from 3 of the following –
passport, birth certificate, driving licence, utilities bill, other
official documentation.
•
Two written references should be taken at least one of
which relates to coaching either paid or voluntary. (if
applying to be a coach)
•
A record must be kept confirming that the required checks
were undertaken, who completed them and when they
were completed.
•
Coaches and volunteers now complete self-disclosure
form
11
•
On receipt of a Disclosure check (which is clear or has no
relevant convictions) and satisfactory references,
appointment will be confirmed and all staff will undergo
induction training. A Disclosure certificate will be securely
handled, and stored in line with CRB guidance.
•
If there is a positive disclosure the positive disclosure
procedure will be undertaken
•
Should concerns arise as a result of the recruitment
process advice will be sought through employee services
that will have access to legal advice, through NCC
corporate services, if required. The Designated Officer in
consultation with the manager (safer communities) will
decide whether to inform relevant partners or other sports
organisations in line with current information sharing
protocol. The NCC sports lead officer will contact the
affected organisations.
•
Nottinghamshire County Council will delay employment or
deployment until such time as any concerns have been
investigated and satisfied.
2.3 Induction of Coaches.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualifications as a coach/official will need to be
substantiated
Every coach must sign the published NCC Code of
Conduct which is contained in the employment pack.
roles and responsibilities of the job will be set out and
where necessary a formal or informal work programme will
be developed and/or provided
safeguarding procedures will be explained
Safeguarding and equity training needs will be established
and provided.
All staff, paid or voluntary, will undergo appropriate
induction training, when appointed. This will include the
Child Protection Policy and Procedures and the Code of
Ethics and Conduct.
12
If coach/volunteer induction sessions are held ‘en mass’ in a
local authority area, geographic area or countywide the
following elements must be followed:
The induction session will be delivered by a Designated
Child Protection Officer (whose contact details will be
given) preferably in conjunction with a sports specific cocoordinator(s)
The session must cover a generic introduction to the
relevant programme.
Information about the policy, what it contains and that
copies are available if required.
Copies of the safeguarding and protecting your child in
sport leaflets will be handed out and explained with more
copies available if required.
A sports specific session detailing the requirements of
the sport
The coach must be given time to read, understand and
sign the Code of Conduct.
The coach will be advised about session observation
procedures/development and given details of current
coach education programmes/training opportunities.
2.4 Continuous Professional Development
Everyone must accept and be able to recognise their
responsibilities with regard to their own good practice and the
reporting of suspected poor practice/concerns of possible
abuse. Everyone with substantial access to young people
must have recognised and up to date training in the following
areas:
•
•
•
•
Safeguarding and Protecting the welfare of Children
(Sports Coach UK or the equivalent NGB training, LSCB
training may also be undertaken)
Equity awareness training
First Aid
How to coach disabled performers.
Courses covering these aspects can be provided) and staff
with a training need in these areas are required to attend any
relevant courses within 6 months (child protection and first aid)
or 1 year (sports equity and how to coach disabled performers.
13
Accreditation for prior learning will be given for recognised
workshops/courses attended within the last 3 years.
2.5 Monitoring and Appraisal
All staff or volunteers will be given an annual opportunity to
receive feedback, to identify training needs and set new goals
by the relevant member of staff, who supervises the specific
programme of work.
The NCC Sports Development Unit will foster and encourage a
supportive environment to encourage constructive criticism and
the reporting of poor practice or abuse (see below). Managers
will act positively on any feedback at an early stage.
Appropriate support will be provided to those who report
concerns/complaints. Nottinghamshire County Council has a
whistle blowing policy which can be accessed on line at
http://intranet.nottscc.gov.uk/index/workingforncc/wfnccsupportforstaff/whistleblowing.htm (non NCC employees
should refer to the appendix at the end of this document)
2.6 Formal Complaints Procedures
NCC Sports Service works within the County Council
complaints and appeals procedures, which will be used to deal
with any formal complaints and/or appeals. Information on
NCCs complaints and appeals procedures can be found on
NCCs Intranet.
Members of the public can access the complaints procedure
on line via: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/your_council/yccomm
entsandcomplaints/complaints.htm
Good practice procedures will be made available to all staff
and volunteers and will be widely circulated and made
available for parents and young people. Further information will
also be available on www.intosport.org
.
14
3.0 PROMOTING GOOD PRACTICE WITH
YOUNG PEOPLE
3.1 Introduction
Child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, can arouse strong
emotions in those facing such a situation. It is important to
understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your
judgement about any action to take. Abuse can occur within many
situations including the home, school and the sporting
environment. Some individuals will actively seek employment or
voluntary work with young people in sport in order to harm them.
Alternatively a coach, instructor, teacher, official or volunteer may
have regular contact with young people and be an important link in
identifying cases where a young person needs protection. All
concerns about poor practice/suspected abuse should be reported
to the Designated Child Protection Officer, (Coaching
Development Officer) who will decide whether this needs to be
referred on to other organisations (e.g. a local authority designated
officer or National Governing Body of Sport).
You may suspect or become aware of child abuse in a number of
ways:
• A child may disclose that s/he is being abused at home or in a
sports environment or elsewhere.
• Reports form other people.
• An individual within the organisation may become suspicious
that a child is being abused.
• Behavioural indicators.
• A child may disclose that s/he is being abused by somebody
within the organisation
• An individual within the organisation may display inappropriate
behaviour towards a child/ren.
15
3.2 Good Practice Guidelines
All personnel in sport will be encouraged to demonstrate
exemplary behaviour in order to promote the welfare of young
people and reduce the likelihood of allegations being made.
Adhering to the existing codes of conduct. The following are
common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and
climate within sport:
Sports personnel will demonstrate good practice by:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private
or unobserved situations and encouraging an open
environment (e.g. no secrets)
Treating all young people/adults equally, and with respect and
dignity.
Always putting the welfare of each young person first, before
winning or achieving goals.
Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with performers
(e.g. it is not appropriate to have an intimate relationship with
a child or to share a room with them)
Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which
empowers children to share in the decision-making process.
Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.
Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is
required, it should be provided openly and according to
guidelines provided by the NGB. Care is needed as it is
difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly
moving. Young people and parents should always be
consulted and their agreement gained.
Keeping up to date with the technical skills, qualifications and
insurance in sport.
Involving parents wherever possible (e.g. for the responsibility
of their children in the changing rooms). If groups have to be
supervised in the changing rooms,
parents/teachers/coaches/officials will always work in pairs.
Ensuring that if mixed teams are taken away, they will always
be accompanied by a male and female member of staff.
Ensuring that at tournaments or residentials, adults will
respect the privacy of young people but reserve the right to
enter young people’s rooms in exceptional circumstances.
16
•
•
•
•
•
•
Being an excellent role model – this includes not smoking or
drinking alcohol in the company of young people.
Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than
negative criticism.
Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young
people and disabled adults – avoiding excessive training or
competition and not pushing them against their will.
Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if
the need arises to give permission for the administration of
emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment.
Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with
the details of any treatment given
Requesting written parental consent if club officials are
required to transport young people in their cars.
Meeting Individual Needs of disabled people.
Personal/hygiene care is the responsibility of an appropriate and
recognised individual for the participant such as a teaching
assistant or parent. Volunteers and staff will not under any
circumstances assist with personal / hygiene care. A hoist, plinth
and commode will be provided to assist care staff at sports events
run by the Sports Disability Unit.
17
Practice to be avoided
The following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases
arise where these situations are unavoidable they should only
occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge of
the activity or the child’s parents. For example, a child sustains a
minor injury and needs to go to hospital.
•
•
Avoid spending time alone with children away from others.
Avoid transporting children in a vehicle alone.
Practice never to be sanctioned
You should never:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
take children to your home where they will be alone with you
engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games,
including horseplay
share a room with a child
allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged
make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
reduce a child to tears as a form of control
allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged,
unrecorded or not acted upon
do things of a personal nature for children or disabled adults,
that they can do for themselves
Invite or allow children to stay with you at your home
unsupervised.
If any of the following incidents should occur, you should report
them immediately to another colleague and make a written record
of the event. Parents should also be informed of the incident:
•
•
•
•
if you accidentally hurt a performer
if he/she seems distressed in any manner
if a performer appears to be sexually aroused by your actions
If a performer misunderstands or misinterprets something
you have done.
18
For further details regarding this please see the national
guidance available at
http://www.teachingpersonnel.com/GuidanceForSafeWorking.pdf
or contact the local governing body officer for sport or the Child
Protection in Sport Unit. Contact details are available
www.intosport.org or telephone 0115 9772311.
3.3 Code of Ethics and Conduct
All coaching staff, whether paid or volunteers must sign up to the
Code of Conduct in the coach induction pack and available from
Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Service tel: 0115
9772311. The Code encourages the development of an open and
positive climate so that:
•
•
•
poor practice is identified and addressed
investigations are carried out
disciplinary action is taken if appropriate.
3.4 Guidelines for Use of Photographic Filming
Equipment at Sporting Events
There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as
an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of
young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable positions. NCC
provides a template form for parents or carers to complete prior to
any event where photography or filming equipment has been
organized for publicity purposes. This can be downloaded by the
sports staff via:
http://intranet.nottscc.gov.uk/photoconsentform-child.pdf
for a child
http://intranet.nottscc.gov.uk/photoconsentform-adult.pdf
for an adult. (non NCC employees should refer to the appendix
at the end of this document)
Hard copies are available from the
Communication Officer tel 0115 9773437.
Information
and
National Governing Bodies also provide guidance on the use of
photography at sporting events.
19
4.0 RECOGNITION OF POOR PRACTICE,
ABUSE AND BULLYING
4.1 Introduction
Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not
always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or
has already taken place.
Sports staff and volunteers in sport, whether in a paid or voluntary
capacity, are not experts at such recognition. However, they do
have a responsibility to act if they have any concerns about the
behaviour of someone (an adult or another child) towards a young
person by reporting their concerns to the Designated Officer.
All personnel whether paid or voluntary have a duty to discuss any
concern they may have about the welfare of a person immediately
with the designated person – All personnel will be notified at
induction of the appropriate designated people.
4.2 Poor Practice
Poor practice includes any behaviour that contravenes the Code of
Ethics and Conduct which is based around the:
•
•
•
Rights – of the player, the parent, the coach, the official etc.
Responsibilities – for the welfare of the players, the sport, the
profession of coaching, and their own development.
Respect – of other players, officials and their decisions,
coaches, the rules.
4.3 Definitions of Abuse
Abuse can happen wherever there are young people, and young
people of any age can be abused. The effects of abuse can be
damaging and if untreated, they may follow a person into
adulthood. .
20
What is Child Abuse?
Children may be abused or placed at risk of harm in a family or in
an institutional or community setting by those known to them or,
more rarely, by a stranger. Child abuse occurs to children of both
sexes and all ages, in all cultures and religions, and social classes
and to children with and without disabilities. The four main
categories of abuse are:
Physical Abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning,
burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing
physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when
a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill
health in a child who they are looking after (Factitious Disorder) or
where an adult uses excessive and inappropriate training methods.
In the sports environment, physical abuse might also occur when
the nature and intensity of training exceeds the capacity of the
child’s or young person’s immature and growing body, (e.g.
overtraining) and also when parents or coaches encourage
children/young people to take performance enhancing drugs or
alcohol.
Emotional Abuse involves the persistent emotional ill treatment of
a child, which causes severe and persistent adverse effects on the
child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to
children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued
only insofar as that they meet the needs of another person. It may
feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being
imposed on children. It may involve causing children frequently to
feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of
children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of
ill treatment to a child, though it may occur alone.
In the sports environment, emotional abuse might include
situations where parents or coaches subject children or young
people to constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to
perform to high expectations or to obtain standards they are clearly
not able to reach. It may also include situations where children or
young people are overprotected preventing them from socialising.
21
Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person
to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of
what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact,
including penetrative (e.g. rape or buggery) or non-penetrative
acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving
children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material
or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in
sexually inappropriate ways.
In the sports environment, sexual abuse might occur when
inappropriate physical contact takes place e.g. through
inappropriate supporting, treatment or touching of children or
young people. It is apparent that abuse is carried out by both
males and females and other young people also sexually abuse.
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical
and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious
impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a
parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and
clothing, failure to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or
the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or
treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to,
a child’s basic emotional needs.
In the sports environment neglect might occur if children/young
people are consistently left alone and unsupervised. It may also
occur if a teacher, coach or manager fails to ensure children are
safe, or exposes them to undue extremes of weather or risk of
injury e.g. through unsafe equipment.
Racial Abuse
Children from black and minority ethnic groups (and their parents)
are likely to have experienced harassment, racial discrimination
and institutional racism. Although racism causes significant harm it
is not, in itself, a category of abuse. All organisations working with
children, including those operating where black and minority ethnic
communities are numerically small, should address institutional
racism, defined in the MacPherson Inquiry Report on Stephen
Lawrence as 'the collective failure by an organisation to provide
appropriate and professional service to people on account of their
race, culture and/or religion'
22
Disabled People
There have been a number of studies that indicate children (or
adults) with disabilities are at increased risk of abuse. Various
factors contribute to this, such as stereotyping, prejudice,
discrimination, isolation and a powerlessness to protect
themselves, or adequately communicate that abuse has occurred.
Abuse and Neglect
All personnel should have an understanding of abuse, neglect and
what constitutes poor practice and know how and when to take
action. The NCC Sports Development Unit with its partners will
put in place training and support programmes to ensure that all
personnel are able to effectively deal with any suspicions of poor
practice, abuse or neglect.
4.4 Recognising abuse
Good child protection practice means ensuring that staff and
volunteers know how to recognise child abuse and potential risks
to children.
This does not mean that they are experts, or responsible for
deciding whether or not abuse has occurred, but they do have
a responsibility to be alert to behaviour by children or workers
which suggests something is wrong, and have a clear
understanding of the correct reporting procedure to follow.
Child abuse can manifest itself in many ways. Indications that a
child is being abused may include the following:
• Unexplained or untreated bruising, injuries or illness.
• Suffering continual stomach pains or other physical ailments
without medical explanation.
• Any delay in seeking medical assistance or indeed none being
sought at all, could be an indicator of abuse.
23
• Explanation of an injury is vague, lacking in detail, inconsistent
with the injury or varies with each telling.
• Aggressive or withdrawn behaviour and refusal to talk about the
injuries.
Children who are being abused often do not say what is happening
to them.
• Unexpected fear of an adult and flinching when touched.
• Fear of going home to parents/carers or of them being
contacted.
• Inappropriate responses from parents or carers.
• Wariness, fear or watchfulness in a child’s interaction with its
parents or carers.
• Indications or a history of domestic violence. Violence towards
adults may also indicate violence towards children and is itself
emotionally abusive.
• Sexually explicit behaviour and language.
• Considerable amounts of money, the source of which cannot be
explained.
• Changes over time of manner and appearance, such as losing
weight, becoming dirty and dishevelled, being constantly tired
and always hungry.
• Telling you about being asked to keep a secret or dropping
other hints and clues about abuse.
• Someone else – child or adult – expressing concern about the
welfare of another child.
• Child’s injury is inconsistent with his/her development or
mobility.
24
This list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more of the
indicators is not proof that abuse is actually taking place.
Different types of child abuse may be present at the same time e.g.
a child who is being physically abused may also be being sexually
abused.
It is important to be aware that adults who wish to abuse or exploit
children or young people will often move themselves into positions
of trust and/or close working with children in order to engineer
situations in which they can abuse. Adults could also use
information about a child (possibly from a website) to learn more
about a child prior to 'grooming' them for abuse.
4.5 Race and Racism
Children from ethnic and minority groups (and their parents) may
have experienced harassment, racial discrimination or institutional
racism. Although racism causes significant harm it is not, in itself,
a category of abuse. The Nottinghamshire County Council Sports
Development Unit works within NCC’s Equalities Policy and action
plan which gives clear guidance to staff and volunteers. The
county council aims to work actively against discrimination and to
promote and create equal access to services by everyone,
irrespective of their age, disability, race, gender, sexuality, cultural
or social background.
The county council will ensure that all of its own staff, the
organisation that it supports and its partners in service delivery are
aware of this policy and that appropriate steps are taken to put into
practice in the day to day delivery of services.
4.6 Bullying
It is important to recognise that in some cases of abuse, it may not
always be an adult abusing a young person. An abuser may be a
young person, for example in the case of bullying. Bullying may
be seen as deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a
period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend
themselves.
25
Although anyone can be the target of bullying, victims are typically
shy, sensitive and perhaps anxious or insecure. Sometimes they
are singled out for physical reasons – being overweight, physically
small, having a disability or belonging to a different race, faith or
culture.
Girls and boys can be bullies although it seems to be more
conspicuous in boys. Bullying can and does occur anywhere
where there is inadequate supervision – on the way to and from
school, at a sporting event, in the playground and changing rooms.
Bullies come from all walks of life, they bully for a variety of
different reasons and may even have been abused. Typically,
bullies can have low self-esteem, be excitable, aggressive and
jealous. Crucially, they have learned how to gain power over
others.
The competitive nature of sport makes it an ideal environment for
the bully. The bully in sport can be:
•
•
•
•
a parent who pushes too hard
a coach who adopts a win-at-all costs philosophy
a player who intimidates inappropriately
An official who places unfair pressure on a person.
Bullying can include:
•
•
•
•
•
Physical: e.g. hitting, kicking and theft.
Verbal: e.g. name-calling, constant teasing, sarcasm,
racist or homophobic taunts, threats, graffiti and gestures.
Emotional: e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating and
ignoring.
Sexual: e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive
comments.
Cyberbullying: ranging from abusive text messages, emails
and phone calls, to bullying in internet chatrooms, social
networking sites and instant messaging.
26
The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be
underestimated. It can cause considerable distress to children and
disabled adults, to the extent that it affects their health and
development or, at the extreme, causes them significant harm
(including Self-harm). There are a number of signs that may
indicate that a young person or disabled adult is being bullied:
•
•
•
•
Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration
and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful,
emotionally up and down, reluctance to go to school,
training or sports club.
A drop off in performance at school or standard of play.
Physical signs such as stomach-aches, headaches,
difficulty in sleeping, bed-wetting, scratching and bruising,
damaged clothes and bingeing for example on food,
cigarettes or alcohol.
A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions.
5.0 Responding to Disclosure, Concerns and Allegations.
It is not the responsibility of anyone working in sport in a
paid or voluntary capacity, to take responsibility or to
decide whether or not child abuse is taking place.
However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns and
to report concerns in order that appropriate agencies can then
make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the
young person.
The NCC Sports Development Unit, through the
Designated Officer (Coaching Development Officer) is
the first point of contact for advice or information, or to
report a concern.
If the Designated Officer is not available and you are not sure
what to do, you can obtain advice by telephoning the local
children’s social care department and speak to the duty worker
or call the NSPCC 24-hour free phone Helpline on 0808 800
5000 e-mail [email protected] (NSPCC Asian Child
Protection Helpline 0800 096 7719 – Mon - Fri 11am – 7pm).
The police also have specially trained child protection teams
27
who will give guidance and support. Both police and children’s
social care can be contacted round the clock. These contacts
can also be used if a person is unsure about the concern or
needs advice
28
5.1 Responding to Disclosure
Responding to a child who discloses abuse either against a
member of staff, other worker or volunteer or against someone not
working in the sport (this may be a parent or carer another child)
If a young person says or indicates that he/she is being abused (by
an adult or another child) or information is obtained which gives
concern that a young person is being abused, immediate action
should always be taken. As part of your role with NCC SS, it is
your responsibility to act upon any concerns or suspicions you may
have and reporting such matters should never be delayed. It is,
however, important to note that it is not your responsibility to
determine whether or not abuse has, or is taking place.
Procedures that deal with allegations or suspicions about abuse
must be based on the fundamental principles that the welfare of
the child is paramount.
In all cases, staff/volunteers should be aware of the importance of
listening to and taking seriously what a child is telling them.
Children who are being abused will only tell people they trust and
with whom they feel safe.
The key guidance to report concerns to CPO and record are
common, regardless of how concern arises? . direct disclosure,
observations, and allegations from third party, poor practice or
possible abuse? It’s only the organisation’s response that differs if
the concerns relate to a member of staff/volunteer.
Responding to your own concerns through witnessing indicators or
receiving information of possible abuse.
There may be a situation whereby you may have suspicions of
possible abuse (either by parents, activity staff, volunteers or other
young people) but without any direct disclosure or action of the
child involved.
29
It is essential that the same procedure is undertaken for this
scenario as if you are responding to disclosure from a young
person. Record what has been said, heard or seen as soon as
possible. If there is any doubt as to whether or not the alleged or
suspected behaviour constitutes abuse, the concern must be
shared with professional agencies that will be responsible for
subsequent action
Remember
It is important the person who first encounters a case of alleged or
suspected abuse is not responsible for deciding whether or not
abuse has occurred. That is a task for the professional child
protection agencies following a referral to them of concern about a
child.
The main issues that need to be considered when faced with a
situation where abuse is disclosed are detailed below.
Responding to Disclosure – The Do’s.
Create a safe environment by taking the following actions:
• Stay Calm
• Listen – give the child time to say what he/she wants. Pay
particular attention to any spontaneous statement. In the case
of children without speech or with limited language, pay
attention to their signing or other means of expression, including
behaviour and play.
• Reassure – tell the child that he/she has done the right thing,
and that the abuse is not his/her fault;
• Record in writing – as soon as possible document the
conversation
accurately
using
the
‘Recording
incidents/allegations/suspicions of abuse form’;
• Report – to the Child Protection Officer/senior manager on duty
for guidance or to continue the procedure;
30
• Record - Club Child Protection Officers who phone children’s
social care should confirm referrals in writing, using the
‘Recording incidents/allegations/suspicions of abuse form’,
within 24 hours of the referral being made. They should also
record their concerns and the action they have taken on their
own internal records.
Responding to disclosure - The Don’ts
• Do not panic
• Do not promise to keep secrets
• Do not inquire into details of the abuse or question the child
• Do not make the child repeat the story unnecessarily
• Do not take responsibility for deciding whether or not abuse has
occurred. Seek advice.
The primary responsibility of the person who first suspects or is
told of abuse is to report it and ensure that their concern is taken
seriously.
5.2 Responding to Concerns.
Report all concerns to CPO and record, regardless of how concern
arises. i.e. direct disclosure, observations, and allegations from
third party, poor practice or possible abuse.
Responding to your own concerns through witnessing indicators or
receiving information of possible abuse.
There may be a situation whereby you may have suspicions of
possible abuse (either by parents, activity staff, volunteers or other
young people) but without any direct disclosure or action from the
child involved.
31
It is essential that the same procedure is undertaken to for this
scenario as if you are responding to disclosure from a young
person. Record what has been said, heard or seen as soon as
possible. If there is any doubt as to whether or not the alleged or
suspected behaviour constitutes abuse, the concern must be
shared with professional agencies that will be responsible for
subsequent action.
Responding to concerns regarding poor practice.
•
If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about
poor practice, e.g. poor coaching practice that may be a
training issue; the NGB designated person will also be
informed and will follow their own complaints and appeals
procedures. Consideration will also be given as to other
organisations/persons that need to be informed in
accordance with the information sharing protocol.
•
If the allegation is about poor practice by the designated
person, or if the matter has been handled inadequately
and concerns remain, it should be referred to the
appropriate programme/project Manager (and NGB if
relevant) who will raise the matter with the Unit’s
Management team or Programme Management Group, as
appropriate. The Unit’s Management Team or Programme
Management Group will decide how to deal with the
allegation and whether or not disciplinary proceedings
should be initiated.
5.3 Responding to Previous Abuse
Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event (e.g.
by an adult who was abused as a child or by a member of staff or
volunteer who is still currently working with children). Where such
an allegation is made, the NCC SS will follow the same procedures
as detailed above and report the matter to the children’s social
care or the police. This is because other children, either within or
outside sport, may be at risk from this person.
32
5.4 Responding to allegations/concerns about the
suitability of Staff or Volunteers
Any concerns for the welfare of the child, arising from abuse or
harassment by a member of staff or volunteer, must be dealt with
in the same way as allegations against other people and reported
immediately to the Designated Officer. This includes anyone
working with children in a paid or voluntary capacity (e.g.
volunteers or helpers in clubs, tournament officials, coaches or
team managers on training camps). If the Designated Person is
unavailable or the allegation is about the Designated Person, the
report should be made to the Local Authority Designated Officer
Concerns about the suitability of an individual to work with children
Appendix 5 of Working Together to safeguard Children sets out
requirements for all agencies to monitor and report concerns which
indicate that an individual may not be suitable to work with
children. This applies to concerns which do not reach the threshold
of abuse. All such concerns should be discussed with the Local
Authority Designated Officer who can be contacted Monday –
Thursday 8.30 – 5.00, Friday 8.30 – 4.30 on 01159 774084.
Outside of these hours please discuss any significant, urgent
concerns with children’s social care emergency duty team or the
police.
Relevant concerns in this context (significant/urgent) are those that
indicate an individual may have:•
•
•
•
•
Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed,
a child
Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related
to, a child
Behaved in a way that indicates that they are
unsuitable to work with children.
Seriously breached the coaches’ code of conduct.
Complete and submit a Child Protection Referral Form. If
contact cannot be made with the relevant officer then the
member of staff or volunteer should contact the police and
social care.
33
•
•
•
•
The designated person will seek advice from the children’s
social care department who may involve the police.
The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as
soon as possible following advice from the children’s
social care department.
The designated person also notify the NGB and LA CPO
who will decide who should deal with any media enquiries.
If the designated person is the subject of the
suspicion/allegation, the report must be made directly to a
member of the Unit’s Senior Management team (see
above) who is then responsible for taking the action
outlined above.
For further details regarding this issue please see chapter 7.1
of the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board Child
Protection Procedures. These can be accessed at:
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/social_care/childrenandfamilies/childprote
ction/nscb.htm
5.5 Sharing Concerns with Parents
The NCC Sports Development Unit is committed to work in
partnership with parents where there are concerns about their
children. Therefore, in most situations, it would be important to
talk to parents to help clarify any initial concerns. For example,
if a child seems withdrawn, there may be a reasonable
explanation. He/she may have experienced an upset in the
family, such as a parental separation, divorce or bereavement.
If you are unsure what to do, discuss this with the Designated
Officer.
When it is not appropriate to Share Concerns with Parents
There are circumstances in which a young person might be
placed at even greater risk if concerns are shared (e.g. where
a parent or carer may be responsible for the abuse or not able
to respond to the situation appropriately). In these situations or
where concerns still exist, any suspicion, allegation or incident
of abuse must be reported to the designated person in charge
as soon as possible and recorded.
34
5.6 Action if Bullying is suspected
Action to Help the Victim and Prevent Bullying in Sport:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Take all signs of bullying very seriously.
Encourage all children to speak and share their concerns.
Help the victim to speak out and tell the person in charge
or someone in authority. Create an open environment.
Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the
victim is safe. Speak with the victim and the bully (ies)
separately.
Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help
them, although you cannot promise to tell no one else.
Keep records of what is said (what happened, by whom,
when).
Report any concerns to the person in charge at the club or
school (wherever the bullying is occurring).
Action towards the Bully(ies):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Talk with the bully(ies), explain the situation, and try to get
the bully(ies) to understand the consequences of their
behaviour. Seek an apology to the victim(s).
Inform the bully’s parents.
Insist on the return of borrowed items and that the
bully(ies) compensates the victim.
Provide support for the coach of the victim.
Impose sanctions as necessary.
Encourage and support the bully(ies) to change behaviour.
Hold meetings with the families to report on progress.
Inform all organisation members of action taken.
Keep a written record of action taken.
35
Dealing with Severe or Persistent Bullying
There may be circumstances where you become aware of either a
severe incident of bullying (e.g. it is significant in its nature,
regardless of how frequently it has happened) or persistent
bullying (e.g. it is frequent in its nature regardless of the apparent
significance and despite attempts to deal with it). In these
circumstances, a report should be referred on to the Designated
Officer, who may wish to seek advice from Children’s social care,
or the Police in line with procedures.
5.7 Designated Officers and other organisations.
Other organisations, such as National Governing Bodies of Sport,
will also have Designated Child Protection Officers, who can
provide advice in respect of their sport. In addition, each local
authority should also have a Designated or Lead Officer.
These designated people will have received training, support and
information through their National Governing Body or their local
authority.
Each activity provided for young people will have a designated
person identified to handle any child protection issues. This person
will have completed a self-declaration form and undergo a CRB
Disclosure for quality assurance purposes. There must be clear
guidelines/agreements regarding partnership working so that there
is clarity about who is in charge of overseeing activities for young
people.
5.8 Contacts
It is the responsibility of the designated person in charge to take
action and inform children’s social care (see below).
If the person in charge is not available or the concern is about the
person in charge, the person with concerns, or being informed of
them, should immediately contact:
Sports Development Manager (Community Sports System)
0115 9772311
36
Nottinghamshire County Council Sports Development Unit
OR
Child Protection in Sport Unit
NSPCC National Training Centre
3 Gilmour Close
Beaumont Leys
Leicester LE4 1EZ
Telephone 0116 234 7278/7280
Facsimile 0116 234 0464
e-mail: [email protected]
For consultation purposes and advice contact
Nottinghamshire Children’s social care Duty Managers –
Children and Families Team
Area
No. for concerns about children
and young people
08449 80 80 80
0115 8546000
0115 9175800
01623 520520
01623 520520
Mansfield/Ashfield
Rushcliffe/Gedling
Broxtowe
Bassetlaw
Newark and Sherwood
For any urgent concerns outside of ordinary office hours please
ring the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 456 4546
You can get advice from your local Police NSPCC Helpline on
0808 800 5000
Nottinghamshire Police Child Protection Referral Unit
(Mansfield)
0115 9670999 Extension 1055
Nottinghamshire Police Child Protection General
(Mansfield 0115 9670999 Extension 1056 and West Bridgford
0115 9670999 Extension 1235.
In an emergency situation where an incident was
occurring and you considered it to be life-threatening dial
“999”
37
6.0 After reporting has taken place.
6.1 Support for the Reporter of Suspected Abuse
It is acknowledged that feelings generated by the discovery that a
member of staff or volunteer is, or may be, abusing a child, will
raise concerns among other staff or volunteers. This includes the
difficulties inherent in reporting such matters.
The Nottinghamshire Sports Development Unit assures all
staff/volunteers that they will fully support and protect anyone who,
in good faith (without malicious intent), reports his or her concern
about a colleague’s practice or the possibility that a child may be
being abused.
6.2 Support generally.
The NSCB policy section 7 provides details of sources of support
for the various parties affected by safeguarding issues. This
includes children’s social care and the police providing support or
suggesting other avenues. (police and social care contacts in
section 5.8) The policy is available to download following the link
below See
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/learningandwork/socialca
reandhealth/nscb/nscbprocedures.htm Section 5 Child Protection
procedures.
NCC also has counselling services
http://intranet.nottscc.gov.uk/index/workingforncc/wfncchealthsafetywellbeing/healthandsafety-helpadvice/helpadvicecounsellingservices.htm or telephone (0115 9774919)
Alternatively Occupational Health
http://intranet.nottscc.gov.uk/index/workingforncc/wfncchealthsafetywellbeing/healthandsafety-helpadvice/helpadviceoccupationalhealthservice.htm
41 Loughborough Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7LG
tel: 0115 977 3341 / 0115 977 3510
38
Trade Union support may also be available
Unison
Denise Smith or Chris Tansley
tel: 0115 9810405
e-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]
website: www.nottsunison.org.uk/stewards_front.htm
GMB
Vic Baines
tel: 0115 9288282
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.gmbnottsgen.org.uk
Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU)
Alan Tiplady
tel: 0115 9476784
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.tgwu.org.uk
The Samaritans
http://www.samaritans.org/?gclid=CPyAs5m_zJYCFSSzEAod
WGRCyg
Tel 08457 909090.
Details of further support are included in the Whistle blowing
policy available to NCC staff and members of the public.
http://search.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/cgibin/htm_hl.pl?DB=nottingham&STEMMER=en&WORDS=whist
leblow&ALL=&ANY=&EXACTB=0&PHRASE=&EXACTP=0&C
ATEGORIES=&SIMPLE=whistleblowing&COLOUR=Fuchsia&
STYLE=s&URL=http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/jobs/
jobsbenefits/whistleblowing.htm#muscat_highlighter_first_match
39
6.3 Types of Investigation
Where there is a complaint of abuse against a member of staff or
volunteer, there may be three types of investigation:
•
•
•
Criminal
Child protection
Disciplinary or misconduct
Civil proceedings could also be initiated by the person/family of the
person who alleged the abuse.
NCC Sports Development Unit’s disciplinary investigations will
take into account all relevant information, including the results of
any police and children’s social care investigation(s) and those of
other partners.
7.0 Recording information.
The NCC Child Protection Referral Form should be used to record
information which will be passed to the Children’s social care
Department, by the designated Child Protection Officer. The
designated officer for the sports service should refer all cases to
Christopher Walker (Community Safety) Tel 0115 9774331 or
07753 625408
Information recorded must be as accurate and extensive as
possible. It is important to ensure the form report form is filled out
accurately and with all information provided.
Copies of the form must be kept in locked storage system. Copies
in the Sports Service are only accessible to the lead Child
Protection Officer and the Deputy.
7.1 Confidential Information
Parents should normally be consulted and their agreement sought
to Children’s social care being contacted. The coach should seek
advice from the designated Child Protection Officer who will make
the decision in conjunction with professional advice. However this
40
should not be done if there are indications or suspicions that to do
so would place a child at risk of increased harm (e.g. if alleged
abuser is a parent), interfere with criminal proceedings or raise
concerns about the safety of staff or volunteers.
Information sharing – CPO responsibility to consider whether there
is a need to ensure info shared with other organisations e.g.
NGBs, LA’S this would be based on information sharing protocol.
Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is
maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and
disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the
following people:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Designated Officer.
The parents of the person who is alleged to have been
abused.
The person making the allegation.
Children’s social care/police.
Local Authority Designated Officer
The designated officer within the governing body of sport e.g.
Legal Adviser; Lead Child Protection Officer.
The alleged abuser (and parents if the alleged abuser is a
child). * This is only after advice from Social Care and the
Police.
See also the CPSU guidelines on information sharing protocol and
seek advice from the designated officer.
Information will be stored in a secure place with access limited to
designated staff at the NCC Sports Development Unit and in line
with data protection laws (e.g. that information is accurate,
regularly updated, relevant and secure) and the information
sharing protocol.
7.2 Following a referral
Children’s social care will carry out an assessment to establish
whether the child requires support which will include consideration
of whether the child has been abused. It is possible that you may
be invited to attend a multi-agency strategy meeting in order to
share the information that you have about the child. This strategy
meeting should normally be held within 72 hours of receipt of the
41
referral and will consider arrangements for completing the joint
enquiries between police and children’s social care regarding the
allegation.
The meeting will also make recommendations regarding the
disciplinary process or need for suspension of a staff member.
You may also be invited to attend an initial child protection
conference, which will decide whether the child’s name should be
placed on the Child Protection Register.
What happens next if you make a report?
The Children’s Social Care Duty Manager makes a decision within
24 hours – they will decide if a formal ‘referral’ (further action) is
required:
Within 7 working days - they will complete an initial assessment
based on the Childs development needs; Family and environment
Factors; Parenting capacity.
7.3 .Support to Deal with the Aftermath
•
•
NCC Sports Development Unit and its partners will ensure
adequate support is made available that is appropriate to
children, parents and members of staff.
Support can also be obtained through the British
Association of Counselling. Contact details:- The British
Association for Counselling, 1 Regent Place, Rugby CV21
2PJ, Tel: 01788 550899, Fax: 01788 562189, e-mail:
[email protected], Internet: www.bac.co.uk
Should you be contacted by anyone about an incident you have
reported you should take the following steps:
1.
Take the name and number of the person and ring them
back to establish their identification.
2.
Check if they are entitled to seek information from you by
asking:
42
“Under what statute are you seeking information?”
If you are asked for information under Section 47 of the Children’s
Act you have a duty to provide the information. You should also
normally provide information if it is sought under section 17 of the
Children Act 1989. If not, seek advice from a Children’s social
care Duty Manager before releasing further information.
3.
Complete a written report of the conversation.
4.
Inform the Designated Person that you have been
contacted.
7.4 Internal Enquiries and Suspension
•
The NCC Sports Development Unit will follow NCC
disciplinary procedures with regards to the suspension of any
individual accused of abuse pending further police and
children’s social care inquiries. All relevant sports personnel
will be notified of the suspension and the investigation
procedures that the Unit may instigate in the event of an
allegation. This will be included as part of their induction
training and signing up to the Code of Code.
•
Irrespective of the findings of the children’s social care or
police inquiries, the NCC Sports Development Unit will assess
all
individual
cases
under
the
appropriate
misconduct/disciplinary procedures, to decide whether a
member of staff or volunteer should be reinstated and how
this can be sensitively handled with other staff or volunteers.
This may be a difficult decision, particularly where there is
insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police.
•
In such cases, the NCC Sports Development Unit will reach a
decision with the specific programme Management Group
based on the available information that could suggest, on a
balance of probability, it is more likely than not that the
allegation is true. The welfare of children will always remain
paramount.
8.0 Implementation and Monitoring Procedures
43
Objectives
The NCC Sports Development Unit has developed an
implementation plan (with its staff and partners), which meets the
NSPCC Standards for Safeguarding and protecting Children in
Sport to highlight the actions that need to be taken, by whom, how
and when in order to effectively implement this Child
Protection/Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures.
This will aim to prevent incidents of abuse and allegations of
abuse by ensuring the policy and procedures within this document
are implemented and will be based on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Communicating the Child Protection message so that it
reaches and influences all related sporting organisations to
safeguard the welfare of young people in sport
operating sound recruitment procedures for paid and
voluntary staff in sport
operating procedures and systems , which clarify roles and
responsibilities and actions that need to be taken including
recording incidents, concerns and referrals
ensuring there are published codes of practice and behaviour
adhered to by staff , partners and volunteers
ensuring that all children have equal rights to protection
regardless of their race, gender, age, religion or disability,
sexual orientation, social background and culture
identifying and enabling appropriate child protection training
for staff, partners and volunteers
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•
•
•
remaining updated with legislation related to child
protection
monitoring and updating the implementation plan annually
to keep child protection high on the sporting agenda
Measuring the impact of the policy and procedures on an
annual basis.
If you have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child you must follow the
steps set out in this document. For further details please see:
The NSCB child protection procedures
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/social_care/childrenandfamilies/childprote
ction/nscb.htm
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused
http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/6841-DfESChildAbuseSumm.pdf
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Appendix A
Criteria for Disqualification.
NB The criteria for disqualification from working with children can
be summarised from the following text taken from CJ & CS Act
2000 Protection of Children – guidance.
“It is important to note in this context that there are four ways by
which an individual can be disqualified from working with children,
of which the disqualification order is only one. The others involve
inclusion on the lists maintained by the Department of Health of
people considered unsuitable to work with children, or on the list
maintained by the Department for Education and Employment (or
National Assembly for Wales) on grounds of not being a fit and
proper person to be employed as a teacher or worker with children
or young persons. In all such cases, the disqualified individual is
liable to prosecution if he or she commits the offence set out
above, together with anyone who knowingly offers or procures
work or continues to offer work in a regulated position to such a
person”.
In short some people are barred from working with children
and to employ someone in such circumstances is against the
law. If there is any doubt further advice should be sought
The NCC Designated Person’s role in respect of this area of
work is to:
Take referrals regarding child protection and poor
practice;
Decide whether a concern should be dealt with internally
or passed on to appropriate an agency;
Decide whether a concern should be referred on to
Children’s social care and provide appropriate written
reports to Children’s social care as applicable;
Provide initial advice and guidance;
Provide a link to statutory agencies;
Decide on any immediate response required (with Unit
Senior Managers if necessary), such as initiating
suspension;
Maintain records of concerns referred to them.
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Appendix B.
Guidelines on Physical Contact.
Many sports require a degree of physical contact between sports
staff and children or young people, e.g. supporting and shaping a
gymnast is an essential part of coaching gymnastics in that it helps
the gymnast to understand shapes, movement patterns and
complex skills but also reduces the risk of injury due to a fall or
error in performance.
Coaches and staff may need to use it in a few sports to instruct,
encourage, protect or comfort and the governing body will advise.
Any such support should not involve over handling.
Supporting techniques must not inhibit performance, and any
physical contact should not be invasive of sensitive areas of the
body.
Physical contact during sport should always be intended to meet
the child's needs, NOT the adult's. The adult should only use
physical contact if their aim is to:
•
•
•
•
develop sports skills or techniques;
treat an injury;
prevent an injury;
meet the requirements of the sport.
The adult should explain the reason for the physical contact to the
child. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask
the child for permission.
It is also good practice to explain and provide some written
guidance for the particular sport to new participants and parents
that some physical contact will be required but that only
appropriate non-invasive techniques should be used.
If a child or parent has any concerns, they should be raised them
with the safeguarding lead. In any circumstance where abuse is
suspected reporting procedures should be followed. Children
should be encouraged to voice concerns they have if any physical
contact makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.
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The contact should not involve touching genital areas, buttocks or
breasts or any other part of the body that might cause the child
distress or embarrassment. Physical contact should not take place
in secret or out of sight of others but only in an open or public
environment.
Infrequent non-intentional physical contact can arise out of error on
the performer or coach’s part. Such situations should not be
ignored and should be acknowledged through an apology to the
child and reported to the Club Welfare Officer or head coach and
parents.
All injuries should be fully recorded by staff.
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Appendix C
E Technology Guidelines for Coaches and other
staff/volunteers.
The use of mobile phones by coaches during, training sessions or
at competitions, for the purposes of either making or receiving
calls, is not good practice. The primary responsibility of staff is the
supervision and safety of children and young people. Anything that
comprises the adults’ ability to maintain a safe environment and
give their full attention to the supervision and coaching of children
and young people should be actively discouraged. There are
situations where access to a mobile phone will make a positive
contribution to the safety and welfare of children and young
people, particularly when an emergency occurs. Therefore, there
should not be a blanket ban on the use of mobile phones by
adults. Ideally the phone should be on silent alert.
Staff making contact with children and young people by phone, text
or email should never be undertaken without parental
knowledge or consent. Ideally, contact by coaches would be
primarily on a face-to-face basis. Additional communication relating
to events, training and other information should be directed to the
child or young person’s parents. While staff should not be emailing
children and young people directly as individuals, they may do so
as part of a disclosed list (having received prior permission from
parents to disclose in a group email) where they are disseminating
information in relation to training or competitions. Clubs may also
wish to use disclosed lists for sending club information via a
designated and suitably trained adult (because of his/her position,
this person should also have been subject to appropriate selection
and vetting processes). Group emails should also give individuals
the opportunity to have their contact details removed form the list
by including a statement such as: ‘if you wish to be removed from
this email list, please contact the administrator’.
Staff should not engage with participants via social networking
sites, e.g. Facebook, myspace, twitter. Coaches should not add
athletes/players as “friends” or contact them through these
websites via online messages.
Staff should be aware of the increasing practice of cyberbullying,
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which includes posting upsetting or defamatory remarks about and
individual online and name calling or harassment using mobile
phones. These may be general insults or prejudice-based bullying.
Cyber-bullies use their mobile phones or emails to send sexist,
homophobic or racist messages or they attack other kinds of
differences, such as physical or mental disability, cultural or
religious background, appearance or socio-economic
circumstances. In other circumstances, bullies may physically
assault other children or young people and post images of the
bullying or fights online or send recordings via text messages to
other people.
Other Considerations
The same principles apply to mobile camera phones as to normal
cameras (including the taking of video). Parental consent must be
obtained to take photographs and they must only be used for the
purpose for which that consent was given. They must be destroyed
within 3 years or if the holder of the images has been notified of a
change of circumstances. The holder must therefore provide
people with the opportunity to notify them should circumstances
change.
Reporting
Any concerns must be reported to the welfare officer/safeguarding
lead. Cyber bullying should be treated as seriously as any
bullying and reported in the same way.
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