Saxmundham Sports and Recreational Club

Child and Vulnerable Adults Policy

November 2024

This statement of policy and procedures applies to:

the management committee of the club, club trustees and staff all other members of the club, including temporary members

other users of club premises (for example dog walkers or users of the children’s adventure playground) who may not be members

and to all activities of the club, whether on club premises or elsewhere (for example in the context of a club team visiting other venues)

 The management committee has a duty to safeguard children (children are defined as anyone under the age of 18) and vulnerable adult users of club premises or engaged in club activities. They should respond to any concerns they may have regarding the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological safety of a child or vulnerable person; or concerns relating to discriminatory or financial violation or exploitation of a child or vulnerable person.

This policy is in place to protect all children and vulnerable persons regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion or faith.

The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. All children and vulnerable adults, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual, bullying, exclusion or neglect. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism and racism towards children or vulnerable persons will not be permitted or tolerated.

All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child will be taken seriously by the trustees and dealt with speedily and appropriately.  All members of the management committee volunteers and users need to be aware of this policy on child protection and vulnerable adult issues, and appropriate steps are in place to make sure they are so aware.

There are clear procedures that are regularly reviewed for dealing with reports of any incidents or suspected incidents.

The management committee will endeavor to keep club premises safe for use by children and vulnerable adults. They recognise that a higher standard of safety is required where use is made by small children, those who cannot read safety notices and physically disabled adults.

Each section of the club must certify that their activities do not primarily involve children or vulnerable adults or, if they do or may do so, to certify that they have an appropriate policy and procedures in place.

The management committee will ensure that users are aware of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure that alcohol is not sold to those under the age of 18. No gambling shall be permitted in connection with club activities.

 

The management committee will review this policy annually. A copy of the policy will be displayed on club premises for the attention of all members and other users.  

 

Procedures under this policy

  1. All members will be made aware of this policy and associated key procedures.
  2. Committee members and staff will be issued with the list of “do’s and don’its” set out below.
  3. Where there is damage or there are breakages or safety issues needing attention, these will be dealt with as soon as practicable, in the light of the circumstances, with provision in the meantime to prevent access by children and vulnerable adults pending repair where appropriate.
  4. Contractors engaged to carry out work on club premises will not be allowed unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. Appropriate supervision will be arranged if necessary.

 

Reporting incidents

  1. Any incidents or suspected incidents should be reported immediately to the club’s welfare officer or if unavailable the chairman of the management committee or another committee member.
  2. All committee members and staff will be provided with a proforma for initial recording of incidents, and should keep this safely so that it can be referred to if and when required. They will also be issued with a list of “do’s and don’t’s”.
  3. If necessary, the management committee will involve the local authority, police, helplines etc. as appropriate; and may choose to have a confidential discussion with others in order to clear up any misunderstandings or to corroborate and support any suspicions before reporting a concern to the lead agency.
  4. The management committee will ensure that all is done to ensure the confidentiality, safety and security of all those involved in such an incident.

 

Safe Recruitment, including volunteers

Members who are directly involved with children or young people or vulnerable adults should have two references:

  •   one of the references should come from someone who has supervised them working with children, young people or vulnerable adults before; and
  •   they should be checked under the Disclosure and Barring Service and a copy of the DBS disclosure form kept in the club’s records.

Other members having unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adult users may also be required to undergo these procedures.

 

Guidelines for responding to abuse or suspicions of abuse

DO’S

  • Do treat any allegations extremely seriously and act at all times towards the child as if you believe what they are saying.
  • Do tell the child they are right to tell you.
  • Do reassure them that they are not to blame.
  • Do be honest about your own position, who you have to tell and why.
  • Do tell the child what you are doing and when and keep them up to date with what is happening.
  • Do take further action – you may be the only person in a position to prevent future abuse – tell your nominated person immediately.
  • Do write down everything said and what was done.
  • Do seek medical attention if necessary.
  • Do inform parents/carers unless there is suspicion of their involvement.

DON’TS

  • Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
  • Don’t interrogate the child – it is not your job to carry out an investigation – this will be up to the police and social services, who have experience in this.
  • Don’t cast doubt on what the child has told you, don’t interrupt or change the subject.
  • Don’t say anything that makes the child feel responsible for the abuse.
  • Don’t Do Nothing – make sure you tell the club’s welfare officer immediately – they will know how to follow this up and where to go for further advice.