Child Safe Policy for  Greenwich Flying Squadron

 

Purpose

The purpose of this Child Safe Policy is to ensure the Greenwich Flying Squadron provides a safe and supportive environment for children and young people involved in sailing, while also ensuring that all volunteers, staff and contractors working with children at the club understand their responsibilities to keep children safe from harm.

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Scope

This Child Safe Policy applies to all volunteers, staff and contractors who work with children at Greenwich Flying Squadron, including coaches, instructors, officials, and other club members.

Policy Statement:

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Greenwich Flying Squadron is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in sailing activities at the club. We will provide an environment that is safe, supportive and inclusive, and promote a culture of zero tolerance for child abuse.

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The club will:

1. Implement practices and procedures to prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs, including:

• Conducting background checks on all volunteers, staff and contractors who work with children at the club, and ensuring they hold valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC).

• Providing child safety training and education to all volunteers, staff and contractors who work with children at the club, including information about identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect.

• Developing and implementing risk management strategies to identify and address potential risks to children at the club.

• Ensuring that all children participating in sailing activities are adequately supervised at all times, and that the supervision arrangements are appropriate to the age and needs of the children.

• Providing a clear code of conduct for all volunteers, staff and contractors who work with children at the club, including expectations around appropriate behaviour, communication and relationships with children

 

2. Respond effectively to disclosures or suspicions of child abuse and neglect, including:

• Ensuring that all volunteers, staff and contractors who work with children at the club know how to recognise and respond to disclosures or suspicions of child abuse and neglect.

• Providing support to children who disclose abuse or neglect, and ensuring that they are referred to appropriate services for further assistance.

• Reporting all allegations or suspicions of child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities, as required by law.

 

3. Provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people involved in sailing, including:

• Ensuring that all facilities and equipment used by children at the club are safe and appropriate for their age and needs.

• Ensuring that all sailing activities are conducted in a safe and appropriate manner, and that the rules and regulations of the sport are followed at all times.

• Providing opportunities for children to participate in decision-making processes and have their voices heard at the club.

• Ensuring that any concerns or complaints raised by children or their families are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

1. Monitor and review this Child Safe Policy and associated procedures regularly, to ensure they are effective and up to date.

 

Greenwich Flying Squadron is committed to complying with all relevant laws and regulations relating to child safety, including abiding by the rules and guidelines set out by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. We will regularly review and update our policies and procedures to ensure that we continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people involved in sailing activities at the club.

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Greenwich Flying Squadron Code of Conduct

Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that all members of our sailing club, including children and young people, feel safe and respected, and are able to participate in sailing activities in a positive and enjoyable environment.

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Our Commitment

Our sailing club is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all members, including children and young people. We acknowledge that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and that we have a responsibility to protect the safety and wellbeing of our members.

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Our Responsibilities

As a member of our sailing club, you are expected to:

1. Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.

2. Behave in a way that does not harm or endanger others, including physically, emotionally, or sexually.

3. Follow all policies and procedures related to child protection, including reporting any concerns or suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

4. Refrain from engaging in any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

5. Avoid any behaviour or conduct that could be perceived as grooming, such as giving gifts or favours to children or young people.

6. Use appropriate language and avoid making inappropriate comments or jokes.

7. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of others, including not sharing personal information or images without their consent.

8. Abide by all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to child protection.

 

Consequences

Any member who breaches this Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include suspension or expulsion from the club. In cases where a member's behaviour is unlawful or poses a risk to the safety or wellbeing of others, the matter will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

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Reporting Concerns

If you have any concerns or suspicions about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, you should report them immediately to the club's designated child protection officer, who will follow the club's child protection policy and procedures.

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Conclusion

Our sailing club is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all members, including children and young people. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and we expect all members to abide by this Code of Conduct. By working together and following these guidelines, we can create a positive and enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy sailing.

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Complaint Handling Procedure

1. Complaint Receipt:

a. Any complaint should be received and acknowledged by the Sailing Club's designated person in charge of handling complaints. If the complaint is related to a child protection issue, the designated person must be trained and qualified in child protection.

b. The complainant must be informed that the complaint has been received, and that it will be dealt with according to the Sailing Club's Complaint Handling Procedure.

 

2. Investigation:

a. The designated person must investigate the complaint thoroughly to gather all the relevant information and evidence.

b. The designated person must ensure that any person(s) named in the complaint is/are informed of the complaint and given an opportunity to respond.

c. If the complaint is related to a child protection issue, the designated person must follow the Club's Child Protection Policy and report the matter to the relevant authorities as required.

3. Resolution:

a. Once the investigation is completed, the designated person must provide a written response to the complainant that outlines the findings and the action(s) taken to resolve the issue.

b. If the complaint is related to a child protection issue, the designated person must inform the relevant authorities of the outcome of the investigation.

4. Review:

a. The Sailing Club must review the Complaint Handling Procedure regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

b. Any changes to the Complaint Handling Procedure must be communicated to all members, volunteers and staff.

b. It is important that the Sailing Club ensures that all members, volunteers, and staff are aware of the Complaint Handling Procedure and are trained in its implementation. The Club must also ensure that any complaint is handled promptly, impartially, and confidentially.

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