NAME OF BOWLS CLUB

REGISTERED ADDRESS

AFFILIATED TO THE SUSSEX COUNTY BOWLING ASSOCIATION

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS POLICY

Principles

The following principles form the basis and guidelines of the Club’s policy

• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount
• Each individual irrespective of age, gender religion, race, disability or sexual orientation has the right to protection from abuse
• Allegations and suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Each individual has the right to be safe. And to be treated with respect and dignity
• Coaches and other adults, having had an allegation made against them may seek assistance from the Sussex County Bowling Association
• Recognition that working in partnership with individuals, their parents or guardians, carers, families, social service, and other agencies necessary for their welfare and protection

Objectives that secure the Principles

• The Club will encourage through coaching, play and competitions opportunities for young people aged 18 years or below to participate in the activities of the Club
• The Club will encourage through coaching, play and competitions opportunities for persons aged 18 years or above who may have health or other disabilities related to age or illness that require the care of others to participate in the activities of the Club
• The Club recognises that the welfare of its junior players and those adults deemed vulnerable is paramount and that it has a duty of care to provide a safe, caring environment whilst those players are in the charge of the Club
• The Club will appoint a Child Protection, Protection of Vulnerable Adults Officer whose name and contact details will be published to all members of the Club
• The appointed Safeguarding Officer should obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.  This should be arranged through the Sussex County Bowling Association.
• All adult members of the Club involved in activities that include young people will be asked to sign the Disclosure Pro forma.
• All adult members involved specifically with junior sessions must abide by the published Code of Conduct
• All those under the age of 18 years of age wishing to play in Club competitions and events will be asked to complete; Basic health information details; Emergency contact details; Parent consent form.  These will be renewed annually as part of the normal renewal of membership process
• Details of the Club’s Child Protection Policy and nominated officer will be given to parents and carers
• In the event of minor emergencies one of the designated adults present will take responsibility.  A First Aid Box is kept at the Club, together with the Accident Report Book.  All emergencies must be recorded in the Accident Book.  Emergencies requiring hospital treatment will be taken to the nearest hospital.  One of the designated persons present will take responsibility to call the emergency services if required and to notify parents or carers as soon as is reasonably possible
• Parents and carers will be notified of details of events at least one week in advance. 
• There will be at least two adults present at all sessions involving young people 18 years  of age or less
• Where possible young people will always travel in the rear seats of a car and will always wear seat belts
• Those driving young people will have no more than 4 penalty points on their driving licence
• Those driving young people should carry a fully comprehensive insurance policy

The Club’s Child Protection Policy, Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy will be reviewed annually at the Committee Meeting following the Annual General Meeting

The Club will review the Risk Assessment of Child Protection, Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy annually at the Committee Meeting following the Annual General Meeting using the Sussex County Bowling Association pro forma.  A copy of the Risk Assessment should be sent to the County Association’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer as soon as possible thereafter.