Child Protection Policy

Aim is to ensure that:

• The Welfare of the Child is paramount.
• All Children, whatever their age, culture, special needs, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately..
• All volunteers working for Shelf Cricket Club have a responsibility to report concerns to the Appointed Welfare officer, Social Services or Police.

Good Practice at Shelf Cricket Club:

• Shelf Cricket Club aims to create an enjoyable environment for all juniors who wish to take part in cricket and social activities at the club.
• The club emphasises that young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.
• The club acknowledge that young people have the right to be treated with respect and for their concerns to be listened to and acted upon.
• The club will ensure that junior members have specific programmes and facilities designated for them, with adequate supervision.
• The Club will ensure that the coaches are aware of the Child Protection Policy and that they attend child protection courses, they are CRB checked. All Coaches, Umpires Junior Team Managers and others who are responsible for, have significant or regular contact with children will complete CRB forms.
• The club will ensure that any club members and volunteers working with young people are aware of and apply the ECB policy to Child Protection.
• Self declaration forms should be completed by individuals in the club who have not completed CRB forms. These will be held by the Welfare officer.
• The club has procedures in place to help any young person who requests help and support on a confidential basis, in issues relating to Child Protection.
• The Welfare Officer is: Andrew Dimbleby 01422 204047
• Please speak to the above if you suspect that a young member of Shelf Cricket Club is at risk of any form of abuse while taking part in Club Activities or using the Club Facilities.
• The above named has full discretion on matters which may be brought to his attention and will act with total confidentiality on issues which are extremely sensitive to any persons involved.

The Welfare officers will:

• Be open to easy contact by any person who has reasonable suspicion that abuse is taking place or is likely to take place.
• Carry out vetting procedures for all adults (parents/members) who are involved in club activities (coaching, teams and transport arrangements) that bring them into regular contact with young members.
• Liaise with the County Welfare Officer.
• This club has a disciplinary procedure within its constitution that gives officers / the committee the power to suspend, exclude, expel members