CHILDREN IN GOLF

COUNTY UNION SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Hampshire, Isle of Wight & Channel Islands  County Union acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children taking part in golfing activities organised and operated by the county, and is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all junior participants.

The County Union has considered its responsibilities towards children in the context of the guidance contained within the Children in Golf Resource Pack, and supports the approach adopted by Children in Golf and therefore the English Golf Union and  the English Women’s Golf Association.

Key Principles

• The welfare of children and young people is paramount

• All children and young people within golf, regardless of age, gender, ability, disability, race, religious belief or sexual orientation have the right to be protected.

• All suspicions and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• All children and young people have the right to be safe and treated with dignity and respect.

• We will work in partnership with children and their parents/carers, and external local agencies as well as the national governing bodies of golf to safeguard the welfare of children participating in golf, and protect the volunteers and staff.

• We recognise the authority of statutory agencies and are committed to complying with Local Safeguarding and Protecting Children Board Guidelines.

• We recognise and endorse the Children in Golf Policy and procedures as published within the CiG Resource Pack.

Objectives

This policy aims to:

• Provide a safe environment for children participating in golfing activities within the county and ensure that they enjoy their experience.

• Reassure parents that their children will receive the best care possible whilst participating in golfing activities within the county.

• Support adults (Staff, volunteers, PGA Professionals, coaches, referees and members) to understand their roles and responsibilities with regard to the safeguarding of children.

• Provide support to staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively.

Responsibilities and Implementation

The Hampshire, Isle of Wight & Channel Islands County Union undertakes to:

• Review the County Safeguarding Policy and procedures every three years or whenever there is a major change in relevant legislation.

• Conduct a risk assessment of the activities of the County Union with regard to safeguarding and take appropriate action to address the identified issues within suitable timescales.

• Use appropriate recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of County Union volunteers and staff working with children, in line with guidance from Children in Golf.

• Follow the English Golf Union/ English Women’s Golf Association procedures to report concerns and allegations about the welfare of children or the behaviour of adults to the appropriate agencies, and ensure that all volunteers, staff, parents and children are made aware of these procedures.

• Appoint a County Welfare Officer who will be responsible for the implementation of safeguarding procedures within county activities.

• Direct staff and volunteers towards appropriate safeguarding training opportunities, where this is appropriate to their role.

Encourage clubs affiliated to the County Union to introduce and implement safeguarding procedures in line with Children in Golf recommended guidance.

K G Maplesden

President

8 July 2008