NSSA Child Protection Policy Statement

The NSSA will take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training, children participating in NSSA activities do so in a safe environment.

It is the policy of the NSSA to safeguard children and young people taking part in boating from physical, sexual or emotional harm. 

We recognise that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount and that all children, whatever their age, gender, disability, culture, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, social status or sexual identity, have a right to protection from abuse.

As defined in the Children Act 1989, for the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child.  The policy also applies to vulnerable adults.

The NSSA actively seeks to:

·                     Create a safe and welcoming environment, both on and off the water, where children can have fun and develop their skills and confidence.

·                     Recognise that safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone, not just those who work with children.

·                     Ensure that NSSA organised training and events are run to the highest possible safety standards.

·                     Be prepared to review its ways of working to incorporate best practice.

We will:

·                     Treat all children with respect and celebrate their achievements.

·                     Carefully recruit and select all employees, contractors and volunteers.

·                     Respond swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns about poor practice or suspected or actual child abuse.

This policy relates to all volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults in the course of their NSSA duties.  It will be kept under periodic review.  All relevant concerns, allegations, complaints and their outcome will be notified to the NSSA Welfare Officer and the RYA Child Protection Co-ordinator.

Welfare Officers:

Sarah Hammond  

Mark Hughes

They can be contacted through the normal channels once course bookings are accepted.

Volunteers

All volunteers whose role brings them into contact with young people will be asked to  complete a self-disclosure form.  The Welfare Officer and those instructing, coaching or supervising young people will also be asked to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure.

Good Practice

All members of the NSSA should follow the good practice guidelines attached.  Those working with young people should be aware of the guidance on recognising abuse

Adults are requested not to enter the showers and changing rooms at times when children are changing If this is unavoidable it is advised that another adult accompanies them.

The NSSA will seek written consent from the child and their parents/carers before taking photos or video at an event or training session or publishing such images.  Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/filming.  If the NSSA publishes images of children, no identifying information other than names will be included.  Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the inappropriate use of images should be reported to the Welfare Officer.

Concerns

Anyone who is concerned about a young member’s welfare, either outside the sport or within the NSSA, should inform the Welfare Officer immediately, in strict confidence.  The Welfare Officer will follow the agreed procedures.