Safeguarding Policy

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK POLICY

Introduction:

This policy refers to ‘Cornish Pirates Community’ (hereafter CPC) delivery for Penzance and Newlyn Rugby Limited.

CPC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and adults at risk involved in Cornish Pirates Community Events from harm.

CPC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document and any successor policy.

A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. However, where a 17 year old male player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.

The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy are that:

• The welfare of the child and adults at risk is, and must always be, paramount to any other considerations.
• All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm.
• All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.
• Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children.
• Children and adults at risk have a right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby union, whether they are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.

Responsibilities:

CPC recognises that all children have the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice. CPC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.

CPC Safeguarding Officer is Neil Smith (07889536861). If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the Safeguarding Officer. They will then inform the CB Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Team. If an incident involves the Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Rebecca Thomas ([email protected] / 07825252617) and either the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.

Staffing:

All members of CPC staff who work with children in Regulated Activity must undertake an RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU Regulation 21. Holding a minimum completed RFU level 2 coaching qualification (or UKCC equivalent).

CPC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.

CPC will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, players or officials will comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the RFU. In summary, the following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by the club and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the club, the CB or the RFU:

• Working alone with a child.
• Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children.
• Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply.
• Smoking in the presence of children.
• Humiliating children.
• Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child.
• Participating in, or allowing, contact or physical games with children.
• Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child developed as a result of being in a ‘position of trust.
• Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.

For any CPC session that a child or adults at risk is engaging in – appropriate photo consent from parents/guardians will be obtained. All photos must be taken on staff work devices or by accredited photographers. Photos must be stored safely on the organisation’s IT system.

CPC manages the changing facilities and arranges for them to be supervised by two DBS checked adults of the appropriate gender for the players using the facilities. CPC ensures that all its coaches, parents, officials and spectators are aware that adults must not change at the same time, using the same facilities as children.

CPC will ensure that all staff who work with children will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role. The RFU “Managing Challenging Behaviour” Policy has been adopted and circulated amongst the club workforce both, voluntary and paid.

Any CPC specific events held on premises must comply with this Policy and if appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected.

Additionally, CPC will not be organising any touring teams or any events that involve an overnight stay.

Any CPC delivery in schools (Primary and Secondary) has specific emphasis on teacher continued professional development. This ensures that alongside the CPC staff will be a member of staff from that specific school.

Signed ………………….. Date…………………….

Contacts:

Safeguarding Officer – Neil Smith 07889536861
RFU Safeguarding Manager – 0208 831 7832
RFU offers a 24 hour child protection line – 0208 831 6655
NSPCC 24 – hour free phone help line – 0808 800 5000
Safe Guarding Cornwall RFU – Cozette Shrosbree 07840457495, email [email protected]