Child Protection Policy Statement for Caithness Cycling Club

• Hold a register of every child involved with the club and have a contact name and number close to hand in case of emergencies.

• Treat everyone with respect.

• Remember that some issues are confidential.

• Provide an example we wish others to follow.

• Where possible consider activities which involve more than one adult being present or at least within sight and hearing of others.

• Remember, someone else might misinterpret your actions even if they are well intentioned.

• Respect at child's right to personal privacy.

• Provide time for children to talk to you.

• Encourage children to respect and care for others.

• Take action to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.

• Remember to REFER not INVESTIGATE any suspicions or allegations about abuse.

• Only share concerns and seek support from those identified in the club's child-protection policy.

Child Protection Policy for Caithness Cycling Club

Caithness Cycling Club recognises that child protection should not be treated in isolation – we will take on board guidance given by Highland Child Protection Committee.

We accept that this is our responsibility as a club to check that all new adult coaches/helpers with regular access to children have been appropriately vetted. We will use the vetting checklist to help in this process.

1. We may carry out a SCRO check through the local council, if we have any particular concerns.

2. We will ask for the "Child Protection - Personal Profile Form" to be completed which will include the names of two referees who will be prepared to provide a written reference, and who may be interviewed personally.

3. We will interview prospective coaches/helpers.

4. We will note at interview all previous relevant experience of coaches/helpers.

5. We will carry out a probationary period for all new coaches/helpers of at least three months.

6. These details will be held on file and available from April 1st, 2001 as the council will be making random checks.

7. We will appoint a Designated Officer responsible for implementing the Child Protection Policy.

Caithness Cycling Club believes that every child regardless of age has at all times and in all situations a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that results in a child being physically or psychologically damaged. In our club, if we have suspicions about a child's physical, sexual or emotional well being, we will take action.

All coaches or helpers are encouraged to share concerns with the club's designated officer. If the situation is clearly an urgent case, the child is too frightened to go home or we have very serious doubts about the child's safety, we will contact Social Work Services or Police immediately. If the concerns are more general about a child's welfare, then these will be discussed with the club’s designated officer. The club’s Designated Officer will then make a referral to the Designated Officer of Social Work, who will then make the necessary arrangements. It is important that all coaches/helpers communicate concerns accurately. To this end, coaches/helpers will follow the procedures below.

1. Upon the receipt of any information from a child or suspicions, it is necessary to record what they have seen, heard or known accurately at the time the event occurs.

2. Share their concerns with the Designated Officer for the club and agreed action to take.

3. Never investigate.

November 2001