Minnis Bay Sailing Club Child Welfare Policy Statement    July 2007

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.

It is the policy of MBSC to safeguard children and young people taking part in boating from physical, sexual or emotional harm.  MBSC will take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training, children participating in MBSC activities do so in a safe environment.  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.

MBSC 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.

·                     Support and encourage recognised training centres, affiliated clubs and class associations to implement similar policies.

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

·                     Ensure that MBSC-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 employees, contractors and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults in the course of their MBSC duties.  It will be kept under periodic review.  All relevant concerns, allegations, complaints and their outcome should be notified to the MBSC Child Welfare Officer.

Good Practice

All members of the Club follow the RYA’s good practice guidelines available at:  http://www.rya.org.uk/WorkingWithUs/childprotection/CPPolicyGuidelines.htm

Concerns

Anyone who is concerned about a young member’s welfare, either outside the sport or within the Club, should inform the Club Welfare Officer immediately, in strict confidence.  The Club Welfare Officer will follow the recommended RYA procedures for dealing with concerns reported.

Club Welfare Officer

The Club Welfare Officer is Heather Leatt (Vice Commodore)