Safeguarding & Protecting Children Policy

Skateboard GB acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Skateboard GB requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of skateboarding in a safe and child centred environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in Skateboarding by Skateboard GB or outside of the activity.

Skateboard GB acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Skateboard GB will

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support
  provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Skateboard GB. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils.
• as a result of any other significant change or event.

It can be difficult to distinguish poor practice from abuse, whether intentional or accidental. It is not the responsibility of any individual involved in Skateboarding to make judgements regarding whether or not abuse is taking place, however, all Skateboard GB personnel have the responsibility to recognise and identify poor practice and potential abuse, and act on this if they have concerns as explained in section 3.

Although most cases of child abuse take place within the family setting, abuse can and does occurring skateboarding.

• It is essential that all allegations are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken.
• It is not your responsibility to decide if child abuse is taking place.
• It is your responsibility to report your concerns to the Skateboard GB Safeguarding Lead Officer no matter how trivial the concern may appear.
• Not acting is not an option.

As outlined elsewhere in this document everyone involved in skateboarding has a duty to act if they have a concern about a child. There are a variety of actions that can be taken. As a minimum the person concerned should contact the Skateboard GB Safeguarding Lead Officer for help and guidance on how to progress their concerns.

Anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and it is important that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies to anyone whether voluntary or paid who is going to have significant access to children or their contact information. The steps that should be taken are the same for volunteers or employees.

Skateboard GB’s recruitment and selection procedures are based on the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and may be revised from time to time.

Training should be provided for staff and volunteers  on  the  policy,  procedures and professional practices that are in place and commensurate with their responsibilities in the children protection process. Training should take place at all levels of Skateboard GB to ensure that procedures are carried out consistently, it should also be considered as a continuing responsibility to ensure safeguarding knowledge is up to date.