child protection in sport

3. Safeguarding in Context Background January 2003 - Inquiry report into the death of Victoria Climbié - Every Child Matters : Change for Children - Green Paper - What to do if you are Worried a Child is Being Abused

4. Safeguarding in Context 2004 - Every Child Matters – Next steps and final strategy - Bichard Inquiry Report following the conviction of Ian Huntley for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman - The Children Act 2004

5. Safeguarding in Context 2006 Revised Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006 (statutory guidance for all organisations working with children) - Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (allows for establishment of proposed Independent Safeguarding Authority scheme - formerly Vetting & Barring)

6. Every Child Matters ‘Every Child Matters: Change for Children’ – Dec 2004 A major strategy to improve outcomes for children (all children, but emphasis on reducing gap between disadvantaged children & others) Supported by legislation, guidance and plans ‘Improving outcomes for children & young people means engaging all those who have an impact on children's lives. Voluntary & community organisations have a crucial role to play.’

7. Five key outcomes for all children & young people Be healthy physical and mental health and well-being Stay safe protection from harm and neglect Enjoy and achieve education, training and recreation Make a positive contribution the contribution made by them to society Achieve economic well-being social and economic well-being

8. ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’2006 Everybody who works with children, parents and other adults in contact with children should be able to recognise and know how to act upon indicators that a child’s welfare or safety may be at risk. Employers of staff or volunteers who have substantial unsupervised access to children should guard against the potential for abuse, through rigorous selection processes, appropriate supervision and by taking steps to maintain a safe appropriate environment for children. Section 2.8: requirements on all organisations providing services for children (whether statutory, voluntary or private)

10. Standards for Safeguarding & Protecting Children in Sport

12. Safeguarding StandardsRFL Intermediate Level This is an exemplary example of how the standards are owned and implemented by a National Governing Body. Rugby Football League have a sound child protection policy and procedure in place with a clear implementation strategy throughout all levels of the organisation. The commitment from the RFL to safeguarding children in sport is to be commended. Standards Assessment Panel March 2007 All of this is invisible or meaningless for children and young people unless it is translated to something meaningful that changes their experiences of sport at grassroots level. CWO Role: Responsible for implementing the organisation’s response to child protection at club level. First point of contact for anyone (staff, volunteers, parents, children) with concerns about children’s welfare Core responsibility to record and report child protection concerns / allegations to statutory agencies and National / Organisational Lead Officer All of this is invisible or meaningless for children and young people unless it is translated to something meaningful that changes their experiences of sport at grassroots level. CWO Role: Responsible for implementing the organisation’s response to child protection at club level. First point of contact for anyone (staff, volunteers, parents, children) with concerns about children’s welfare Core responsibility to record and report child protection concerns / allegations to statutory agencies and National / Organisational Lead Officer

14. Key Messages Importance and value – for children & the sport Set the tone at club level Pro-active Competent and Confident Knowledge Skills Training Resources Empowered – committee members Supported You make the difference for children and young people Best policy and procedures in the world no good if don’t have a workforce equipped and supported to recognise and support poor practice or abuse Need for children’s voices to be heardYou make the difference for children and young people Best policy and procedures in the world no good if don’t have a workforce equipped and supported to recognise and support poor practice or abuse Need for children’s voices to be heard

15. Where are we now? Clarity of roles and responsibilities across the organisation OWNERSHIP at all levels Review, update and revision of existing policies, procedures & guidance documents Update of recruitment/selection plans including CRB disclosure monitoring Improved communication Child protection training strategy OWNERSHIP at all levels ‘Culture of Listening to Children’ how do we do this, why is it important? Key CWO role Communication – develop safeguarding area of website, new information leaflets, resources, monthly newsletterOWNERSHIP at all levels ‘Culture of Listening to Children’ how do we do this, why is it important? Key CWO role Communication – develop safeguarding area of website, new information leaflets, resources, monthly newsletter

16. Where are we now? Mandatory review of Club Welfare Officers Regional Welfare Officer network now established CWO ‘Time to Listen’ training now rolling out Anticipated increase in referrals expected from August Submission against Advanced level of Safeguarding Standards by December 2008 ‘Culture of Listening to Children’ how do we do this, why is it important? – Around 400 clubs with a junior section, number of CWOs has risen to 60%, aim 95% by end of 2008 - Training strategy developed for everyone appropriate to their role – coaches, volunteers, exec/management team/ CWOs– Around 400 clubs with a junior section, number of CWOs has risen to 60%, aim 95% by end of 2008 - Training strategy developed for everyone appropriate to their role – coaches, volunteers, exec/management team/ CWOs

17. Terms of Reference for the CPSU First point of contact - one stop shop approach for: The production and provision of information, training and resources for sport Commissioning & support of research into best practice Development of effective and efficient cross sport standards, structures and systems Specialist support and advice on practice (including expert advice on cases) and the development and implementation of CP policies Duty helpline / NSPCC and Childline helplines Raising profile of safeguarding & welfare issues and influencing change Monitoring and evaluation

18. www.thecpsu.org.uk Tel: 0116 234 7278 www.everychildmatters.co.uk www.crb.co.uk