CPGA Policy for Safeguarding and Protecting Children

The Children Act 1989 defines a child as a person under

the age of eighteen (18) for most purposes

Contents Page No.

1.0 Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Policy statement

1.3 We aim to do this by

2.0 Good Practice, Poor Practice and Abuse

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Good practice

2.3 Poor practice

2.4 Abuse

2.4.1 Forms of Abuse

2.4.2 Indicators of Abuse

2.5 Bullying

2.5.1 Anti-Bullying Policy

2.5.2 Signs and Symptoms

2.5.3 Procedures for reporting bullying

3.0 Disclosure, indications, suspicions of abuse

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Disclosure, indications or suspicions formats

3.3 Action required

3.4 The Designated Lead Safeguarding Officer (LSO)

3.5 Roles and Responsibilities of the LSO

4.0 Safeguarding Children in the club

4.1 Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

4.2 Codes of Conduct

4.3 Changing rooms

4.4 Coaching ratios

4.5 Organising trips away for Junior Rowers

4.6 Use of Videoing, Cameras & Mobile Phones

4.6.1 Good Practice for the Publication of Images

5.0 Recruiting

5.1 Safe recruitment in the CPGA

6.0 Training

CPGA Safeguarding Policy – Draft Jan 2016 Page 3

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Club Welfare Officer (CWO) Role Profile

Appendix 2 – Flow Chart for reporting a concern

Appendix 3 – Reporting form for recording a concern

Appendix 4 – Useful contact details

Appendix 5 – Codes of Conducts

Acknowledgements

British Rowing and their Safeguarding & Protecting Children Policy

Cornwall Sports Partnership and their Child Protection Policy

Child Protection in Sport Unit for their comments

Front cover photo from the 2014 Cornwall School Games.

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1 Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy

1.1 Introduction

Every person who takes part in gig rowing has the right to do so in a safe

and enjoyable environment, free from judgment and abuse.

The abuse of children, young people and the vulnerable can occur in any

environment e.g. home, school and sports clubs. People the child know

and trusts commit the majority of child abuse. Children also disclose abuse

to people they know and trust. This could be a member of any of our

clubs.

This policy applies to all rowers, coaches, volunteers, employees and

anyone involved in rowing within the Cornish Pilot Gig Association. All of

these people have a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children

and prevent their abuse.

The CPGA is committed to helping everyone in the gig rowing community

accept their responsibility to safeguard children from harm and abuse,

and to help them to do so.

All CPGA clubs, competitions and associated officials must follow the

policies defined in this document, and incorporate them into their

constitutions and rules.

1.2 Policy Statement:

The CPGA is committed to:

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people and children

and those responsible for their care within the member clubs.

• Making the welfare of children paramount. This may well supersede

the needs and rights of those adults working with them.

• Respecting and actively promoting the inclusion of all people

regardless of age, gender, sexuality, racial origin, disability, religion

or culture - while recognising that children and families from minority

group backgrounds may face additional barriers to accessing help

and reporting concerns in respect of safeguarding issues.

• Taking all reasonable steps to protect all club members from

discrimination, degrading treatment, harm, bullying or harassment

of any form and respecting their differences, feelings, wishes and

rights.

• Taking seriously all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or

abuse and responding swiftly and appropriately to them in

accordance with current procedures.

1.3 We aim to do this by

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The CPGA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all

children and young people within its affiliated clubs, and those

responsible for their care, by:

• Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.

• Involving them in decisions which affect them.

• expecting all member clubs to:

o Nominate a suitable person to be a Welfare Officer, who is on

the Management Committee of the club, (Appendix 1 – Role

Profile for the Club Welfare Officer (CWO))

o Make sure their children and young people are aware of how

and where help can be found within their clubs, by

publicising contact details of the Club Welfare Officer and

NSPCC ChildLine on posters, leaflets and club website where

relevant.

o Recruit volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are

made.

o Respond quickly and appropriately to any

allegations/concerns of abuse or inappropriate behaviour by

anyone including parents, club members and volunteers.

o Share information about concerns with agencies who need

to know, and involving children and their parents/carers

appropriately.

• Ensuring that the CPGA management:

o Provide all members involved in coaching and/or regular

contact with children and young people support through

induction, resources and access to relevant training.

o Provide ongoing support as needed from the CPGA Welfare

Officer.

o Provide regular updates on Government Guidance, legal

procedures and safeguarding news to clubs as appropriate

and timely.

o Adopt Code of Conducts for all members.

o Provide effective management and support by monitoring

the work of member clubs in terms of this Policy and its

procedures.

o Monitor and adapt this Policy at regular intervals to ensure

that procedures are current and up to date.

2 Good Practice, Poor Practice and Abuse

2.1 Introduction

It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from Abuse, whether

intentional or accidental. It is not the responsibility of an individual in

rowing to make judgements about whether or not Abuse is taking place,

but everyone has a responsibility to:

• identify poor practice and possible Abuse

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• act if they have concerns

2.2 Good Practice

The CPGA strongly advises that coaches of Junior Rowers:

• be a registered Individual member of the CPGA- we don’t have

individual membership

• fully accept and adopt the CPGA Code of Conduct

• hold a British Rowing recognised coaching qualification

• have completed a recognised Safeguarding & Child Protection

Basic Awareness course, within the last three years.

• Hold a relevant DBS check with Cornwall Council

Everyone should:

• conduct a Risk Assessment before undertaking any rowing related

activities

• aim to make the experience of rowing fun and enjoyable

• promote fairness and playing by the rules

• not tolerate the use of prohibited or illegal substances

• treat all Children equally and preserve their dignity; this includes

giving more and less talented members of a group similar attention,

time and respect.

Those working directly with Children should:

• respect the developmental stage of each Rower and not risk

sacrificing their welfare in a desire for club or personal achievement

• ensure that the training intensity is appropriate to the physical,

social and emotional stage of the development of the Rower

• work with Parents and Children to develop training and competition

schedules which are suited to the needs and the lifestyle of the

Rower, not the ambitions of the Parents, coaches, team managers

or club

• build relationships based on mutual trust and respect, encouraging

Children to take responsibility for their own development and

decision-making

• always be publicly open when working with Children:

o avoid coaching sessions or meetings where a coach and an

individual Rower are completely unobserved

o keep Parents informed about the content and nature of any

communications you have directly with their Children

including emails and text messages

o try to avoid one on one situations in changing rooms. If

Children need to be supervised/helped try to involve parents

or helpers

• maintain an appropriate and open environment, with no secrets

• avoid unnecessary physical contact with Children. Physical contact

(touching) can be appropriate so long as:

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o it is neither intrusive nor disturbing

o the reason that it is necessary has been fully explained

o the Rower’s permission has been openly given

o it is delivered in an open environment

• maintain a safe and appropriate relationship with Rowers. It is

inappropriate for coaches and others in Positions of Trust to have an

intimate relationship with a Child under 18 years. This could be a

criminal offence, an ‘abuse of trust’ as defined by the Sexual

Offences (Amendment) Act 2000

• be an excellent role model by maintaining appropriate standards

of behaviour at social events and competitions

• gain written parental consent, to act in loco parentis for the

administration of emergency First Aid or other medical treatment if

the need arises

• be aware of any medical conditions, existing injuries and medicines

being taken. Keep a written record of any injury or accident that

occurs, together with details of any treatment given arrange that

someone with appropriate training in and current knowledge of

emergency First Aid is available

• gain written parental consent for any significant travel

arrangements, especially if an overnight stay is involved

2.3 Poor Practice

Poor practice is defined as any behaviour which contravenes the Roles &

Responsibilities/Codes of Conduct for Volunteers & Coaches and the

Good Practice guidelines as detailed in Section 2.2 of this policy.

The following are regarded as poor practice and should be avoided:

• communicating directly with a Child without the Parents’

knowledge, this includes phoning, texting and emailing

• spending excessive amounts of time alone with Children away from

others

• engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games

• allowing or engaging in inappropriate touching of any form

• using inappropriate language to a Child or allowing Children to use

inappropriate language unchallenged

• making sexually suggestive comments to a Child, even in jest

• reducing a Child to tears as a form of control

• letting allegations made by a Child go uninvestigated, unrecorded,

or not acted upon

• doing things of a personal nature that Children can do for

themselves

• taking Children alone in a car on journeys, however short

• inviting or taking Children to your home or office where they will be

alone with you

• sharing a room with a Child

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Note: In exceptional circumstances it may be impractical to avoid some

of these particular examples of poor practice. In which case, to protect

both the children and yourself, you must seek parental consent and also

make sure that the CWO of your club/organisation is aware of the

situation and gives approval.

If whilst in your care a Child is accidentally hurt, the Child seems distressed

in any way, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions, or

misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any

such incidents as soon as possible to another adult and make a brief

written note of it. Parents should also be informed of the incident.

2.4 Abuse

Abuse in all its forms can affect a Child at any age. The effects can be so

damaging that without appropriate intervention, they may continue to

have a very negative impact upon an individual into adulthood.

An individual who has been abused may:

• find it difficult, or impossible to maintain a stable, trusting relationship

• become involved with drugs or prostitution

• attempt suicide or self-harm

• go on to abuse another Child.

Children with disabilities may be at increased risk of Abuse through various

factors such as:

• stereotyping

• prejudice

• discrimination, including ethnic or racial

• isolation

• powerlessness to protect themselves

• inability to communicate that Abuse has occurred

2.4.1 Forms of Abuse

Abuse may take a number of forms, and may be classified under the

following headings:

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a Child’s basic physical and/or

psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the Child’s

health or development. It may also include neglect of, or

unresponsiveness to, a Child’s basic emotional needs.

In a gig rowing situation this could include:

• a coach not keeping Children safe by exposing them to undue

cold, heat or the unnecessary risk of injury e.g. allowing Rowers

under their supervision to train or race inappropriately clothed for

the prevailing conditions

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• a parent consistently leaving a Child without adequate provisions

e.g. food, water, clothing, sun protection.

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning

or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a

Child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer

fabricates the symptoms of or induces illness in a Child.

In a gig rowing situation this could include:

• a coach disregarding the individual requirements of each Child’s

growing body or needs when setting a training programme e.g.

allowing 14 year olds to undertake hour-long, continuous ergos.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a Child or young person to take

part in sexual activities, whether or not the Child is aware of, or consents

to, what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact,

including penetrative acts such as rape, buggery or oral sex or nonpenetrative

acts such as fondling. It may also include non-contact

activities such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of,

pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging

Children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

In a gig rowing situation indicators could include:

• a coach engaging in unnecessary and inappropriate physical

contact e.g. massaging the shoulders of the rowers suggestively

• a coach making suggestive comments to their rowers

• an inappropriately close relationship developing between a rower

and a coach

• an individual spending an unnecessary amount of time in the

changing area when Children are present.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a Child such as

to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the Child’s emotional

development. It may involve making the Child feel or believe that they

are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet

the needs of another person. It may feature age or developmentally

inappropriate expectations being imposed on Children. It may involve

seeing or hearing the ill treatment of another. It may involve serious

bullying causing children to frequently feel frightened or in danger, or the

exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is

involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur

alone.

In a gig rowing situation this could include:

• a parent or coach subjecting a rower to constant criticism, namecalling,

sarcasm, bullying or racism

• a parent or coach putting a rower under unrealistic pressure in

order to perform to high expectations.

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2.4.2 Indicators of abuse

Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always

easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already

taken place. It is not the responsibility of those working in rowing to decide

that child abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any

concerns.

Indications that a child is being abused may include one or more of the

following:

• unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns,

particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to

such injuries or an injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent

• the child describes what appears to be an abusive act involving

him/her

• someone else, a child or adult, expresses concern about the

welfare of a child

• unexplained changes in a child’s behavior, e.g. becoming very

quiet, withdrawn, displaying sudden outbursts of temper or behavior

changing over time

• inappropriate sexual awareness

• engaging in sexually explicit behavior

• distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship

would normally be expected

• difficulty in making friends

• being prevented from socialising with other Children

• displaying variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss

of appetite

• losing weight for no apparent reason

• becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt

2.5 Bullying

Bullying is deliberately hurtful behavior, usually repeated over a period of

time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves.

Bullying can be:

• Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically),

sending hurtful text messages/social media messages, tormenting

(e.g. hiding kit, threatening gestures)

• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence

• Racist racial taunts, graffiti or gestures

• Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments

• Homophobic because of, or focusing on, the issue of sexuality

• Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

2.5.1 Anti-Bullying Policy

The CPGA is committed to fostering a caring, friendly and safe

environment for everyone involved in rowing so they can participate in a

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relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable in

rowing. If bullying does occur, all rowers, coaches, volunteers or parents

should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly

and effectively.

Bullies come from all walks of life. They bully for a variety of reasons and

may even have been bullied or abused themselves. Typically, bullies can

have low self-esteem, be excitable, aggressive or jealous. Bullies can be

boys or girls, men or women. Although bullying often takes place in

schools, research shows it can and does occur anywhere where there is

inadequate supervision – on the way to and from school, at a sporting

event, in the playground or changing rooms. Competitive sports such as

rowing are an ideal environment for the bully.

The bully in gig rowing can be a:

• Parent who pushes too hard

• Coach who adopts a ‘win at all costs’ philosophy

• Rower or cox who intimidates or ridicules a peer

• Club official who places unfair pressure on a person

• Spectator who constantly shouts abuse

2.5.2 Signs and Symptoms of Bullying

The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be underestimated. It

can cause considerable distress to children. A child may indicate by signs

or behavior that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of, and

investigate, these possible signs if a child:

• says they are being bullied

• is unwilling to go to club sessions

• becomes withdrawn, anxious or lacking in confidence

• feels ill before training sessions

• has clothes torn or possessions damaged

• has possessions go ‘missing’

• asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)

• has unexplained cuts or bruises

• is frightened to say what’s wrong

• gives improbable excuses for any of the above

In more extreme cases:

• starts stammering

• cries themselves to sleep at night, has nightmares or wets the bed

• becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable

• is bullying other Children or siblings

• stops eating

• self harms

• attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.

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These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying

should be considered a possibility and be investigated.

2.5.3 Procedures for reporting bullying

1. Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer or a member

of the committee.

2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to British

Rowing for advice.

3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to come in to a

meeting to discuss the problem.

4. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.

5. The bullying behavior or threats of bullying must be investigated and

the bullying stopped quickly.

6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their

behavior.

7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will

initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution or where

appropriate under CPGA Disciplinary Procedures.

3.0 Disclosure, indications, suspicions of abuse

3.1 Introduction

The following section aims to outline how all staff, coaches, volunteers or

those associated with the CPGA should respond to disclosure, indications

or suspicions of abuse.

• It is essential that all disclosures 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 appropriate

agencies (see Flow chart in Appendix 2).

• Not acting is not an option.

3.6 Disclosure, indications or suspicions may take on any of the following

formats:

• A child / parent or other person who says either they or another

child is / are being abused

• An allegation against a member of staff / volunteer or another

young person

• A concern about a child’s welfare where no specific allegation or

disclosure has taken place

3.3 Action required in response to disclosure, indications or suspicions of

abuse

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In the event of a disclosure, indication or suspicion of abuse all staff,

coaches or volunteers should complete the reporting form (Appendix 3)

as fully as possible. If sections of the form are not relevant they should be

clearly marked N/A.

The following steps should also be taken:

• Listen to that person – give them time to talk

• Reassure them

• Record the facts!

• Refer immediately to the Designated Person. Please refer to

Appendix 4 for contact details.

• If a child requires immediate medical attention or is in danger, call

an ambulance/police and inform them that there is a Child

Protection concern

In the event of a disclosure, indication or suspicion of abuse by a child or

young person staff should NOT:

• Promise the child / young person you will keep it a secret

• Ask leading questions

• Talk to anyone but the Designated Person or the Police

• Discuss with parents / carer

• Re-question the child / young person

If the disclosure, indications or suspicions of abuse is against a member of

staff, coach, volunteer or other young person then the following

procedures should be followed:

▪ DO NOT discuss with the alleged perpetrator

▪ If the allegation is not against the CWO then pass the information

onto them

▪ Ensure maximum confidentiality

▪ If the allegation is against the CWO contact CPGA LSO.

▪ If the information is passed to the designated CWO keep a record

of your own conversation with the person/child to whom the

disclosures were made

▪ Do not speak to parents before seeking advice.

▪ Should any other concern relating to Child Protection arise then

seek advice, support and guidance in all situations.

▪ The awareness of adults within the CPGA and member clubs

(including parents) of these procedures and this policy ensures they

understand that all situations are treated in the same way and no

discrimination takes place.

3.4 The Designated Lead Safeguarding Officer

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The Designated Lead Safeguarding Officer for the CPGA is

Currently under reviewed – please contact, as below

T: M: E: secretary@cpga.co.uk

The Deputy Lead Safeguarding Officer for the CPGA is

Currently under review

T: M: E:

If the CWO at your club or the above LSOs are not available and the

matter is urgent:

1. Contact a statutory agency directly for advice and

2. Complete the report form (appendix 3) and return to the LSO at the

CPGA.

3.5 General Roles & Responsibilities of the Designated and Assistant SLOs

▪ Ensure the CPGA Policy is adhered to

▪ Manage dissemination of policy, procedures & resources throughout

the Partnership

▪ Central point of contact for internal /external individuals / agencies

▪ Complete an annual review against the Action Plan

▪ Ensure 2 way communication links with NGBs and local / national

agencies

▪ Management of cases of poor practice / abuse reported to the

organisation

▪ Record own conversation with person / child to whom the disclosures

were made, but never asking the child to repeat the information

▪ Contact the relevant Children, Young People and Families Service

Officer and pass on full details including any factual information you

have on child / young person i.e. name, age, address, any known

family details

▪ Ensure Children, Young People and Families Service confirm who will

liaise with the parent / carer

▪ Increased awareness of child protection issues via appropriate training

▪ Ensure all written records / documents are kept secure and

confidential

▪ The management of cases of poor practice / abuse reported to the

organisation including recording systems

4 The CPGA Club

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4.1 Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

Every CPGA club that has Junior members (under 18 years) or Children

regularly using its facilities must appoint a Club Welfare Officer (CWO).

This person must have a Child-focused approach, good communication

skills and an ability to provide support and advice. They should also be

well organised, have good administrative and recording skills and an

ability and willingness to promote and implement CPGA Safeguarding &

Protecting Children Policy, please see role profile appendix 1.

4.2 Codes of Conduct

Codes of conduct are useful for everyone concerned with rowing to

outline the expected behaviour of different groups. There are a number of

different codes of conduct and many clubs will already have adopted

and adapted their own.

It is useful to consider specific codes of conduct for Parents, Junior Rowers,

volunteers, coaches and other members and these are available in

appendix 5.

4.3 Changing rooms

• Where practical, Children should be supervised in changing rooms

by two adults.

• Adult coaches or volunteers should not shower or change at the

same time as the Children they have been working with.

• No members or volunteers, medical or otherwise should be present

when rowers of the opposite sex are showering or changing (for

example a male coach working with a female crew).

• In mixed gender clubs separate changing facilities should be

available.

• If a Child is uncomfortable showering or changing in public no

pressure should be put on them to do so, they should be

encouraged to change and shower at home.

• If the club has Children with disabilities, they and their carers should

be involved in deciding how best they can be assisted. Always

ensure the Children consent to the assistance that is offered.

• No photographic equipment should be used in the changing room

environment. This includes cameras, video cameras, camera

phones etc.

4.4 Coaching ratios

Although there is government guidance for people working with groups of

Children, it is essential in rowing that a separate Risk Assessment is taken

for each group of Children and that this is reviewed for each training

session. Participants under the age of 18, even those qualified as

coaches, should be supervised at all times.

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In line with the national guidance, the level of supervision should take

account of the:

• age and ability of the Children

• type of training session being undertaken (on land or water)

• Children’s growing independence

• environment that the session is taking place in

• Risk Assessment

If there is an accident or incident you should ensure there is always

someone available to supervise the remaining Children. Coaches working

with Children should ensure that they do not work in isolation.

4.5 Organised trips away for Junior Rowers

Even the simplest day trip away from the club requires planning. When

planning residential trips for Junior Rowers clubs should use the advice

and checklists available from the CPGA and British Rowing. A very useful

document Safe Sport Away is available from the NSPCC.

The main factors to consider are:

• Communication with Parents

• Transport - any special requirements for rowers with disabilities,

• Supervision

• Emergency Procedures

• Insurance

4.6 Use of Videoing, Photographic Equipment & Mobile Phones

Use of today’s modern mobile phones and digital cameras, often with

videoing equipment, presents the opportunity for misuse.

For any activities organised by the CPGA member clubs, then the

following procedures should be adhered to:

• Videoing / Photography should only be allowed if written consents

have been provided by the parents & those taking part in the

activities.

• If the photographs are to published a consent from should be

obtained detailing for what purpose the video footage /

photographs are intended

• Only use official CPGA or Club social media sites to publish

photographs and videos

All prospective photographers must obtain permission prior to using their

camera. The following details should be detailed for all prospective

photographers:

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▪ Name / address and phone number of the person using the camera

▪ Names of the subjects

▪ Relationship of the photographer to the subject

▪ The reason or use the images are being intended to be put to

▪ A signed declaration that the information provided is valid and that

the images will only be used for the reasons given

▪ A sequential number to enable a date and order log to be kept.

A general requirement of the person given approval is that if any other

person complains or expresses concern they must respect the rights of

other people and stop taking photographs.

4.6.1 Good Practice for the Publication of Images

▪ If a photograph is used avoid naming the player and identifying

features. Never publish personal details of a child / young person

▪ Only use images of players in suitable dress (tracksuit, t shirt, shorts, skirt

etc) to reduce the risk of inappropriate use

▪ Try to focus on the activity rather than a particular child and where

possible use photographs that represent the broad range of children /

young people taking part

▪ Ensure that images reflect positive aspects of children’s involvement

with the CPGA (enjoyment / competition etc)

5 Recruiting

5.1 Safe recruitment in CPGA

The CPGA will ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent

unsuitable people from working with Children under their jurisdiction. This

applies equally to those recruited in a paid or unpaid (voluntary) position.

The responsibility for having safe and careful recruitment processes in

place rests with the Regulated Activity Provider, i.e. the local organisation,

club or event, including those supported by, or employing, people in

voluntary roles. Reference checking, interviewing, attitude and aptitude

testing, relevant experience and qualifications are important elements of

this process. All of these are just as important as a DBS check.

The following recruitment procedures set out the minimum standards you

must apply to recruitment at a CPGA member club or event. These

procedures apply equally to paid or unpaid persons within your club or

event.

All persons who will have Significant Access to Children, or who hold a

position of trust with the children with whom they come into contact, must

first be vetted to establish whether they have any criminal convictions or

other past behaviour that suggests they are unsuitable to work with

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Children, or may present a risk to Children. Existing volunteers or

employees who change their role must also complete the same vetting

process.

1. Complete an application form. This will help assess the applicant’s

suitability to work with Children, based on their skills and

competencies as well as eliciting information about an applicant’s

past

2. Provide a self-disclosure about any matter that might influence their

suitability to work with Children.

3. Provide two referees

4. Provide details of previous volunteering experience or relevant

employment

5. Provide evidence of their identity (such as a driving licence with

photo or passport)

6. Complete a Criminal Records Check at the enhanced level for the

specific role

In addition anyone working in a Regulated Activity (weekly over a

sustained period of time) must complete a DBS Check.

Eligibility for a DBS Check depends on the specific role in question. If you

are not sure about the eligibility of the role please seek advice from the

LSO at the CPGA.

The CPGA will use Cornwall Council as the registered body of the DBS,

and they are fully compliant with the DBS Code of Practice including the

secure storage, handling, use, retention and disposal of Criminal Records

and Barred List information. Any disclosures will be dealt with

confidentially, following the guidance set out in Information Sharing:

Guidance for Practitioners and Managers, HM Government 2008.

Criminal Record and, where relevant, Barred Lists Check must be renewed

at least every three years if a person remains in post or more regularly

if, for example, there is a concern raised, if the person changes their role

or moves to a new club, or if the person has been absent from the club for

a significant period.

To create an enjoyable and safe environment for all Children, everyone

involved in rowing must be aware of what good practice is and how to

deal with poor practice and Abuse.

6 Training

Formal training will help people to work safely and effectively with

Children by:

CPGA Safeguarding Policy – Draft Jan 2016