The NSPCC is urging professionals working with young people to call their free Helpline if they are ever uncertain about a child’s welfare.

You can call the Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk in confidence any time of day or night. It is important for any organisation working regularly with children and young people to have a clear child protection procedure to follow if a child discloses abuse but it may not always feel that simple.  The Helpline's advisors understand that staff or volunteers want to be sure they are acting in the best interests of the child and that it is not always easy to assess a child safeguarding issue. The Helpline’s trained child protection advisors can provide advice about the situation and talk you through the steps you need to take to safeguard the child’s welfare.

Over the next three years the charity plans to grow the Helpline and its ChildLine service through the Child’s Voice Appeal, so that it can protect more children.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

Thank you for taking time to visit Sport South East’s (SSE) Safeguarding section. This section was developed by SSE with advice from the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), www.thecpsu.org.uk

Sport South East Safeguarding Statement

“Sport South East is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members.  Every individual in the organisation should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organisation and good practice guidelines” Please refer to SSE Child Protection Policy

SSE would recommend the sample policy statement above or similar from your NGB must be written into the Constitution of your club/organisation.

Sports activities are an every day occurrence for many children and make a significant contribution to their well being and development.  All clubs with under 18 members and those who work with vulnerable adults have a duty to promote good practice and safeguard them from abuse or harm within their club.  They also have a role in recognising and responding to concerns that a young person may be being harmed within another setting, such as the family home.  By encouraging all clubs to implement the standards set out in Getting It Right (a publication sponsored by the DHSSPS) clubs will be able to meet recognised and agreed minimum standards for safeguarding.

Clubs who work with young people have a legal and moral duty to ensure their safety. The most effective way to do this is to have well thought out safeguarding policies and procedures in place. It is vital that all organisations that work with young people, irrespective of size, develop safeguarding policies, procedures and guidelines to inform and promote good practice.

For the sports sector Sport NI have produced specific guidance called the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport  and coordinate safeguarding training. For more information on this training programme contact Sport NI on 028 90381222.

Sport NI also support the work of the Child Protection in Sport Unit in Northern Ireland. The Unit have produced a number of briefing papers and examples to support the sector. Club’s should contact their own NGB for sport specific guidelines.

For further information or any copies please contact: Paul Stephenson

Child Protection in Sport Unit, NSPCC, Jennymount Business Park,

North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN

Tel 028 90 351135, Email pstephenson@nspcc.org.uk

What Organisations/Club’s Should Do

To assist your organisation/club in developing a culture where a child and young person can feel safe and a parent / guardian knows that your club prioritises the welfare of their child, SSE recommend the following advice with regards to what to put in place based on the 6 Standards set out in Getting it Right. Click on these 6 Standards below for more information.

• Recruitment and Selection

• Effective Management of Staff and Volunteers

• Reporting Guidelines that are communicated to all involved in the club

• Code of Behaviour

• Sharing Information

• General Safety and Management of Activities