Riding Clubs and the BEF Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy
Why?
The protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults while participating in any sport is of the highest importance as they should be able to take part in a fun, safe environment and be protected from harm. The BEF, as the umbrella body for the equestrian industry has implemented a generic Child Protection policy. This implementation will also begin to encourage the production of good practice codes across the industry and will also enable the BEF to gain Sport England funding. A steering group, including a representative from all member bodies has been established in order to implement these policies and produce a cross industry support network.
As a member body of the BEF, it is important that the Riding Clubs movement introduces Child Protection policies in order to adopt good practice. Riding Clubs are a key part of this implementation as the junior sections of clubs are the grass roots to many of the sporting disciplines, are far-reaching and structurally well organised.
The Child Protection policy is available on the downloads page of this section.
What does this mean for my Riding Club?
Riding Clubs will need to read, understand and implement the policy. They will also need to recruit a Club Welfare Officer (CWO).
CWO's will need to:
Timescale
Child Protection Club welfare officers to be appointed by 31 December 2009, contact details for all CWO’s to be forwarded to the BHS Lead Officer. During 2010 all polices and reporting procedures should be in place. Club Welfare Officers should complete the appropriate training courses during 2010 and foward a copy of the certificate to the BHS lead officer. Criminal Record Bureau check should be completed by 31 December 2010.
Good Practice
Clubs should be:
- Issuing Code of conduct for officials, volunteers, participants, parents and coaches available on the downloads page of this section
- Adhere to BEF policy on photography/video equipment available on the downloads page of this section
- Be aware of poor practice and how to avoid this
- Have a recruitment policy with regard to volunteers and officials
- Self disclosure available on the downloads page of this section
- Referencing
- Adopt BEF reporting procedure, make appropriate records and monitor confidentiality
Club welfare officer information pack
The BEF are working towards providing an information pack for all Club welfare officers, this will include templates for codes of conduct, forms, a sample welfare plan and all the necessary policies. This will be available in due course.
Contact Details
Ellie Layton
BHS Lead Welfare Officer
Executive Equity, Equality and Safeguarding
01926 707700
e.layton@bhs.org.uk