Warwickshire Chess Association Child Protection Policy Statement
The English Chess Federation (ECF) serves as the national governing body for chess in England.
The Warwickshire Chess Association (WCA) has adopted relevant areas of the English Chess Federation (ECF) Safeguarding Policy to cover the activities of the Association. The current version can be found at the link here:
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Safeguarding-Children-Policy.pdf
The WCA seeks to promote and develop chess in Warwickshire. It acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people aged up to 18 years and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and young people are paramount in all circumstances as enshrined in the Children Act 1989. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or identity, or socioeconomic background, all children
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of chess in a safe and child centred environment
- are protected from harm and abuse whilst participating in chess or outside of the activity.
It also aims to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
The WCA 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 the WCA will
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- value, listen to and respect 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
- make clear who the designated Lead for Safeguarding and Safeguarding Officer is/are and their roles.
- 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
- share concerns with agencies who need to know, involving parents and children appropriately.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in the WCA including staff, officers, volunteers, those working at events organised by the WCA such as coaches, and anyone working on behalf of the WCA. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:
Children Act 1989
United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
Data Protection Act 1998
Sexual Offences Act 2003
Children Act 2004
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Relevant government guidance on safeguarding children including: Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015).
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed annually, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or the WCA
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
Safeguarding Lead and Officer: Alex Holowczak
The WCA Child Protection Policy is approved by the Executive Committee of the WCA
Signed: Date:
Name and Designation of Signatory:
Date of last Review: / / Signature:
(On behalf of the WCA Executive Committee)