Safeguarding & Protecting Children Policy

1. Safeguarding Policy
Skateboard GB acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed  to  ensuring  safeguarding  practice  reflects  statutory  responsibilities,  government guidance and complies with best practice and Skateboard GB requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims  to  ensure  that  regardless  of  age,  ability  or  disability,  gender  reassignment,  race,  religion  or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children
- have  a  positive  and  enjoyable  experience  of  skateboarding  in  a  safe  and  child  centred environment
- are  protected  from  abuse  whilst  participating  in  Skateboarding  by  Skateboard  GB or outside of the activity. 

Skateboard GB 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 Skateboard GB will
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of 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
- 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. 

The  policy  and  procedures  will  be  widely  promoted  and  are  mandatory  for  everyone  involved  in Skateboard  GB.  Failure  to  comply  with  the  policy  and  procedures  will  be  addressed  without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils.
- as a result of any other significant change or event.

2.  Good Practice, Poor Practice & Abuse
It can be difficult  to distinguish poor practice  from abuse, whether  intentional or accidental.  It  is not the responsibility of any individual involved in Skateboarding to make judgements regarding whether  or  not  abuse  is  taking  place,  however,  all  Skateboard  GB personnel  have  the responsibility to recognise and identify poor practice and potential abuse, and act on this if they have concerns as explained in section 3.

3.  Responding to Suspicions and Allegations of Abuse
Although most cases of child abuse take place within the family setting, abuse can and does occurring skateboarding.
- It is essential that all allegations 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 Skateboard GB Safeguarding Lead
Officer no matter how trivial the concern may appear.
- Not acting is not an option.

4.  People responsible for safeguarding in Safeguarding
As outlined elsewhere in  this document everyone  involved  in skateboarding has a duty  to act if they have a concern about a child. There are a variety of actions that can be taken. As a minimum the person concerned should contact the Skateboard GB Safeguarding Lead Officer for help and guidance on how to progress their concerns.

5.  Recruiting and Selecting People to work with Children
Anyone may have the  potential  to  abuse  children  in  some  way  and  it  is  important  that  all
reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies
to anyone whether voluntary or paid who is going to have significant access to children or their
contact information. The steps that should be taken are the same for volunteers or employees.
Skateboard GB’s recruitment  and  selection  procedures  are  based  on  the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and may be revised from time to time.

6.  Awareness and Training
Training should be provided for staff and volunteers  on  the  policy,  procedures and professional practices that are in place and commensurate with their responsibilities in the children protection process. Training should take place at all levels of Skateboard GB to ensure that procedures are carried out consistently, it should also be considered as a continuing responsibility to ensure safeguarding knowledge is up to date.