Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy

Whilst children and young people are participating in golf activities in our care, PURLEY DOWNS GC has a responsibility to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Purley Downs GC recognises the policies of the National Governing bodies, as set in out in the “Guidelines for Safeguarding Children in Golf”. The policy and supporting procedures set out a framework to fulfil our commitment to good practice and the protection of children in our care.

PRINCIPLES

A child is defined by law as a person under the age of 18 years

The welfare of children is paramount
All children, regardless of their Age, Race, Religion or Belief, Disability, Sex or Sexual Orientation, have the right to protection from abuse
All concerns and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
All children have the right to be safe
All children have the right to be treated with dignity and respect
Purley Downs GC will work with children, their parents and external organisations to safeguard the welfare of children participating in golf
We recognise the authority of the statutory agencies and are committed to complying with Local Safeguarding Children Board Guidelines (LSCB) and any documentation which supersedes these.

OBJECTIVES

PURLEY DOWNS GC aim to:

Provide a safe environment for children participating in golfing activities within the club and try to ensure that they enjoy the experience.
Reassure parents (and carers) that their children will receive the best care possible whilst participating in club activities & communicate policy & procedure to them through website/letter/consents.
Support adults (staff, volunteers, PGA Professionals, coaches, members and visitors to the club) to understand their roles and responsibilities with regard to the Duty of Care and protection of children.
Provide appropriate level training and support to staff, volunteers & coaches to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfill their role effectively
Adopt the Children in Golf Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures and any related policies where appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION

PURLEY DOWNS  GC and partner organisations will seek to promote the principles of safeguarding children by:

Reviewing their policy and procedures every three years or whenever there is a major change in legislation. Guidance from England Golf & Children in Golf Strategy Group will be sought as part of the review process.
Conducting a risk assessment of club activities with regard to safeguarding and take appropriate action to address the identified issues within suitable timescales.
Using appropriate recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of county volunteers and staff working with children, in line with guidance from Children in Golf.
Following National Governing Body (NGB) procedures to report concerns and allegations about the welfare of children or the behaviour of adults and ensure that all staff, volunteers, parents and children are aware of these procedures.
Directing club staff, volunteers & coaches to appropriate safeguarding training, where this is appropriate to their role.