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SOUTHERN COUNTIES CHESS UNION
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Adopted 30.9.16 (previously 3.10.14 and 23.9.05)

18.10.16 mrf note: The SCCU have updated its Safeguarding Policy which covers the care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults at its events. Two new roles, reporting to the SCCU Executive, have been created in accordance with the SCCU Safeguarding Policy:
  • SCCU Safeguarding Officer. Angela Eyton (020 8959 5375 angelaeyton@aol.com) is appointed to advise and support SCCU organisers and officials at its events and co-ordinate the reporting of any arising safeguarding concerns;
  • SCCU Lead on Safeguarding. Mark Murrell (mramurrell@blueyonder.co.uk) is appointed to take leadership responsibility and to assist the Executive in the review and implementation of the SCCU’s Safeguarding Policy.
SCCU Safeguarding Policy remains compliant with that of the English Chess Federation, last updated on 11.3.2016, and available on the ECF website at: www.englishchess.org.uk/safeguarding-children-policy The guidance given in our 2005 policy (see below) remains valid but is supplemented with the ECF Child Protection Code of Conduct for staff and volunteers, Appendix 2 of the ECF policy.

13.1.15 rjh note: The Policy was adopted by the Executive 23.9.05 as a straight copy of the BCF's, with odd SCCU-specific references replacing BCF-specific ones. Nine years later (3.10.14) the Executive again resolved to adopt the (now) ECF policy, without mentioning SCCU-specific things. It was not clear whether we were adopting the ECF policy as it then stood, or in perpetuity. What appears below is the 2005 version, with the SCCU specifics. We have noticed one change to the ECF text since then (CRB has become DBS) and suspect, but have not exhaustively checked, that there are no others.

POLICY
Whilst the primary function of the SCCU is to promote chess, it recognises its responsibility for the welfare of children and vulnerable adults attending events it organises.
     It is the policy of the SCCU to safeguard the welfare of all people attending its event from abuse, which we define as any physical, sexual and/or emotional mistreatment.

OFFICIALS
There are some posts, in particular Junior Organiser, which may involve a considerable degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults. In general the type of work will involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of such people. It is the policy of the SCCU that it will only appoint to this position a person for whom both a satisfactory CRB Enhanced Disclosure clearance and also an independent suitable reference have been obtained.

AFFILIATED ORGANISATIONS
The SCCU strongly recommends that Affiliated Organisations have a suitable Child Protection Policy.

GUIDELINES

These guidelines apply to any person acting in an official capacity on behalf of the SCCU at a SCCU organised event. In particular this includes officers, controllers and arbiters.

What happens if……?

a) If you suspect a child is being abused:-
  1. immediately inform the SCCU official in charge of the event
  2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the SCCU official
  3. ensure that the child has access to an independent adult
  4. ensure that no situation arises which could cause further concern
  5. ensure access to confidential information is restricted to appropriate officials on a ‘need to know’ basis.

b) If a child tells you about abuse by someone else:-
  1. allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said.
  2. alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement
  3. advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on
  4. same steps as 1 – 5 above

c) If you receive any allegation of abuse about any adult or about yourself:-
  1. Immediately inform the SCCU official in charge of the event
  2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the SCCU official
  3. try to ensure that no-one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise

The SCCU official will take action which may include contacting the social services or the police.
The SCCU official will also submit a report to the SCCU President.


CODE OF CONDUCT

Do put the guidelines into practice
Do treat everyone with respect.
Do provide an example you wish others to follow.
Do plan activities which involve more than one other person being present or at least are within sight or hearing of others. This applies to such activities as one-to-one training and travelling to or from chess events.
Do respect a young person’s right to privacy.
Do have separate sleeping accommodation for adults and young people.
Do provide access for young people to talk to identifiable responsible adults about any concerns they may have. Deal with any concerns in a sympathetic and appropriate manner.
Do encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like.
Do avoid situations that compromise your relationship with young people and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust.
Do remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned.
Do recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling.
Do recognise that children with differing abilities have differing requirements.
Do recognise that children from different backgrounds may have differing values.


Do NOT permit abusive peer activities (e.g. bullying, ridiculing).
Do NOT play physical contact games with young people.
Do NOT have any inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others.
Do NOT allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums.
Do NOT show favouritism to any individual.
Do NOT make suggestive remarks or gestures even in fun.
Do NOT let suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse go unrecorded or unreported.
Do NOT rely on just your good name to protect you.
Do NOT believe "it could never happen to me".


Notes on Unacceptable Behaviour by Children
  • Participants should be encouraged to develop a sense of right and wrong behaviour.
  • Where unacceptable behaviour does take place, appropriate sanctions, decided by a consensus of responsible people present, should be applied to modify the behaviour
  • Sanctions applied to each case should take account of the age and stage of development of the young person, be given at the right time, be relevant to the action and be fair
  • The participant must always be told why the behaviour is unacceptable and the reasons for applying a particular sanction
  • Corporal punishment (smacking, slapping or shaking) is illegal and therefore should never be used. It is permissible to take necessary physical action in an emergency to prevent personal injury, either to the young person, other participants or adults, or serious damage to property
  • Participants should not be shouted at directly, though raising of the voice is permissible in instances where it is necessary to be heard
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