Welfare – Policies & Procedures
Inverness Harriers AAC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that officers, coaches, officials, members and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of themselves and others.
The club has now adopted the Safeguarding policies as set out by our governing body Scottish Athletics – these were adopted at the Committee Meeting dated Monday 5th July 2021. These safeguarding policies and procedures, the corresponding safeguarding regulations as well as the Codes of Conduct, safe recruitment guidance and the Safeguarding Toolkit contain up-to-date guidelines for clubs and individuals.
If you would like further information on the policies below, please contact David McColl (Club Welfare Officer) at invernessharrierswelfare@gmail.com.
SAFEGUARDING REGULATIONS AND POLICY
Safeguarding concerns can lie on a continuum from seemingly minor issues (e.g. breaking of small rules or minor breaches of codes of conduct), through to more serious, persistent, or unlawful behaviours (e.g., allegations or concerns about abuse, sexual or physical assault, or repeated or serious breaches of codes of conduct). To ensure an appropriate response to a safeguarding concern that reflects both harm and risk, UKA in conjunction with the four Home Country Athletics Federations have agreed these Safeguarding Regulations. The Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures will help everyone to understand their responsibilities and recognise and report a concern about a child quickly and consistently. Scottish Athletics are committed to safeguarding adults in line with relevant national legislation, and relevant national and local guidelines. Scottish Athletics are committed to develop a culture of zero tolerance of harm to adults, with this policy and procedures being developed to help everyone to recognise adults who may be at risk and the circumstances, which may increase risk. This extends to recognising and reporting suspected harm both within our activities and in the community.
Child Safeguarding Policy Child Safeguarding Procedure
Adult Safeguarding Policy Adult Safeguarding Procedure
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)
The General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 will directly apply in EU member states from 25 May 2018. The GDPR will govern how organisations use personal data and increase the protection of individual’s privacy. There will also be a new UK Act to replace the Data Protection Act 1998.
Clubs will be “controllers” of personal data (for example, name, address, date of birth) that they collect, store, use, share and delete (this is known as “processing” of personal data). Clubs will process personal data of their members, parents, volunteers, committee members, etc. The GDPR will apply to clubs, regardless of size.
CODES OF CONDUCT
The UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) Codes of Conduct set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers, and athletes in the sport. The 2021 revised codes take account of developments in national policy, guidance, and practice. Every club, club member and anyone undertaking a relevant role must agree to abide by the codes of conduct either when they join a club as part of the club application process, or when they renew their club membership, or UKA licence.
Codes of Conduct – Children & Young People Codes of Conduct – Club Safeguarding Codes of Conduct – Club Welfare Officer
Codes of Conduct – Coaches Codes of Conduct – Parents/Carers Codes of Conduct – Senior Athletes
Codes of Conduct – Technical Officials Codes of Conduct – Volunteers
IHAAC Code of Conduct Agreements: Coaches Form Athletes Form Parents Form
RECRUITMENT, LICENSING AND PVG
Volunteers are the lifeblood of athletics and their dedication and commitment drives our sport forward and delivers success. However, every club has a duty of care to its members which extends to ensuring that anyone recruited to undertake regulated work is a suitable person for the role. The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (PVG Act) is in place to make sure unsuitable individuals cannot work or volunteer with children or protected adults (in regulated work). A key part to this process working correctly is for organisations to pass on information to Disclosure Scotland when they identify an unsuitable individual within their organisation.
Safe Recruitment and Management of Volunteers in Athletic Clubs
Policy on Referrals to Disclosure Scotland under the PVG Act
Secondary Organisation Contract – Completion Guidance
Secondary Organisation Contract – Scottish Athletics Ltd.
IHAAC Volunteer Information: Personal Profile Form
SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT
The Safeguarding Toolkit is a collection of other policies, procedures and information which provides guidance to all on a range of topics associated with club members’ welfare.
Adult to Child Ratios Club Partnership with Parents Form
Clubhouses and Changing Rooms Collection by Parents
First Aid and the Treatment of Injuries GIRFEC and Wellbeing Indicators
Information for Children & Young People Managing Challenging Behaviour
Physical Contact Preventing and Responding to Bullying Behaviour
Procedures for the use of photographs Sexual Activity
Social Media and Digital Guidelines: Athletes Clubs Coaches
Additional advice when using Zoom for online meetings Trips Away from Home
Useful Contacts and Websites Volunteers aged 17 years or under