The following statement has been prepared by Ivor Mitchell – Club Welfare Officer

CHILD WELFARE

In common with all other clubs in the Somerset League, we are required to treat child welfare issues with due seriousness. This requires some form of commitment from all members of the club as well as certain specific developments as detailed below.

Firstly please note that self declaration forms are now no longer recognised as official requirements for the above purpose. Instead, all volunteers who have regular contact with children must complete the necessary vetting forms (formerly known as CRB forms). There is a list of all those posts which need vetting on the notice board in the pavilion.

Another requirement is that the club has a Club Welfare Officer (CWO), whose specific responsibilities are detailed below.

The CWO has to attend a three hour workshop run by Sports Coach UK ‘Good Practice Child Protection’ and another three hour workshop run by the NSPCC called ‘Time to Listen’. These have to be updated every three years.

The CWO will have an enhanced CRB disclosure.

THE ROLE OF THE CWO

1 First point of contact in the club for all members re. Child protection issues

    and to encourage members to become familiar with those aspects of the

    relevant policies as are required.

2 It is the responsibility of the CWO to act as a conduit for passing on to the

    County Welfare Officer any concerns. The County Officer will therefore be

    accountable/responsible for any further actions that might come about.

3 To ensure that the club adopt the ECB ‘Safe Hands’ Welfare of Young

    People in Cricket policy. This is downloadable from www.play-cricket.com

4 To encourage children to enjoy and respect the game of cricket within a

    safe and supportive environment.

5 To participate on the club management committee and contribute as and

    when necessary on child protection matters.

SAFE HANDS

This is the policy document created by the ECB, and available via their website, which details the requirements of the club in this area. There is also a copy of the file in the pavilion for members to consult as and when necessary.

It is clearly important that we are familiar with it and know how to make use of it as and when necessary.

Tel 01823 664299 or ivor_mitchell@tiscali.co.uk