Canoe England is repsonsible for safeguarding the welfare of all young people involved in canoe & kayaking by protecting them from any form of child abuse.
For Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults resources click here
PADDLESAFE WITH CANOE ENGLAND
Canoe England is committed to making sure that children and vulnerable adults enjoy paddlesport in a safe environment in which they are protected from any form of poor practice or abuse.
The Child Protection policy works to instill good practice and raise awareness for everyone involved in the sport.
Working together with the NSPCC, Child Protection in Sport Unit, and MWT consultants Canoe England has developed policies and procedures to ensure that all reported concerns or allegations are investigated.
Child Protection Steering Group Representation
The group meets twice yearly and further information can be found in the Terms of Reference (click here)
If you would like to be involved with the group please contact Kimberley Walsh on 0845 370 9520 or email: kimberley.walsh@canoe-england.org.uk, closing date 1st February
Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)
The government has recently announced a major change in the implementation process for the new Independent Safeguarding Authority (see below). Whilst the actual barring scheme will be launched in October, individual applications for scheme registration will not now begin until summer 2010 with a five year phase in of the scheme anticipated. In the meantime it is important that clubs and centres continue to undertake appropriate recruitment checks for anyone working with young people.
New Screening System for Coaches and Volunteers – September 2008
In October 2009 the new Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is due to be launched. Created under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, (previously Vetting and Barring Scheme) it will replace the current List 99, PoCA, PoVA and Disqualification Orders regimes. The ISA will decide who is unsuitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable groups. It will base its decisions on pulling together information held by various agencies, government departments and the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
This new scheme will have a big impact on current policies and procedures within paddlesport and we appreciate that some clubs and individuals may be concerned about your legal responsibilities under the new scheme. There has been a lot of consultation to try to ensure that the needs of sporting organizations are taken into account, however, at this stage there are several issues still to be resolved, which will confirm how best to manage this from a volunteers and paid employment perspective.
Canoe England will update all clubs and members once this has been resolved and provide guidance and advice to support everyone who is involved with young people. At this stage we advise that you continue to undertake appropriate recruitment practices for individuals working with young people eg CRB checks, references etc, For further information see the Safeguarding and Protecting section of our website.
BCU & Canoe England CHILD PROTECTION
24 Hour Child Protection Contact Number Mobile: 0777 570 7364
(For use by professionals and people wishing to report incidents outside of office hours)
e-mail: childprotection@bcu.org.uk
BCU Child Protection, Vulnerable Adults and Harassment Lead Officer -
Mike Devlin Tel: : 0845 370 9514
Postal Address: Child Protection, British Canoe Union, 18 Market Place, Bingham, Nottingham, NG13 8AP
BCU CHILD PROTECTION SUPPORT OFFICER
Nigel Timmins: 017684 80084 (For BCU coaches, volunteers and staff who have recieved and allegation against them with respect to Child Protection and require support).
NSPCC CHILD PROTECTION HELPLINE Tel: 0808 800 5000
CHILDLINE Tel: 0800 1111
BCU CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE Maria Winfield Tel: 0845 370 9503
What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused.
http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/search/IG00182/.