Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

Named Person: Rebekah Francis
Role: Club Welfare Officer
Contact: welfare.hdpsc@gmail.com

Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club recognises that it has a responsibility to:

  • Promote the health and welfare of children by providing opportunities for them to take part in swimming safely.
  • Promote and implement appropriate procedures to safeguard the wellbeing of children and protect them from abuse.
  • Recruit, train, support and supervise members, volunteers and coaches to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children from abuse and minimise risk to themselves.
  • Require all members and volunteers to adopt and abide by this Child Protection Policy and its procedures.
  • Respond to any allegations of misconduct or abuse of a child in line with this Policy and associated procedures, and apply disciplinary and appeals procedures where appropriate.
  • Review and evaluate this Policy and its Procedures on a regular basis.

Principles

  • The welfare of children is the Club’s primary concern.
  • All children—regardless of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief or sexual identity—have the right to protection from abuse (child = under 18).
  • It is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns about abuse to the Club Welfare Officer.
  • The Club will liaise with Swim England (SE) and act where necessary after taking advice from SE and, where appropriate, Social Services and/or Police.
  • It is the responsibility of SE and statutory agencies to conduct investigations where appropriate.
  • All incidents of alleged poor practice, misconduct or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
  • All personal data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 (and current legislation).
  • The Club has a responsibility to maintain confidentiality in all cases involving child welfare.
  • This Policy and Procedures will be regularly monitored and reviewed:
    • in accordance with changes in legislation or guidance,
    • in line with updates from Swim England,
    • or due to changes within the Swimming Club.

Who to Contact

Club Welfare Officer:
Rebekah Francis
📧 welfare.hdpsc@gmail.com

Other Useful Contacts

  • Swimline: 0808 100 4001
  • Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU):
    Tel: 0116 234 7278
    Email: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Contact info for County/Regional/National Welfare teams:

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of an adult in relation to a child, please contact the Club Welfare Officer immediately.