Safeguarding

Modern sports organisations view the issue of safeguarding and protecting children as a responsibility rather than a burden.

Surrey Girls Golf is fully committed to ensuring that golf provides a safe environment in which children can learn about the sport without fear of abuse in its various forms.

We support the Children in the Golf Strategy Group, formed to ensure that the golfing organisations in great Britain and Ireland  would address the issue of child protection collectively rather than independently. Most of the major golfing organisations are committed to this action.

Guidelines for Safeguarding Children in Golf

To ensure that all children and vulnerable individuals have a fun, safe and positive experience, the multi-agency Children in Golf Strategy Group has produced a resource pack called: 'Guidelines for Safeguarding Children in Golf'.

The pack provides practical advice, sample forms, codes of conduct and guidance, which will be invaluable to anyone involved with junior golf. The pack can be downloaded free of charge via the Children in Golf website.

The Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop is a nationally recognised training opportunity that provides participants with advice and guidance on issues surrounding the protection of children and young people during golf activity and coaching sessions at clubs or elsewhere. All Surrey coaches and volunteers looking to work with young people in golf are expected to attend this workshop as a minimum standard as well as undergoing Criminal Record Bureau checks. For the latest information on safeguarding children, please visit: www.childreningolf.org.  It is important that those responsible for safeguarding within their club stay abreast of any developments, particularly new legal requirements.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Surrey Girls Golf recognises the policies of EWGA, its Governing Body, as set out in   Guidelines for Safeguarding Children in Golf.

1. Policy Statement

We acknowledge a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all children (defined as those under 18) involved in golf within the county. All children have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account.

We shall therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all children involved within the County through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Surrey Executive Committee of the County. It is the responsibility of all adults within the County to assist the Executive Committee in this endeavour.

2. Policy Aims

• To provide children with appropriate safety and protection whilst attending County events.
• To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible while participating in County activities.
• To provide support to staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively

3. Principle

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• All children, regardless of age, gender, racial origin, religious belief, sexual identity and any disability have a right to enjoy sport free from all forms of abuse or poor practice.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All staff and volunteers working in golf have a responsibility to report concerns to the County Welfare Office.
• Adults, staff, volunteers, coaches, referees and members will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of children and young people.
• Individuals will receive support through education and training to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light.
• We shall work in partnership with children, parents, golf clubs and national governing bodies to review and implement child protection and welfare procedures.

Surrey Girls Golf policy and procedures are based on the above principles, UK and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Data Protection Act 1994 and 1998
• The Police Act 1997
• The Human Rights Act 1988
• The protection of Children act 1999
• Caring for the young and vulnerable – Home Office Guidance for preventing the abuse of trust 1999.
• The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000
• What to do if you are worried a child is being abused 2005
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006
• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Any subsequent legislation relating to child protection would implicitly be incorporated into this statement.

​4.  Responsibilities and Communication

Surrey Girls Golf Child Protection Policy will be available to all members, parents, staff,  volunteers and participants.  The Policy will be reviewed every three years by the Executive Committee. Guidance from EWGA will inform the review process.

The Executive has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including taking any appropriate disciplinary action deemed necessary.

The County Secretary will ensure that all adults with a specific role with the juniors are  checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

The County Welfare Officer has responsibility for responding to any allegations concerns or   child protection incidents, passing information to the appropriate National Governing Body Lead Child Protection Officer and informing the County Executive Committee.

Parents have a responsibility to work together with the County in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to safeguard themselves.

5. Compliance and Sanctions

SLCGA will initiate an investigation as soon as possible if a complaint is made about an     adult’s behaviour. EWGA and EGU procedures, as detailed in the Guidelines for Safeguarding Children in Golf, will be followed.