Child Protection Policy

Child protection policy and procedures

In May 2005, the Council of the BADMINTON England adopted a revised Child Protection Policy for badminton endorsing a document entitled "Child Protection Policy and Implementation Procedures in Badminton". In membership of BADMINTON England you are required to assent to the principles embodied in this document and sign and return this form in recognition of this.

Badminton can and does have a very powerful and positive influence on people - especially young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement; it can also develop valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. These positive effects can only take place if Badminton is in the right hands - in the hands of those who place the welfare of all young people first and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them.

The reality is that abuse does take place in sport and in some cases coaches and other trusted adults in sport have been convicted of abusing children. BADMINTON England recognises that despite all the benefits of participation, sport can provide easy access to children and present opportunities for an individual who wants to harm children. BADMINTON England accepts that the welfare and safety of young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone, whether working in a professional or voluntary capacity. Every adult has a legal and moral responsibility to protect young people from abuse when involved in Badminton.

1. All individuals at all levels involved in Badminton through BADMINTON England, must abide by BADMINTON England's Child Protection Policy and the Code of Ethics and Conduct ('the Code') and all individuals, by participating or being involved in Badminton through BADMINTON England are deemed to have assented to and thereby adhere to the principles and responsibilities embodied in these documents.
2. Each and every constituent member of BADMINTON England including, without limitation, all clubs and leagues shall be responsible for the implementation of the Child Protection Policy and Procedures in Badminton in relation to their individual members.
3. Any act, statement or other behaviour that harms a child or group of children or poses a risk of harm to a child or group of children shall constitute conduct that is improper and thereby brings Badminton into disrepute. Such conduct will be dealt with, at the appropriate level, through the Disciplinary Procedure.

BADMINTON England, its Members, Partners and other affiliate organisations will:

• Accept the moral and legal responsibility to implement procedures to provide a duty of care for young people, safeguard their well-being and protect them from abuse
• Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of young people and vulnerable adults
• Recruit, train and supervise its employees and volunteers so as to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect young people from abuse and themselves against allegations
• Require staff/volunteers to adopt and abide by the BADMINTON England Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and the Child Protection Policy and Procedures
• Respond to all incidents of suspicious poor practice and allegations of abuse swiftly and appropriately.

It is not the responsibility of anyone working for BADMINTON England or affiliated organisations in any capacity, whether paid or voluntary, to decide whether or not child abuse is taking place or to investigate it. It is the responsibility of everyone in Badminton, however, to ensure that action is taken to ensure that a child is protected appropriately.

Criminal Records Bureau Checks

The Government has established the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and introduced a process whereby organisations providing opportunities or services for children and vulnerable adults can access information to assist in recruitment decisions. BADMINTON England requires all persons applying for positions that include working with children and young people to undertake a CRB Disclosure.

BADMINTON England strongly recommends that this process extends to volunteers and everyone who has direct access to young people, including, Coaches, County and Club helpers, or indeed anyone involved with junior badminton. BADMINTON England is registered with CRB to carry out this service and anyone with substantial access to young people in Badminton should obtain a CRB Disclosure at their earliest convenience.. If you would like to obtain a CRB Disclosure Form please apply to the Development Department at Milton Keynes.

The handling charge for this service is £15 for members of BADMINTON England and £30 for non-members. The CRB charge if you are a paid coach (full or part time) is £34 is in addition to the £15 handling charge. Please note that BADMINTON England are no longer accepting CRB Disclosures carried out by other organisations.

Child Welfare Officers

The Child Welfare Officer is a key role within Badminton. By designating people to this role, it can be ensured that it has someone specifically appointed to handle any child welfare, including child protection issues that may arise. BADMINTON England has a vision of a Child Welfare Officer in every county and junior club. Due to the nature of the position, prior to appointment, these people are required to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check much in the same way that a coach or volunteer who intends working with children and young people would. This position is fundamental to ensuring that Child Welfare is central to the philosophy of the club or county.

Training

BADMINTON England recognises that checks are only part of the process to protect children from possible abuse. Appropriate training will enable individuals to recognise their responsibilities with regard to their own good practice and the reporting of suspected poor practice/concerns of possible abuse.

BADMINTON England recommends that all staff working with children must ensure that they have received child protection training appropriate to their role. BADMINTON England will ensure that staff have access to a full range of child protection training opportunities..

For further details of child protection training opportunities please see the BADMINTON England website or contact the Badminton Development Officer or Child Welfare Officer for your county.