CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

This is the Policy for Swim Wales and all clubs MUST work within this policy.

Everyone who participates in the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association (Swim Wales) is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. Swim Wales has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for children the coaches (including teachers and assistants), support staff and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care. Even the children themselves have a duty of care to each other and to the staff.

Swim Wales is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone in sport accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities.

The aim of the policy is to promote good practice, providing everyone with appropriate safety/protection whilst in the care of Swim Wales and to allow staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children’s Act 1989)

2. POLICY STATEMENT

Swim Wales is committed to the following:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• All children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in aquatic sports in a fun and safe environment

• Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings

• All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

• All employees/volunteers who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures

• Working in partnership with parents and children is essential for the protection of children

Child Protection Policies should be reviewed every 3 years or whenever there is a major change in the organisation or in relevant legislation