Child Protection

 

Updated Templates

 

All the attached templated have now been updated. These changes in these templates reflect changes in Scottish Law. Whilst there is no obligation for clubs to use the new templates, it is recomended that they review their documents at the next appropriate time and update as required.

 

Introduction

 

The Scottish Hockey Union has a strong commitment to the ethical delivery of hockey in Scotland. Part of that commitment is to 'A sport that provides a safe environment for young and vulnerable people'. This is back up by Child Protection Policies and Procedures which form part of the SHU Ethics Manual. This has been recently updated to reflect changes in legislation.

 

It is important that the implementation of Child Protection Policies and Procedures are seen as a benefit to all not merely a hoop that has to be jumped through. Providing a safe environment to play sport in encourages youngsters to feel comfortable and able to express themselves through sport.

 

At a national level all volunteers and professionals who work with children are subject to the policies and procedures and are responsible for creating a safe environment. They all have Disclosure Scotland checks to ensure that they are suitable people to be working with children and on-going training and information is provided.

 

You can find out more information on the SHU's Ethical Policies by visiting the relevant section of this site (click here to jump to the SHU Policies )

 

Districts and Clubs

 

Districts and Clubs are being encouraged to adopt similar Child Protection Policies and Procedures to the SHU and to date most have. These policies and procedures need to be updated regularly due to changes in legislation. Attached are updated templates for Districts and Clubs.

 

We would recommend that Districts and Clubs update their District / Club Self Declaration form immediately as this asks if a person is on the Disqualified from Working with Children List. The policy should be updated at your next opportunity, either committee meeting or AGM.

 

Child Protection Workshops

 

sportscotland's sports development team and sports coach UK have issued their programme of Coach Development Workshops for 2009.  Scottish Hockey recommend that all Child Protection Officers and any volunteers and coaches interested in this area attend workshops being delivered in their area.

Child Protection Workshops within the programme are:

Safeguarding and Protecting Children

This sports coach UK workshop meets the same learning outcomes as the original Good Practice and Child Protection workshop.  Therefore, despite this revision to the content and change of title, previos attendance at Good Practice and Chils Protection workshop will be valid.  When coaches are required to update their certificate of attendance, they will attend the new Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop.  There is no need to undertake the new workshop immediately as a result of this change.

Children 1st, In Safe Hands

This three-hour workshop, organised by Children 1st and sportscotland, is aimed at those acting in sports clubs as the Child Protection Officer.  This workshop focuses on helping clubs put child protection policies into practice.  Candidates are required to attend the Safeguarding and Protecting Children awareness workshop before attending this more in-depth course.

Details of dates and venues can be found here.

  

Distribution of information to Club and District Members

To be updated shortly

 

Further Information

You can find out more information on matters relating to Child Protection  by visiting some of these web-sites

  • sportscotland ( www.sportscotland.org.uk ) - sportscotland are the national agency for sport in Scotland
  • Children 1st ( www.children1st.org.uk ) - Children 1st are a Scottish based charity who work with sportscotland and other agencies to promote child protection matters in Scottish sport
  • NSPCC ( www.sportprotects.org.uk ) - NSPCC are an English based charity who work with Sport England and Uk Sport in the same way as Children 1st work with sportscotland

For details of generic course for coaches and people working with young people in good practice in Child Protection and First Aid in the East of Scotland visit the Coaching Edinburgh web-site ( www.coachingedinburgh.co.uk ).

 

For more information on the SHU Policies and Procedures contact the SHU by email at info@scottish-hockey.org.uk or by phone at the SHU offices on 0131 453 9070.