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Introduction
The introduction of this Child Protection Policy should be seen as a clear signal by the BKSA that it is determined to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect from harm, those children and young people who participate in kitepower sports at all levels. The policy establishes The Associations position, role and responsibilities and clarifies what is expected of other organisations and individuals involved in kitepower sports.
It very clearly highlights the importance placed by the BKSA on the protection of Children and young people.
BKSA - The Policy
Every child and young person who takes part in kitepower sports should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in kitepower sports. We recognise, however, that child abuse is also a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken.
The BKSA recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying.
The BKSA offer wide ranging kitepower sports opportunities for children and young people, in doing so the association should provide the highest possible standard of care. Clear practices and procedures, in addition to a detailed training programme already under way, will ensure that everyone knows exactly what is expected of them in relation to the protection of children and young people. It is essential that those children and young people attracted to and participating in kitepower sports are able to do so in a quality, safe and enjoyable environment.
In striving to attain this, the BKSA has laid the following objectives: - A requirement that all clubs of the BKSA, which provides the opportunity for persons to work with children and young people up to the age of eighteen, includes this policy statement concerning child protection.
- To provide ongoing development and training opportunities to every club in the association.
To provide ongoing development and training opportunities:
- For members of the BKSA training staff.
The aims of this Child Protection Policy are:
· To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who do kitepower sports under the BKSA banner, enabling them to participate in kitepower sports in an enjoyable and safe environment.
· To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection.
· To promote ethics and high standards throughout all levels of kitepower sports within the BKSA.
The key principles underpinning this Policy are that:
· The child's welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
· All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
· All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Working in partnership with children and young people and their parents/carers is essential. Social Services Departments have a statutory responsibility to ensure the welfare of children and young people.
1. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and shall result in a club /association investigation and discriminatory procedure.
2. In these Regulations the expression "Offence" shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes the kitepower sports club / association to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.
3. Upon receipt by the kitepower sports club/ association of:
3.1 notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence; or
3.2 notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, social services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or
3.3 any other information which causes the BKSA reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children then the BKSA shall suspend the individual from all or any specific kitepower sports activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
4. In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 3 should be made the club / association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:-
4.1 Whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm;
4.2 Whether the matters are of a serious nature;
4.3 Whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any investigation by the club/ association or any other authority or body to proceed unimpeded.
5. The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of The Association or any Offence is decided or brought to an end.
6. Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned.
Conclusion
Through confirming this Policy Document, the BKSA has indicated its determination to ensure that children and young people can participate in all forms of kitepowered activity and do so with their safety being of paramount importance.
It is essential that this document is representative of a process of continual improvement in the area of child protection within the BKSA. It is for all adults engaged in kitepowered activities to promote good practice and procedures, whilst being ever vigilant and aware of their responsibilities towards the children and young people in their care.
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