Safeguarding Children
Update: 16th November 2010 - Vetting and Barring Scheme update
The Vetting and Barring Scheme and Criminal Records Bureau are being reviewed by the coalition government. As and when the British Cycling Safeguarding Team receives relevant information we will pass this to our clubs, members, coaches and staff to ensure that they are kept informed.
It is business as usual in relation to CRB disclosures and the Standard Safeguarding procedures that British Cycling already has in place. This means that clubs should still ensure new volunteers and coaches with in clubs are correctly recruited. This will include;
- Application process/ formally establishing individuals previous involvement or experience
- 2 references, preferably relating to previous experience in a similar role (referees should not be related to the volunteer)
- Completion of Self Declaration form
- Completion of CRB form
- On going monitoring once individual is in position
If you have any queries in relation to the above please contact the British Cycling Safeguarding Team on 0161 274 2000 or via email at compliance@britishcycling.org.uk
There are different processes in place for members in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Please see the further information section below.
British Cycling has a fundamental commitment to safeguard and protect children in cycling. With our partners, we are working to improve polices, procedures, and practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience of children and young people in cycling. Allegations of poor practice, drug use, equality issues and possible child abuse should be reported to the Child Protection Lead Officer (CPLO)
Contact:
- Simon Thornton (Compliance Officer)
Telephone 0161 274 2082- David Dunlop (Compliance Manager)
Telephone 0161 274 2084- Email: compliance@britishcycling.org.uk
Out of hours: 0161 274 2002- In case of an emergency situation contact:
Police-Telephone- 999
NSPCC- Telephone- 0808 800 5000
Childline- Telephone- 0800 1111 Compliance Team- as above- Download: British Cycling's Child Protection Policy (450kb Word File)
Reporting your concerns
British Cycling takes all allegations relating to Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults very seriously. It is everyone's responsibility to report any concerns they may have. More info
Club Welfare Officers
All clubs are encouraged to recruit one or ideally two interested volunteers to take on this challenging but rewarding role. For further information please click here
Whistle Blowing & sharing of information/concerns
British Cycling acknowledges the need for a 'Whistle Blowing Policy' in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA). For further information and to view the British Cycling ‘Whistle Blowing Policy' please click here
Trips, visits, and training camps with children and young people
These events are very exciting and important for a young rider's development. The majority of such trips take place without any issues however it is important to prepare for the worst case scenario. After much publicised cases where trips with children have gone wrong there is increased demand for advice to minimise risk. Please click here for further guidance.
Advice on challenging behaviour and physical contact involving young people in Sport
Challenging Behaviour and Physical Contact involving Young People and Vulnerable Adults is often portrayed as a sensitive area. This is not necessarily the case but guidance is required- please click here for further information.
Safeguarding for Parents
The Department for Culture Media and Sport has published a leaflet to guide parents in choosing sports clubs that demonstrate good Safeguarding practice. To access an electronic version of this document please click here (250kb pdf)
A Young Person's Guide to Child Protection
You have rights. Cycling should be fun. You should be safe and enjoy your sport. You can't do that if you feel unhappy - if someone is bullying or abusing you. For help contact Childline 0800 1111 - When do you know if something is wrong? Click here
Feedback
Whilst British Cycling, as far as possible, tries to ensure it is compliant and robust in its Safeguarding procedures. We welcome suggestions on how we can improve this. If you have any feedback, please email compliance@britishcycling.org.uk and entitle your email "Safeguarding Feedback".
Further Information
For further information on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults please visit the following websites.
http://www.nspcc.org.uk
http://www.crb.gov.uk
http://www.isa-gov.org.uk
http://www.childline.org.uk
For information relating to Criminal Records Disclosures in Scotland and Northern Ireland please follow the links below:
Disclosure Scotland http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/
Access NI http://www.accessni.gov.uk/
Umbrella CRB checks
British Cycling is a registered body with the Criminal Records Bureau. This means we are able to request CRB checks on eligible employees and volunteers working for British Cycling. Our recruitment processes requires a candidate to complete a Self Declaration Form and to provide two referees with knowledge of the candidates' work with children and/or vulnerable adults.
For organisations and individuals that require CRB clearance by law but do not work for British Cycling and cannot register with CRB; British Cycling can complete an Umbrella CRB check.
It is necessary for any individual or organisation that employs someone with an Umbrella CRB check to ensure that the individual is suitably recruited/vetted using Safe Recruitment Procedures.
A CRB Disclosure is only accurate on the day it is printed. Any subsequent information to an individual's criminal record will not be included. Whilst CRB disclosures are an important tool in recruiting individuals they are not a guarantee of an individuals character/background.
For further information relating to employing individuals with Umbrella CRB checks please contact the Criminal Records Bureau on 0870 90 90 811 or www.crb.gov.uk
For further information relating to Safe Recruitment Procedures please visit the NSPCC website
