Child Protection Policy

·          BRYFC recognises that the role of a volunteer with BRYFC places an individual

o         in a position of trust particularly with regard to those activities involving children

o         and with a duty of care to other volunteers and members

and undertakes to uphold that trust and duty of care at all times.

BRYFC is fully aware of the Children Act 1989, under which a child is defined as a person under eighteen years of age for most purposes. Under the provisions of the Act, it is the responsibility of all of our members and volunteers to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people who are left in our care.

·          The Chairman of BRYFC and the Child Protection Officer will oversee the application of these Guidelines.

·          All volunteers will ensure that any interaction between a volunteer and those under the age of eighteen is such that no reasonable person observing that interaction could construe its nature to be abusive.

·          All volunteers will not supply, or attempt to supply, alcohol to those under the age of eighteen.

·          All volunteers will take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions and must co-operate with BRYFC representatives in all matters of Health and Safety, so as to enable compliance with the law.

·          All volunteers will conduct themselves appropriately at all times when representing or may be considered to be representing BRYFC.

·          All volunteers will accept that BRYFC does not condone the use of any illegal substance or the abuse of any prescribed medication and that, if in the reasonable opinion of BRYFC, a volunteer is found to be under the influence of drugs or in possession of drugs or to be selling or to have sold drugs, then the volunteer will have committed a serious breach of this Code of Conduct.

·          Arrangements for the adequate supervision and safety of young people at BRYFC events is the responsibility of all members and volunteers.

·          In the case of doubt as to the appropriate course of action, the overall guiding principle is that the welfare of the child is paramount.

·          No child, or group of children, should be left unattended at any time.

·          There should be a minimum of one adult (over eighteen) to every 15 children, and at least two adults for each group in total, to ensure that the group need never be left unattended.   Avoid leaving children alone with an adult, unless they can be easily observed by others nearby.

·          Volunteers should avoid being alone with a child where they cannot be clearly be seen by other adults.

·          When in a car, if possible, volunteers should avoid having a child in the front seat.   If this is not possible, the child in the front seat should be son or daughter of the driver.   If this is not possible, the driver should ensure that the same child does not sit in the front seat on each occasion.

·          If anyone has any doubts or suspicions that any form of abuse is occurring to any child who is part of BRYFC, they must report their concerns as detailed in the next section.

·          If a child makes any sort of allegation, the following basic principles must be observed:

o         Listen to the child and believe the child

o         Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events

o         As soon as possible make a written record of the conversation, taking care to note the date, time, setting and who was present, as well as the child's actual words

o         On the same day make a note of all relevant facts, events and conversations, distinguishing known facts from allegations and opinions.

·          If a report is received by BRYFC it must drawn to the attention of the relevant authorities, where appropriate, immediately.   Any delay can increase the risk to the child.   Deciding to give parents the ‘benefit of the doubt' (for instance) can be detrimental to the protection and welfare of the child.

·          All reports will be investigated.   The BRYFC Child Protection Officer will be responsible for leading any investigation in accordance with FA and BRYFC procedures.

·          If a child is found to be in breach of any of the codes of conduct of BRYFC and is to made aware of this, there should always be at least two adults present, but it should not be done in front of other children or in public.

·          It is the responsibility of all BRYFC members to promote the physical and emotional well being of all children.