Why protecting children is important

There are many reasons why the Scottish Canoe Association needs to address, plan and implement the protection of children and young people. It:

• Will help to ensure the SCA and member clubs fulfil legal and moral obligations for the care and protection of children.
• Sends a positive message to both children and parents about the value placed on children and their participation in paddlesport.
• Sends a positive message to staff and volunteers that we will support and guide them when they work with children and we will put safeguards in place to minimise risk to all.
• Sets the standards and expectations for everyone working in the sport and provides a benchmark against which practice can be measured and challenged.
• Builds a legacy for the future of the sport.
• Reduces the risk of successful legal action against the organisation by ensuring that all legal duties have been fulfilled and that all reasonable steps have been taken to safeguard and promote the health, welfare and development of children.

The SCA recommendations are based on legislation, national guidance and messages from inquiries and recognised good practice.

Roles and Responsibilities in Child Protection

The Scottish Canoe Association will:

• Ensure there are policies, procedures, systems, structures, resources and personnel in place to promote the welfare and protection of children taking part in paddlesport.
• Actively work jointly with parents and other agencies through joint planning, training and monitoring of their arrangements for the protection of children.
• Ensure there are quality assurance mechanisms in place to monitor, review and evaluate arrangements for the protection of children.

The Child Protection Officer for The Scottish Canoe Association will:

• Be supported by The Scottish Canoe Association and be appropriately trained.
• Implement and promote The Scottish Canoe Association Child Protection Policy and
  Procedures.
• Will lead on the effective implementation of policy and procedures throughout the sport.
  Regularly report to the SCA Board of Management.
• Act as the main contact within The Scottish Canoe Association for the protection of children.
  Provide information and advice on the protection of children within the boundaries of the remit.
  Support and raise awareness of the protection of children.
• Communicate with members on issues of child protection.
• Keep abreast of developments and understand the latest information on data protection, confidentiality and other legal issues that impact on the protection of children.
• Encourage good practice and support of procedures to protect children.
• Establish and maintain contact with local statutory agencies including the police and social work services.
• Maintain confidential records of reported cases, action taken, liaise with the statutory agencies and ensure they have access to all necessary information.
• Organise training for members.
• Regularly monitor and review The Scottish Canoe Association Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
• Ensure there are mechanisms in place for quality assurance.

Within Affiliated Clubs of The Scottish Canoe Association the Club Child Protection Co-ordinator should:

• Be supported by the Scottish Canoe Association and be appropriately trained.
• Implement and promote the Club Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
• Regularly report to the Committee.
• Act as the main contact within the Club for the protection of children.
• Encourage good practice and support of procedures to protect children.
• Keep abreast of developments and understand the latest information on data protection, confidentiality and other legal issues that impact on the protection of children.
• Communicate with the Scottish Canoe Association Child Protection Officer.
• Maintain confidential records of reported cases, action taken, liase with the statutory agencies and ensure they have access to all necessary information.
• Report cases, concerns and action taken to The Scottish Canoe Association Child Protection Officer.
• Attend training on the protection of children and organise appropriate training for other members.
• Establish and maintain contact with local statutory agencies including the police and social work services.
• Monitor and review the Child Protection Policy and procedures for their club.
• Ensure there are mechanisms in place for quality assurance.
  

Child Protection Committee

The SCA has established a Child Protection Committee with the following objectives:

• To develop, monitor, manage and review the SCA policies, procedures and plans for the protection of children within the SCA including all streams/committees.
• To develop guidance and provide support to SCA affiliated clubs and approved centres for the implementation of child protection
• To be the advisory panel on Child Protection to the SCA

Child Protection Committee Terms of Reference

The Committee currently comprises

• Andy Murray
• Stuart Smith
• Giles Chater
• Hazel Smith