CHILD PROTECTION
Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Policy
The Ladies' Ski Club is committed to providing a safe environment for athletes. We have adopted the Snowsports governing bodies’ Child Protection Policy (linked below) which gives guidelines for good practice and care of children (i.e. under 18’s) within snowsports, and for general care of children and vulnerable adults.
All staff and volunteers working for BSR have been vetted according to the latest guidance, and are aware of their responsibilities with regard to supervision and general care of young athletes.
Schools/clubs should undertake their own risk assessments. Schools/clubs should ensure they have sufficient members of staff, or responsible adults, appointed to accompany the teams. There should be at least two present to provide cover in the case of an emergency. As this is a race for girls, it is best practice for at least one responsible adult/staff member to be female.
We firmly believe that every child has the right to participate in sport without fear of harm, discrimination or any degrading treatment, and will ensure that all our young athletes are able to do so in a fun and safe environment.
Their welfare is paramount.
Please note that each team MUST be accompanied by a minimum of 2 adults, one of whom must be female. One female adult must reside with the team, another must be nominated to take over in case of an emergency. This is to comply with the requirements laid down by Snowsport England’s Snowsafe Manual 2021. You can download this document by clicking here.
British Schoolgirls Ski Races (BSR) Safeguarding Policy Statement – September 2019
BSR acknowledges our duty of care to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
The policy recognises the welfare and interests of children and young people are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, socioeconomic status, sex or sexual orientation all children and young people:
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Have a positive and enjoyable experience in a safe and child-centred snowsport environment
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Are protected from abuse whilst participating in any activity within the auspices of BSR
BSR acknowledges that some children, including talented athletes, children with disabilities or those from ethnic minority communities can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
BSR will:
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Promote and prioritise the safety and well being of all children and young people
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Promote to schools the need to ensure all employees/volunteers who work with children are recruited taking into account their suitability for that responsibility, and are provided with safeguarding guidance and/or training in good practice and Child Protection procedures
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Take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings
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Ensure all cases of poor practice that may be abuse and any allegations of abuse are investigated and appropriate, referred to other agencies
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Support the person raising or disclosing the concern
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Ensure all those in a position of responsibility throughout the organisation recognise it is not their responsibility to determine if abuse has occurred, but it is their responsibility to report and act on any concerns they have
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Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records are kept of all safeguarding concerns and maintained and stored securely.
BSR recognises that working in partnership with affiliated schools, parents and children is essential for the protection of children and young people.
BSR will promote the Snowsport England safeguarding manual, SnowSafe and will endeavour to ensure that it is mandatory for everyone involved in the Schoolgirls Races.
The welfare of children and young people (anyone under the age of 18) is paramount.
All concerns raised or occurring during the BS races must be reported to the Welfare Officer at the event.
This policy applies to all BSR staff and volunteers working for us and to members of all schools and organisations taking part in the Schoolgirls Races. It applies to all coaches working or volunteering in a role for any of the above. For the avoidance of doubt this includes athletes and anyone working within the sport in a paid or voluntary capacity whether as an employee or on a self-employed basis.