CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
All individuals regardless of age, gender, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, ability, disability or religious belief must take responsibility to treat everyone involved on playing fields, especially young people, equitably and on their individual merit, without prejudice or judgement.
A Code of Conduct for TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users
• TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users must display consistently high standards of behaviour.
• TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users should clarify with young people at the outset of any organised activities exactly what is expected of them and what the young people are entitled to expect from them. A simple contract or agreed checklist may be appropriate but not necessary.
• TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users must ensure the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual participant.
• TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users must develop a working relationship with young people based on mutual trust and respect. Trustees and/or organisers of activities must not exert any influence to obtain personal benefit or reward nor should they receive any reward.
• TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users must ensure the well being and safety of the young people as a first priority.
• TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users must encourage and guide young people to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
TMPFA Trustees and Fields’ users should not:
• Spend time alone with a young person – they should always make sure that there are other people around
• Offer a young person a lift in their car unless accompanied
• Take a young person to their home unless accompanied
• Make inappropriate physical conduct with a young person
• Do things of a personal nature for young people that they can do for themselves
Advice for Trustees and/or organisers of activities when concerned about a young person participating activities
Young people may choose to confide in a Trustee and/or organiser of activities as a respected leader or friend. The code of conduct that is established with the young people should provide them with a clear understanding of the levels of confidentiality they can expect.
Trustees and/or organisers of activities may have concerns because of something that the young person has said, something that somebody else has reported to them or because of something they observe.
If a young person wishes to confide in a Trustee and/or organiser of activities they should:
• Create a safe environment.
• Reassure the young person they have done the right thing by talking to the Trustees and/or organisers of activities but that help may involve telling another person.
• Listen to and believe the young person. The Trustees and/or organisers of activities should show that they are taking seriously what is being said.
• Be honest – The Trustees and/or organisers of activities should explain the limits of confidentiality and not make promises of confidentiality that cannot be kept.
• The Trustees and/or organisers of activities should check that they have understood what is being said, but should not probe or elaborate on what has been said.
• Control their own feelings and reaction and avoid passing opinions.
Record exactly what has been said as soon as possible:
• Young person’s name, address, date of birth.
• The date and time of any incident.
• Name, address and phone number of parent/guardian with whom the young person lives.
• Name, address and phone number of any other important adult (e.g. relative or friend).
• Observations.
• Exactly what the young person said.
• Any action that has been taken as a result of the concerns – e.g. who has the Trustees and/or organisers of activities spoken to
• Sign and date the record and ensure its safekeeping.
If the young person requires urgent medical attention as a result of suspected abuse, the Trustees and/or organisers of activities must seek this as a matter of urgency, and then inform social services or the police. Advice should be sought before informing parents or carers.
Maintain confidentiality – this is information that can only be shared with the Programme Manager (where essential), the police, social services or other child protection professionals such as the NSPCC or Childline. They will advise what to do next, and they will take responsibility for ensuring appropriate investigations are undertaken if necessary.
It is not the Trustees and/or organisers of activities responsibility to decide whether child abuse has taken place or not, but it is their responsibility to take action, however small the concern.
Do not take sole responsibility – The Trustees and/or organisers of activities should consult someone else as soon as possible, so that they can begin to protect the young person and gain some support for themselves in what could be a difficult situation.