Welfare Policy

1. Our Commitment

Bere Regis Sports Club is committed to ensuring that all people who participate in our activities do so in a safe, enjoyable and welcoming environment. The welfare, safety and wellbeing of every member — and in particular children and young people — is of paramount importance to the Club.

We believe that:

• The welfare of children and young people is paramount.
• All participants, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or social background, have a right to be protected from abuse and to participate in sport free from harm.
• Everyone working with children in our Club has a responsibility to safeguard them.
• All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all:

• Club members (playing, social and junior)
• Coaches, managers and training staff
• Committee members and volunteers
• Parents and guardians attending club activities
• Any third parties acting on behalf of the Club

The policy covers all club activities including training sessions, fixtures, social events, tours and any activity organised in the name of Bere Regis Sports Club.

3. Club Welfare Officer

Bere Regis Sports Club has a designated Club Welfare Officer (CWO) who is the first point of contact for any welfare, safeguarding or child protection concerns. The CWO is responsible for:

• Acting as the designated point of contact for safeguarding matters.
• Ensuring that all relevant coaches and volunteers hold current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance.
• Liaising with the Football Association (FA), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and statutory agencies where appropriate.
• Keeping up to date with safeguarding guidance from the Club’s governing bodies.
• Ensuring that this policy is reviewed at least annually.

4. DBS Checks & Qualifications

Bere Regis Sports Club requires all coaches, managers and volunteers who have regular unsupervised access to children and young people to hold a current enhanced DBS check. This applies to all sections of the Club, including football, cricket and any other junior activities.

• DBS checks are renewed at the intervals required by the relevant governing body.
• The Club maintains a record of all DBS certificates held by coaches and volunteers.
• Coaching qualifications are appropriate to the age group and sport being coached, in line with FA and ECB requirements.
• No person who is the subject of a barring decision or disqualification shall be permitted to work with children or young people in the Club.

5. Code of Conduct

All members, coaches, volunteers and parents are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct when involved in Club activities:

5.1 Coaches & Volunteers

• Treat all participants with respect, dignity and fairness.
• Never use physical punishment or verbal abuse.
• Maintain appropriate physical and verbal boundaries with all members, especially children and young people.
• Avoid one-to-one situations with children where they cannot be observed by others.
• Never transport children alone without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.

5.2 Members & Participants

• Show respect for coaches, officials, opponents and other members at all times.
• Refrain from any form of bullying, harassment or intimidation.
• Comply with all Club rules and the rules of the relevant sport.

5.3 Parents & Guardians

• Encourage children to respect coaches, officials and other players.
• Refrain from shouting abuse or negative criticism from the sidelines.
• Support the Club’s welfare and safeguarding procedures.
• Inform the Club of any medical conditions or special needs that may affect a child’s participation.
• Ensure that children are collected promptly following training sessions or matches.

6. Photography & Social Media

Bere Regis Sports Club takes the protection of children’s images seriously. The following guidelines apply to all Club activities:

• Photography and filming of junior participants during Club activities is only permitted with the prior written consent of the parent or guardian.
• Images of children should not be published on social media or the Club website without parental consent.
• Where images are published, children should not be identified by full name.
• Any concerns about inappropriate photography or filming should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer immediately.

7. Reporting Concerns

All members and volunteers have a duty to report any welfare or safeguarding concern. If you witness or suspect abuse, or if a child or young person discloses something concerning to you:

1. Listen carefully and remain calm. Do not promise to keep secrets.
2. Record what you have seen, heard or been told as soon as possible, using the person’s own words where possible.
3. Report your concern to the Club Welfare Officer without delay.
4. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the Police (999) or Children’s Services immediately.

8. Equality & Inclusion

Bere Regis Sports Club is committed to equality and inclusion in all its activities. We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including on the grounds of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic.

We actively encourage participation from all sections of the community and aim to make our facilities and activities accessible to everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs or requirements, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Any reports of discriminatory behaviour will be investigated and dealt with under the Club’s disciplinary procedure.

9. Review of This Policy

This Welfare Policy will be reviewed at least annually by the Management Committee, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, governing body guidance, or following any serious incident. The current version of this policy is available on the Club website and from the Club Secretary on request.