10 Jul 13
Brook Cricket Club
Pirrie Hall, Haslemere Road, Brook GU8 5UJ
www.brookcricketclub.co.uk
CHILD SAFEGUARDING - WHISTLE BLOWING POLICY
Introduction:
Brook CC is committed to developing a culture where it is safe and
acceptable for all those involved in cricket to raise concerns about
unacceptable practice and misconduct
You may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but you may not
feel able to express your concerns out of a belief that this would be
disloyal to colleagues or you may fear harassment, victimisation or
disadvantage. These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child
continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Remember it is often the most
vulnerable child who is targeted. These children need someone like you to
safeguard their welfare. Those involved in the sport must acknowledge their
individual responsibilities to bring matters of concern to the attention of
senior management and/or relevant agencies. Although this can be difficult,
it is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk.
Brook CC assures all involved in cricket that they will be treated fairly
and that all concerns will be properly considered. In cases where the
suspicions prove to be unfounded, no action will be taken against those who
report their suspicions/allegations provided they acted in good faith and
without malicious intent. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects
whistleblowers from victimisation, discipline or dismissal where they raise
genuine concerns of misconduct or malpractice.
REASONS FOR WHISTLE BLOWING
Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns about
unacceptable practice or behaviour:
to prevent the problem worsening or widening
to protect or reduce risk to others
to prevent becoming implicated yourself
WHAT STOPS PEOPLE FROM WHISTLE BLOWING?
Starting a chain of events
which spirals
Disrupting the work or training
Fear of getting it wrong
Fear of repercussions or damaging careers
Fear of not being believed
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
You should be given
information on the nature and progress of any enquiries
All concerns will be treated in confidence. During the process of
investigating the matter, every effort will be made to keep the identity of
those raising the concern unknown, except to the minimum number of
individuals practicable.
The Surrey County Welfare Officer and the ECB have a responsibility
to protect you from harassment of victimisation
No action will be taken against you if the concern proves to be
unfounded and was raised in good faith
Malicious allegations may be considered a disciplinary offence
Should suspicions be raised via a "tip off", the person receiving the tip
off should attempt to obtain the following information from the informant:-
Name, address and telephone number
Names of individuals involved
The manner of the alleged incident/s or circumstances
Whether they will submit any evidence ( if applicable)
How they became aware of the nature of the allegation
You should not attempt to deal with any allegation or suspicion yourself,
rather inform Surrey’s County Welfare Officer or the ECB Child Protection
Team. DO NOT:-
Inform the person about
whom the concern was raised
Inform any other members, participants or employees
Commence your own investigation
Annotate or remove evidence
Delay in reporting the suspicion
Also never assume:-
"all is well, otherwise it would have been spotted earlier"
" it doesn’t matter" or "no harm will arise"
"ignore it as it is not my responsibility"
WHO DO I TELL
The first person to whom you should report your suspicion or allegation
is the Club Welfare Officer, Pip Clarke @pip.clarke@live.co.uk or by
telephone 07971 084797. If for any reason you cannot or do not wish to
report to the Club Welfare Officer, then please contact either Surrey County
Welfare Officer @ cwo@surreycricket.com ECB Child Protection Team by email
on safeguarding team @ecb.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7432 1200.
Alternatively you can also contact Public Concern at Work on 020 7404
6609 or whistle@pcaw.co.uk
FEEDBACK
The amount of feedback relating to the issue will vary depending on the
nature and result of the investigations. However, where possible, those who
have raised concerns will be kept informed of the progress and eventual
conclusion of the investigations.
Acknowledgements
Brook CC is very grateful for the valuable assistance of the following:
The above policy has been
developed from ‘ ECB("Safe Hands" Crickets Policy for Safeguarding Children)
and the Child Protection in Sport Unit’s Guidance on Whistle blowing
created Jan 11