1. Safeguarding Policy

Skateboard Jersey acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Skateboard Jersey requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children
– have a positive and enjoyable experience of skateboarding in a safe and child centred environment
– are protected from abuse whilst participating in Skateboarding by Skateboard Jersey
Skateboard Jersey acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people 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.
As part of our safeguarding policy Skateboard Jersey will
– promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults
– ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults
– ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
– ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
– prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
– ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Skateboard Jersey. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed within a year after development (next review to be completed by 22MAR25), and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
– changes in legislation and/or government guidance
– as required by the Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board, Jersey Sport, Skateboard GB and/or the Children and Families Hub (gov.je).
– as a result of any other significant change or event.

2. Good Practice, Poor Practice & Abuse

It can be difficult to distinguish poor practice from abuse, whether intentional or accidental. It is not the responsibility of any individual involved in skateboarding to make judgements regarding whether or not abuse is taking place, however, all Skateboard Jersey personnel have the responsibility to recognise and identify poor practice and potential abuse, and act on this if they have concerns as explained in section 3.

3. Responding to Suspicions and Allegations of Abuse

Although most cases of child abuse take place within the family setting, abuse can and does occur outside of that setting, which may include whilst skateboarding.
– It is essential that all allegations are taken seriously, and appropriate action is taken.
– It is not your responsibility to decide if child abuse is taking place.
– It is your responsibility to report your concerns to the Skateboard Jersey Safeguarding Lead Officer no matter how trivial the concern may appear.
– Not acting is not an option.

4. People responsible for safeguarding in Safeguarding

As outlined elsewhere in this document everyone involved in skateboarding has a duty to act if they have a concern about a child. There are a variety of actions that can be taken. As a minimum the person concerned should contact the Skateboard Jersey Safeguarding Lead Officer for help and guidance on how to progress their concerns.

5. Recruiting and Selecting People to work with Children

Anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and it is important that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies to anyone whether voluntary or paid who is going to have significant access to children or their contact information. The steps that should be taken are the same for volunteers or employees. 

6. Awareness and Training

Training should be provided for staff and volunteers on the policy, procedures and professional practices that are in place and commensurate with their responsibilities in the children protection process. Training should take place at all levels of Skateboard Jersey to ensure that procedures are carried out consistently, it should also be considered as a continuing responsibility to ensure safeguarding knowledge is up to date.

7. Key Contact Details

Call 999 in any emergency.
To contact Skateboard Jersey’s Welfare Officer, please call Simon Pingree, +44 (0) 7797770297.
To contact the Children and Families Hub (gov.je), please call +44 (0) 1534 519000 or email childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je