Managing Concerns Policy
Bapchild Cricket Club – Managing Concerns Policy
This policy provides guidance on what to do if you have a concern about a child, adult or about the behaviour of an adult in cricket.
The expectation is simple:
If you have a concern, you must share it. Taking no action may leave a child or children at risk of harm and is not an option.
There are three steps involved in taking appropriate action.
These are known as the three R’s : Respond – Record – Report
Respond to the concern or allegation (stay calm, reassure, listen)
Record the relevant information (make notes)
Report the relevant information (share your concerns)
Reasons for taking appropriate action to report / share concerns:
There may be a number of reasons why an individual may have a concern. These include:
Something a child has said.
Possible signs or suspicions of abuse.
Something somebody else has said.
Allegations made against a member of staff or volunteer *BE AWARE – allegations are often made as ‘complaints’. If you hear a complaint which raises concerns about a child or children, treat it initiallyas an allegation or safeguarding concern.
Something you have seen including online.
Allegations made about a parent, carer or someone not working within the sport.
Bullying.
Breach of code of conduct/poor practice.
Observation of inappropriate or worrying behaviour.
A feeling that something is not right.
This is not a definitive list – IF IN DOUBT, SHARE YOUR CONCERN
Step 1 – Responding to disclosure, suspicions and/or allegations
Anyone responding to disclosure, suspicions and/or allegations must always:
Stay calm; do not show disgust or disbelief.
Ensure the child is safe and feels safe.
Listen carefully to what is said.
Ask questions only where they are really necessary to clarify what you are being told. (Always avoid asking leading questions)
Keep an open mind – do not make assumptions or judgments, show disgust or disbelief.
Take the concern seriously.
Reassure the child and stress that they are not to blame.
Be honest and explain you will have to tell someone else to help with the situation. (Do not agree to keep secrets between you and the child)
Maintain confidentiality – only tell others if it will help protect the child.
Always consult someone else (the person in charge or the designated safeguarding officer) so you can begin to protect the child and gain support for yourself
Never:
Approach any alleged abuser to discuss the concern.
Rush into actions that may be inappropriate.
Make promises you cannot keep.
Take sole responsibility. Always consult someone else (the person in charge or the designated safeguarding officer) so you can begin to protect the child and gain support for yourself
Step 2 – Recording the incident
Information maybe passed to the ECB, children’s social care, police and/or the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) and must be as helpful as possible, which is why it is important to make a detailed record at the time of the disclosure/concern. The ECB Incident Reporting Form (which can be found in the Safehands Kit Bag or on the Club Website under Safeguarding) should be used wherever possible.
Information recorded must include the following:
Details of the child including full name, age/date of birth, address and gender
Details of the parent or guardian and whether they have been informed or not.
Details of the facts of the allegation or observations.
Details of the person alleged to have caused the incident/injury including the name, address and
date of birth or their approximate age.
A description of any visible bruising or other injuries.
The child’s account, if it can be given, of what happened and how.
Witnesses to the incident(s).
Any times, dates or other relevant information.
A clear distinction between what is (known to be) fact, opinion or hearsay.
A signature, date and time on the report.
Step 3 – Reporting
Please remember : It is everyone’s duty to report suspected cases of abuse or concern to protect children. It is for the professionals to decide if abuse or neglect has taken place.
The ECB Reporting Structure
The principle strand of the “Safe Hands” safeguarding policy is the provision of an appropriate mechanism to provide correct, and comprehensive, reporting procedures for concerns. The ECB has a reporting framework which operates on three levels.
The primary level involves the Club Safeguarding Officer or Deputy Safeguarding Officer at Local
Level ie. at the Club
Supporting the Club Safeguarding Officers is a County Safeguarding Officer (County SO) who is appointed by, and accountable to, the County Cricket Board. There is a County Safeguarding Officer for each of the ECB’s County Cricket Boards.
Supporting the County Safeguarding Officer is the ECB Safeguarding Team, part of the ECB’s Integrity Unit
In the first instance :
Share your concern with the Club’s Safeguarding Officer/Deputy Safeguarding Officer.
If he or she is not available, or it is not appropriate to share the concern with them, speak to the County Safeguarding Officer.
If that is not possible, contact the ECB safeguarding Team.
If you believe a child may be in danger, or if a crime may have been committed – do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Services.
Safeguarding reporting structure within cricket ECB Safeguarding Team:
Club Safeguarding Officer/Deputy Safeguarding Officer
↓
County Safeguarding Officer
↓
ECB Safeguarding Team
CONTACTS
Club Safeguarding Officer – Mel Hawkes
Email: meljhawkes@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 07875047714
Deputy Safeguarding Officer – James Sutton
Email: suttonjames111649@gmail.com
Tel: 07789957685
Kent County Safeguarding Officer – Bridget Owen
email: bridget.owen@kentcricket.co.uk
Tel: 07807 026247
ECB Safeguarding Team
email: safeguarding@ecb.co.uk
Tel: 0207 432 1200
Date Completed: 15th February 2023
Completed by: Mel Hawkes/Club Safeguarding Officer
Date of Last Review: 5th July 2024