ETHICS COMPLIANCE AND SAFEGUARDING
You’ve Got Questions—We’ve Got Answers
WHO DO CROWBOROUGH WOLFE BOWLS CLUB HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO IN RESPECT OF OUR ETHICS, COMPLIANCE AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY?
It is through Bowls England (the English National Governing Body), the English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd and the Bowls Development Alliance who we recognise as working jointly to safeguard all those who participate in the sport of flat green bowls. Other countries in the United Kingdom have similar National Governing Bodies responding to the needs of the Bowls Development Alliance (often referred to as the Safeguarding Bowls Group).
WHY ARE THE BOWLS DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE (BDA) THE LEAD AUTHORITY FOR SAFEGUARDING?
The Safeguarding Bowls Group encourage all Clubs and County Associations to have Ethics / Compliance / Safeguarding Officers who are experienced or trained in good governance practices to raise awareness. The BDA offer the support for those holding the roles and responsibilities of this position and the process to follow if concerns are raised. The training is managed by the Bowls Development Alliance in partnership with NGB's (e.g. Bowls England), the English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd, English Short Mat Bowling Association, English Bowling Federation and the British Crown Green Bowling Association.
WHY IS THIS NEEDED?
As part of the overall funding agreement from Sport England to NGB's and the BDA, all sports must complete several standards to show they are committed to ensuring their sport is safe. The BDA was awarded the Advanced Safeguarding Standard in November 2016, and this is therefore a natural extension of the necessary requirements to County and affiliated club levels. The CWBC Policy is there to support the committee and membership on the rare occasion where there may be an incident, and with a process that is very clear for everyone to follow.
WHY DOES CROWBOROUGH WOLFE BOWLS CLUB HAVE A DETAILED POLICY?
The policy has been designed to mirror the requirements of the BDA, reflecting the four organisations commitment to ensuring that the sport provides a safe environment for all people to play. The policy clearly outlines the processes that need to be gone through if a situation arises where anyone may be at risk and provides advice on support that is available and who needs to be informed. The policy is not just aimed at clubs with juniors it is also there for clubs that work closely with adults, those who are vulnerable or who have disabilities, or those who are known to be at risk. We are really proud to be a "disabled / disadvantaged friendly club". Our policy and associated documents will be reviewed on a regular basis due to the many changes in legislation that occur, and the latest copies always made available through the committee to its members.
WHY DO WE CALL THIS "ETHICS, COMPLIANCE AND SAFEGUARDING"?
Guidelines have been developed for clubs on aspects of safeguarding. Previously, the role was called "Bowls Club Welfare Officer" or "Child Protection Officer”, although this has been expanded to address many more areas of potential concern, and instil practices of good governance feeding into Local and County-wide Safeguarding Boards.
DO YOU YOU HAVE PUBLISHED POLICIES ?
Yes - you will find our Privacy Policy together with our Ethics, Safeguarding and Compliance Policy Statement (and policy) below.
We have sought to cover any eventualities that would normally occur, but these are regularly revisited and updated where necessary.
CLUB AND GREEN SAFETY
Whether you are a club member, or a guest visiting for the first time, we have a responsibility for your safety. Safety always remains a key responsibility for all, and the club committee / coaches will always seek to guide you in order to be able to attend and play bowls safely. If you are a guest (as opposed to a member of a visiting club), there are additional considerations and measures required, such as recording your visit in our records and ensuring that you are fit for play (including the correct equipment / shoes etc.)
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS ?
Our Ethics, Compliance and Safeguarding Officer is Nic Bishop.
You can contact him at crowboroughwolfebc@gmail.com
