ANTI-BULLYING POLICY 


Neston Cricket Club hockey section (Neston South Wirral) adopts England Hockey’s Anti-bullying Policy and works in accordance with the following statement: 


Introduction:


Neston South Wirral is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all young people involved in hockey are free from bullying. 


Obligations:


Everyone within Neston South Wirral must act in accordance with the general principles in England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy and the principles set out in this anti-bullying policy. 


How England Hockey will help:


England Hockey is committed to supporting its affiliated clubs and associations to implement policies through the provision of appropriate access to education and training, and supporting documentation.  


England Hockey is also committed to ensuring that concerns relating to bullying of young people in hockey are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly and appropriately.  To achieve this, England Hockey has developed procedures for reporting concerns.  England Hockey may refer concerns to the relevant statutory agencies, instigate proceedings under its own Safeguarding and Protecting of Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations or refer the matter to a club or association for resolution as appropriate. 


Bullying:


Bullying is anything that is done with the intention of hurting or intimidating, frightening or upsetting another person.  Bullying is not always physical but it results in distress to the victim.  Instances of bullying can occur not only between young people but also from adult to young person. 


Bullying can be:


  1. •Emotional persistently being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, threatening gestures


  2. •Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence


  3. •Racist   racial taunts or language, graffiti, gestures


  4. •Sexual  unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments


  5. •Homophobic because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality


  6. •Verbal  name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing


 


 


It should be noted that bullying may not only occur through face to face contact.  Increasingly, bullying may occur through other forms of communication e.g. internet, email and text messaging. 


Principles:


  1. •Everyone within Neston South Wirral should have an understanding of what bullying is and of England Hockey’s anti-bullying policy.


  2. •Bullying of any kind is not acceptable in hockey and should not be tolerated by anyone, in particular any organisation providing hockey opportunities for young people


  3. •Neston South Wirral wishes to promote a TELLING culture and anyone who knows, or suspects, that bullying is happening must take the matter seriously, and report it in line with England Hockey Reporting Procedures.


  4. •Any incident or concern of bullying must be acted upon swiftly.


 



  
POLICY ON THE USE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU (CRB) DISCLOSURES 


Introduction


      England Hockey is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all young people to participate in hockey.  It is important that people with a history of relevant and significant offending are prevented from contact with/responsibility for young people and do not have the opportunity to influence policies or practice in relation to them.


      The use of Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks can assist with safeguarding young people in hockey at the point of recruitment.  CRB checks can also be used retrospectively, where necessary, to assist with ensuring a safe and positive environment in hockey.  Use of CRB checks will therefore form part of the assessment of a person’s suitability to work with young people in hockey.


      This policy should be read in conjunction with England Hockey’s Recruitment and Retention Policy, England Hockey’s Recruitment Policy for Ex-offenders and England Hockey’s Policy on Secure Storage, Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of CRB information. 


Enhanced checks


An Enhanced disclosure will contain information about criminal offences including convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.  It will detail ALL previous convictions etc. including those usually regarded as “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and ‘Barring List’ decisions.   


Obligations


Everyone within Neston South Wirral must act in accordance with the general principles in England Hockey’s general Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy and the principles set out in this policy for use of CRB checks.


In addition, Neston South Wirral adopts and implements a policy on:


  1. •Use of CRB checks in accordance with the general principles in England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy, and in accordance with this Policy on the Use of CRB checks and supporting good practice guidance


  2. •England Hockey Policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders


  3. •England Hockey Policy on the secure storage, handling, use, retention and disposal of CRB information


 


How England Hockey can help


England Hockey is committed to supporting its affiliated clubs and associations to implement policies through the provision of appropriate access to education and training, and supporting documentation.  


England Hockey is an Umbrella Body for CRB checks.  This means that England Hockey will facilitate CRB checks for all affiliated clubs and associations through the England Hockey CRB Service.  England Hockey will provide advice to clubs where the CRB check reveals disclosed information, and this must be followed.  Clubs and associations should note that they will remain responsible for all other aspects of the recruitment process. 


England Hockey is also committed to ensuring that concerns relating to the use of CRB checks in hockey are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly and appropriately. To achieve this, England Hockey has developed procedures for reporting concerns.  England Hockey may refer concerns to the relevant statutory agencies, instigate proceedings under its own Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations or refer the matter to a club or association for resolution as appropriate. 


England Hockey may instigate proceedings under its Safeguarding and Protecting of Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations where affiliated clubs and associations fail to adopt, implement or act in accordance with relevant policies.  England Hockey may also require an individual against whom an investigation is proceeding under the Safeguarding and Protecting of Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations, to undergo a CRB check as part of the investigation. 



 
Principles


  1. •Neston South Wirral have an understanding of the use of CRB Checks in hockey and its relation to good practice in recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers, and know what England Hockey’s policy is on CRB checks.


  2. •In accordance with England Hockey’s policy on recruitment, selection and retention of persons with access to young people, when recruiting to a position involving access to young people an Enhanced CRB check must be undertaken through England Hockey’s CRB Service. Neston South Wirral will refer to the good practice guidance on recruitment for roles requiring a CRB check.


  3. •In line with CRB policy and sports industry standard practice, Neston South Wirral will not recognise CRB Checks obtained through organisations other than England Hockey.


  4. •Neston South Wirral will comply with the CRB Code of Practice.  England Hockey will assist clubs in compliance through relevant documentation and good practice guidance.  Copies of the CRB Code of Practice will be made available to clubs and associations.


  5. •For a position where a CRB check will be required, all application forms, job adverts and related documents issued by affiliated clubs and associations must contain a statement that a check will be requested in the event of the individual being offered the position.


  6. •Given the potentially sensitive nature of information contained on CRB checks, all those involved in the process must maintain confidentiality in accordance with the CRB Code of Practice.  Breach of this condition may result in disciplinary action being taken in accordance with England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting of Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations.


  7. •Should a CRB disclosure reveal any history of offending, England Hockey will assess whether the offences are relevant and significant.  All decisions taken will be in the best interests of young people and will balance the relevance and significance of the offence and rehabilitation of the offender in relation to the role they are undertaking.  England Hockey will advise the individual and the club or organisation of the outcome of this assessment process.  This advice MUST BE followed.


  8. •England Hockey will ensure that all those involved in the process of decision making regarding the relevance of CRB disclosed information will be trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences.  They should also have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


  9. •Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an individual from working or volunteering in hockey.  This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of their offences.  Factors that may be taken into account would include:


    1. •Whether the information received is relevant to the position they are applying for in relation to working with young people


    2. •The seriousness of any offence or other matter


    3. •The age of the person at the time of the offence


    4. •The age of the victim involved and whether the offence was violent or sexual in nature


    5. •The length of time since the offence or other matter occurred


    6. •Whether the applicant has a pattern of offending behaviour or other relevant matters


    7. •Whether the offences involved a breach of trust


    8. •Whether the applicant’s circumstances have changed since the offending behaviour or other relevant matters


    9. •The circumstances surrounding the offence and the explanations offered


  10.  


All decisions will be made in good faith whilst recognising that the welfare of young people remains paramount.


  1. •England Hockey will work with other relevant organisations to ensure that decisions are made according to best practice in the use of evidence and research in this field.


  2. •On receipt of CRB information regarding significant and relevant offending or other matters, England Hockey may initiate proceedings under its Safeguarding Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations.


  3. •Any information provided to England Hockey by the CRB will be accepted as correct.  Any dispute regarding information contained on a CRB check should be referred by the individual directly to the CRB.


 



 Further information on the CRB and their services can be obtained from the CRB website at www.crb.gov.uk
England Hockey will make this policy available in other formats on request. 


POLICY STATEMENT ON THE RECRUITMENT OF EX-OFFENDERS 


STATEMENT ON THE RECRUITMENT OF EX-OFFENDERS


It is a requirement of the Criminal Record Bureau’s Code of Practice that Neston South Wirral as a registered user of the England Hockey Umbrella Body Disclosure Service must treat Disclosure applicants who have a criminal record fairly and do not discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed. 


It also obliges Neston South Wirral to have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, and the following has been adopted: 


Policy statement


  1. 1.As an organisation using the England Hockey Umbrella Body Disclosure Service to help assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Neston South Wirral undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly.  It undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.


  2. 2.Neston South Wirral is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff or users of its services, regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, political opinion or affiliation, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability, or disadvantages by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.


  3. 3.The existence of this policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is made known to applicants for positions of trust at the outset of the recruitment process.


  4. 4.Neston South Wirral promotes equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcomes applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records.


  5. 5.A Disclosure is only requested if proportionate and relevant to the position concerned.  For those positions where a Disclosure is required, this will be made known to applicants at the start of the recruitment process.


  6. 6.Where a Disclosure is to form part of the recruitment process, applicants will be asked to provide details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process.  This information will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process.


  7. 7.Unless the nature of the position allows Neston South Wirral to ask questions about your entire criminal record, we only ask about ‘unspent’ convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


  8. 8.Where information regarding an applicant’s criminal record may be considered relevant to a recruitment decision, advice will be sought from appropriate England Hockey staff.


  9. 9.Applicants asked to be the subject of a CRB Disclosure will be made aware by England Hockey of the existence of the CRB Code of Practice and can receive a copy on request, or via the website www.disclosure.gov.uk


  10. 10.Any relevant matters revealed in a Disclosure will in most instances be discussed with the person seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of appointment.


 


Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for Neston South Wirral.  This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences. 
 
 
 
 



  
POLICY ON THE TAKING / USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC/RECORDED IMAGES OF YOUNG PEOPLE 


Neston South Wirral adopts England Hockey’s policy for the taking and use of Photographic and Recorded Images of Young People:


Neston South Wirral does not wish to prevent parents or other spectators being able to take legitimate photographs or recorded images.  Use of recorded images can also be a valuable coaching aid.  However, Neston South Wirral is committed to providing a safe environment for young people under the age of 18.  Included in this commitment is ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect young people from the inappropriate use of their images in resources and media publications, on the internet, and elsewhere. 


Photographic and recorded images can be used as a means of identifying young people if accompanied by personal information.  This has the potential to make a young person vulnerable to individuals seeking to ‘groom’ young people for abuse.  Additionally, images can be used or adapted for inappropriate use.  There is evidence of adapted sporting images being used on websites displaying images of child abuse. 


This policy covers the following key areas:


  1. •The taking and/or publishing of photographic and recorded images of young people


  2. •The use of photographic or record image equipment at hockey events


  3. •The use of photographic or recorded image equipment as a coaching aid


 


Photographic or recorded images:


This includes images or recorded images using a camera, digital camera, video recorder, mobile phone or Personal Digital Assistant devices (PDA). 


Obligations under this policy:


Everyone within Neston South Wirral must act in accordance with the general principles in England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy and the principles set out in this policy for taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people.


In addition, Neston South Wirral adopts and implements this policy relating to the taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people in hockey, in accordance with the general principles in England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy, and in accordance with this particular policy and principles together with the supporting good practice guidance.  


How England Hockey will help:


England Hockey is committed to supporting its affiliated clubs and associations to implement policies through the provision of appropriate access to education and training, and supporting documentation.



 England Hockey is also committed to ensuring that concerns relating to the misuse of photographic or recorded images of young people in hockey are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly and appropriately.  To achieve this, England Hockey has developed procedures for reporting concerns.  England Hockey may refer concerns to the relevant statutory agencies, instigate proceedings under its own Safeguarding and Protecting of Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations, or refer the matter to a club or association for resolution as appropriate.
Principles:


  1. •Everyone within Neston South Wirral should have an understanding of the issues relating to taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people and what England Hockey’s policy is on this.


  2. •Parents and young people have a right to decide whether young people’s images are to be made, and how those images may be used.


  3. •In accordance with good practice guidance for hockey activities and events, parents and young people must provide written consent for young people’s images to be taken and used.  There may be legitimate reasons for denying consent i.e. subject to legal restrictions.


  4. •A registration process should be used for photographers in accordance with the good practice guidance on photography and recorded images.  This will help deter those wishing to take photographs or recorded images for inappropriate use.


  5. •- Participants and parents/carers must be informed when a photographer will be attending an event.


  6. •- Permission will only be granted after the Event Registration Form is completed. 


  7. •- Photographers will be required to have formal identification which must be worn at all times.


  8. •Young people’s images will not be used for promotional or press releases unless parents/carers have consented.


  9. •In the case of images used on websites, particular care must be taken to ensure that no identifying details facilitate contact with a young person by a potential abuser. Personal details which might make a young person vulnerable, for example, address, email address, phone number, should never be revealed


  10. •Images should convey the best principles and aspects of hockey, such as fairness and fun.


  11. •When assessing the potential risks in the use of images of players, the most important factor is the potential of inappropriate use of images of young people.  Care should be taken to ensure that images are not sexual or exploitative in nature, nor open to obvious misinterpretation and misuse.


  12. •Unsupervised access to participants or one-to-one photo sessions is prohibited.


  13. •Photo sessions outside the event or at a participant’s home are not allowed.


  14. •All images of young people should be securely stored to avoid inappropriate use.


  15. •Where used for coaching purposes, players and their parents should be made aware that this is part of


  16. •   the coaching programme and be clear of the purpose of filming as a coaching aid.


    1. •Suspected inappropriate taking of photographic or recorded images should be challenged and reported.


    2. •No one is permitted to photograph or record images in the changing areas or toilet areas.


  17. •Any concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography / filming reported to, or observed by, the event organiser must be followed up by them with the person in question. If concerns persist, this person can be requested to leave the event.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     



  
 
REGISTRATION FORM FOR THE USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC OR RECORDED IMAGE EQUIPMENT AT HOCKEY EVENTS 


This form should be completed by anyone wishing to take photographs or record images at any Neston South Wirral hockey event. 


Title:


Surname:


First Name(s):


 


 


 


 


Home address:


 


 


 


POST CODE:


 


Daytime phone number:


Evening phone number:


Email address:


 


 


 


 


I wish to take photographs or record images during the course of the season.  I agree to abide by the guidelines laid down by England Hockey and confirm that the photographs or recorded images will only be used in an appropriate manner. 


Please describe below how photographs or recorded images will be used:


 


 


I acknowledge that if it is deemed that any photographs or recorded images are used inappropriately, this may result in me being unable to use photographic equipment at hockey events in the future and/or disciplinary action. 


Signed:


 


 


Print Name:


 


Date:


 


 


Neston Cricket Club