Please click on the link at the bottom of the page for Whickham Golf Club's Safeguarding Policy,

Whickham Golf Club has considered its responsibilities to the children participating in golf at our premises and within our club very carefully, and therefore has produced the following child protection policy and accompanying procedures in order to set out the standards we wish to uphold in running activities for children and in safeguarding the welfare of young people in our care.

Whickham Golf Club affiliates to the English Golf Union and the English Women’s Golf Association and our professional coaching staff are all members of the Professional Golfers’ Association, therefore the club recognises the policies of these governing bodies, as set in out in the “Guidelines for Safeguarding Children in Golf” resource Pack.

POLICY STATEMENT
Whickham Golf Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all children (defined as those under 18) involved in golf within the club. All children have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account. Whickham Golf Club will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all children involved with the club through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Management Committee of the club. It is the responsibility of all adults within the club to assist the Management Committee in achieving this endeavour.

POLICY AIMS
• To provide children with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Whickham Golf Club, and also enjoy their experience of the sport
• To reassure parents that their children will receive the best care possible whilst participating in activities with Whickham Golf Club
• To provide support to staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively

PRINCIPLES
• The welfare of children is paramount
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• All staff and volunteers working in sport have a responsibility to report concerns to the Club Welfare Officer
• Adults – staff, volunteers, coaches, referees and members will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of children and young people
• Individuals will receive support through education and training to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light
• Whickham Golf Club will work in partnership with parents to review and implement child protection and welfare procedures

Whickham Golf Club’s policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration:

The Children Act 1989 & 2004
The Protection of Children Act 1999
The Police Act 1997
The Criminal and Court Services Act 2000
The Human Rights Act 1998
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Data Protection Act 1994 & 1998
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused 2005
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006
Caring for the young and vulnerable – Home Office Guidance for preventing the abuse of trust 1999

RESPONSIBILITIES & COMMUNICATION
• The Whickham Golf Club’s Child Protection Policy will be available to all members, parents, staff, volunteers and participants.
• The Policy will be reviewed every three years by the Management Committee, and amended as appropriate. Guidance from golf’s governing bodies will be sought as part of the review process.
• The Management Committee has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including taking any appropriate disciplinary action necessary.
• The Club Welfare Officer has responsibility for responding to any allegations, concerns or child protection incidents, passing information to the appropriate National Governing Body Lead Child Protection Officer and informing the appropriate club staff.
• Parents have a responsibility to work together with the club in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to safeguard themselves.

CONTACTS
Whickham Golf Club Child Welfare Officer, Brian Levey
Whickham Golf Club Junior Organiser, Michael Harrison
NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000