Safeguarding Policy

We are committed to making sure that all under 18 players and other young people at our matches enjoy a safe and positive experience.

We will do this by -

1. Recognising that all players, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability have the right to have fun and be protected from harm,

2. Providing a welcoming, safe and enjoyable experience,

3. Adopting and implementing the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” where these are applicable to SOA activities, and any future versions

4.  Appointing welfare officers who will attend the training modules required by the ECB.

We will make sure that -

1.  All SOA Officers and Match Managers understand how the “Safe Hands Policy” applies to them.

2.  All SOA Officers and Match Managers follow good practice and the guidelines for good conduct defined by the ECB and the club.

3.  The name and contact details of club welfare officers are readily available 

   • as the first point of contact for parents, young players and volunteers 

   • as a source of  advice on procedures 

   • as the main contact in the club for the County Welfare Officer and the ECB safeguarding team 

   • as the main point of contact for external agencies.

4. If a club welfare officer is unavailable, or the concern applies to a club welfare officer, a County (OCB) Welfare Officer should be contacted.

5. We have correct and comprehensive reporting procedures for raising and managing child safeguarding  concerns.

6. Concerns and allegations are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

7. Confidential information on child safeguarding matters will be restricted to those who need to know in order to safeguard children. This is likely to include the Club Welfare Officer, and appropriate external authorities such as the Local Authority Designated Officer, as specified in ECB child safeguarding procedures.

8. Any under 18’s on the Western Tour will have an appropriate nominated officer available to them to assist with wellbeing and in the event of any concern needing to be raised by the junior.

9. Contact details for members will be redacted for under 18 members, their parental contact numbers and email will be used by club officers instead.

If you have any concerns or issues you would like to report or discuss regarding child welfare, please contact Lesley Pykett (SOA Welfare Officer) lesleypykett@btinternet.com  Tel: 07762 572558 or an SOA Club Officer.