· Child Protection ·

Introduction
The club has in place a child protection policy, a copy of which maybe downloaded below. A policy is however of little use on its own, and as such the club has an appointed child protection officer and two additional contacts, who should be the people you make initial contact with should you have any queries or concerns.

Policy Statememnt

"Cardiff Canoe Club is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people."

We do this by:

• Recognising that all children have the right to freedom from abuse.
• Ensuring that all our volunteers and staff are carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.
• Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse, and providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
• Appointing a Child Protection Officer who will take specific responsibility for child protection and act as a main point of contact for parents, children and outside agencies.
• Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Child Protection Officer or the appropriate external agencies.
• Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy and activities anually.

• Download a copy of the clubs Child Protection Policy Statement

Child Protection Officer and Contacts
The following members of the club have kindly aggreed to take on the role of the child protection team within the club:

What to do if you suspect abuse
If you are concerned that a child is being abused or inappropriate behaviour is being used toward or around them then you should immediately get in touch with one of the people shown above who can then undertake the appropriate measures to deal with the situation. You can be assured that any concerns will be taken seriously and delt with swiftly and professionally in a confidential manner.

If you are being abused or are concerned
If you feel that you are being abused or somebody within the club is acting inappropriately toward you then you should speak to one of the people listed above or else another responsible adult that you feel comfortable speaking to, either inside or outside of the club. They can then take the step of contacting the child protection officers within the club. The important thing is that you tell somebody so that something can be done to help and that it will not happen to more people.

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
The NSPCC runs a 24 hour freephone help line for any matters relating to child protection. If you have any concerns then you can speak to somebody confidentially by phoning .