Our Safeguarding policy is in place to ensure all young participants feel safe when taking part in Squash coaching sessions at our collaborative partner’s facilities.
Onyx Squash Academy acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and England Squash requirements. Our international partners adhere to their Safeguarding rules under their national Squash governing body.
Purpose:
This policy aims to:
- Safeguard young people from harm, neglect, and mistreatment.
- Provide clear guidance on expected conduct and responsibilities for staff, volunteers, participants, and collaborative and international partners.
- Establish procedures for promptly reporting concerns and incidents.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines.
Scope:
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, participants, and stakeholders involved in Onyx Squash Academy activities, including collaborative partners and international partners, both on and off-site.
Key Principles:
- Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, valuing their unique identities and experiences.
- Safety: Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, including implementing appropriate risk assessments and safety measures.
- Confidentiality: Handle safeguarding concerns confidentially and sensitively, sharing information only with those who need to know and following data protection regulations.
- Empowerment: Empower young people to voice any concerns they may have, ensuring they are heard and supported.
Responsibilities:
- Management: The management team is responsible for implementing and reviewing the safeguarding policy, providing appropriate training, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers must familiarise themselves with the policy, adhere to safeguarding procedures, and promptly report any concerns.
- Participants: Participants are encouraged to report safeguarding concerns to a trusted adult or directly to the designated safeguarding officer.
- Collaborative and International Partners: Collaborative and international partners are expected to comply with this safeguarding policy and support its implementation in their respective capacities.
Procedures:
- Recruitment and Training: All staff, volunteers, and collaborative and international partners undergo appropriate background checks and safeguarding training before commencing their roles.
- Risk Assessment: Regular risk assessments are conducted to identify potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate risks to participants.
- Reporting and Responding: Any safeguarding concerns or incidents must be reported to the designated safeguarding officer immediately. The safeguarding officer will follow established procedures for investigation, recording, and escalation as necessary.
- Support and Referral: Individuals affected by safeguarding concerns will receive appropriate support and guidance. Referrals to external agencies will be made where necessary, under legal requirements of the Children’s Act 1989.
Review and Monitoring:
This policy will undergo annual review to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Updates or changes will be communicated to all stakeholders, including collaborative and international partners.
Implementation:
All staff, volunteers, participants, and collaborative and international partners are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and adhere to its principles and procedures at all times.
POLICY BY: Directors of THE ONYX SQUASH ACADEMY
DATE: 17th May 2019 (Updated on 9th February 2024)