Latest Safeguarding News

CRB Application Forms - Top Tips

CRB ’s ‘Top Tips’ for use when completing the new CRB application form which goes live on the 26th July 2010.

This change is as a result of Registered Body feedback and the CRB have clarified their approach when an applicant is unable to produce the passport / driving licence.

The Top Tips include revised guidance regarding this particular element (sections A20 – A27 within the application form).

Please click here to download Top Tips PDF

For more information, please contact the CRB:

http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk

CSPU Vetting and Barring Scheme Update

Further to the suspension of the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) pending a government review, the CPSU has liaised with key members of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) (and formerly Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and VBS) consultative group. Key messages about the current situation around CRB, ISA and VBS were:

• There is no news at all on terms of reference for the review of the VBS, nor a timescale for when this will be announced. Requests have been made for continuous updating of CRBs and for a portability service.

• The CRB has produced FAQs on the use of the new application form. Requests have been made for electronic guidance and an amendment to the Code of Practice.

• The CRB are in discussions with the ISA about what will happen when autobar and serious offences now show on enhanced level CRB forms as there is currently no guidance on whose reponsibility it is to pass this on to the the ISA.

• The CRB is considering the cost implications for the current format of consultative group meetings and how this could be managed more efficiently.

The CRB will convene a teleconference for chairs of consultative groups within a few days of the announcement about the review of the VBS, and the CPSU will then cascade this information to the sports sector.

Lancashire Safeguarding Children in Sport Group

The Lancashire Safeguarding Children in Sport Group (LSCSG) held their fifth meeting on Tuesday the 16th March 2010

The group has representation from various members of the partnership including Lancashire Constabulary, Local Safeguarding Children Boards, Local Authorities, Health, School Sport Partnerships and National Governing Bodies and has been developed:

• to provide effective communication between sports organisations across Lancashire relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in sport.
• to share good practice within organisations to promote continual improvementand challenge unsafe practice.
• to create links with statutory agencies related to safeguarding children including Lancashire Police, NSPCC, Local Safeguarding Children Boards and the Local Authority Integrated Services.
• Work to establish and implement agreed, consistent minimum safeguarding standards for sports activities across Lancashire.
• Develop awareness raising and training opportunities for staff and volunteers.
• Develop promotional literature and awareness raising campaigns, through partner agencies.
• Develop Vulnerable Adults procedures when national policy is made available.

The minutes from the latest meeting can be downloaded below. If you would like further information regarding the Lancashire Safeguarding Children in sport Group or if you are interested in becoming a member of the group please contact Mark Stephenson by email: mstephenson@lancashiresport.org.uk or by calling 01254 584012.

Video clips from the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit

The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit are excited to announce the publication of a number of video learning resources to help anyone involved in sports activities with children and young people - including coaches, volunteer helpers, activity organisers, management committees, participants and parents.

The aim is to ensure that children and young people take part in sports activities in an environment that makes their welfare the top priority - so they can stay safe, enjoy and achieve.

The videos relate to a range of safeguarding and child protection situations and issues that commonly arise in sports settings, and provide advice and guidance about how to respond to them.

These films will give you examples of what you and your club or organisation need to do to safeguard the children and young people you work with.

They feature both club and school settings, but the messages in them apply to everyone who works with children and young people in sport – professionals and volunteers in any role, any sport or activity and at any venue or site.

Please click here do download the selection of videos.

Cyber Bullying Posters Designed by Lancaster Central High School Pupils

As part of anti-bullying week pupils from CentralLancashireHigh School were asked by Lancashire Sport Partnership to design a poster for a Safeguarding Children in Sport E-Toolkit highlighting anti-bullying in particularly Cyber Bullying.

The posters were designed in art lessons by years seven, eight and nine with pupils showing a range of skills from drawing though to ICT.

Three winning posters will be used by Lancashire Sport Partnership to promote anti bullying through the Lancashire Safeguarding in Sport E-Toolkit which will be used by local clubs and organizations throughout the county.

Sport Unlimited Safeguarding Toolkit Now Live

Sport England and the Child Protection in Sport Unit are please to announce that the Sport Unlimited Safeguarding Toolkit is now live!

The Sport Unlimited Safeguarding Support Toolkit intended to help ensure that all children and young people engaged in Sport Unlimited activities are effectively safeguarded by:

• identifying and supporting the implementation of safeguarding measures that all Sport Unlimited (SU) deliverers are required to have in place
• clarifying the safeguarding roles and responsibilities of all organisations involved in the commissioning or delivery of SU activities (County Sport Partnerships (CSPs), other commissioning bodies and activity deliverers),with reference to the SU safeguarding criteria
• providing guidance, tools, examples and templates to support the development, implementation and review of safeguarding practice by activity providers that reflect the needs of the organisation
• assisting activity providers to move from the minimum safeguarding standards towards excellence
• providing good practice examples of ways in which CSPs are working with and monitoring SU partners to ensure the application of the safeguarding criteria at delivery level
• complementing the High Quality Community Sport for Young People publication: High quality community sport for young people: operational standards and guidance for organisations who do not have a recognised club accreditation standard (PDF, 792KB) .

CSPs, their partners and activity providers can access the toolkit online. The toolkit has hyperlinks to signpost the reader to useful information and guidance both within the toolkit and on other organisations’ websites. The document and the supplementary material can also be printed if required.

The toolkit will be continually updated to respond to the needs of users, who will be encouraged to submit examples of best practice. The CPSU will administer the online toolkit and upload additional documents and materials.

For further information please click here.