Thank you for taking time to visit the Northern Ireland Sports Forum’s (NISF) Safeguarding section. This section was developed by the NISF in partnership with the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit
NISF Executive Board have agreed the following Policy and Mission Statement on Safeguarding
NISF Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding Young People in Sport
Safeguarding Children and Young People is a responsibility of all those who come into contact with them. The Northern Ireland Sport’s Forum is committed to promoting best practice which safeguards children and young people and as part of an organisations membership with NISF we will require those registering for membership to sign up to the following statement.
Members Statement
“This Organisation is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the organisation should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organisation and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport (Sport NI 2006).
What Organisations/club’s Should Do
Sport is an every-day activity for many children and makes a significant contribution to their well being and development. All sports clubs have a duty to safeguard children from abuse within their sport. They also have a role in recognising and responding to concerns that a child may be being harmed within another setting, such as the family home. By encouraging all clubs to implement the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport the NISF believes that everyone in children’s sport will benefit – children, parents/guardians and leaders.
To assist your organisation/club in developing a culture where a child can feel safe and a parent / guardian knows that your organisation/club prioritises the welfare of their child, NISF would encourage you to complete the following self audit this is based on the 6 Standards set out in “Getting it Right” a DHSSPS document setting out standards of best practice which include;
• Recruitment and selection
• Effective Management of Staff and Volunteers
• Reporting Guidelines that are communicated to all involved in the club
• Code of Behaviour
• Sharing Information
• General Safety and Management of Activities
To view the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards in Sport which will help clubs review their own procedures please see the download box under the image.
For further information or advice please contact; Paul Stephenson
Child Protection in Sport Unit
NSPCC, Jennymount Court, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN
Tel 028 90 351135 pstephenson@nspcc.org.uk
www.thecpsu.org.uk