Policies

  • This privacy policy explains how we use any personal information we collect about you when you use our website. Our privacy policy may be updated at any time. Please check back here to review any changes.

    What information do we hold?
    We collect information about you when you visit our website for the first time, and when you interact with our pages. We also collect information when you voluntarily complete our contact and/or booking form and submit enquiries. Website usage information is collected using cookies.

    How do we use it and why?
    We use your information collected from the website to personalise your repeat visits to our website and to help us understand what does and doesn't work on our website. We'll use information you submit through our contact and/or booking form to help you with your specific enquiry. Under the GDPR we must establish a legal basis for processing your personal data and let you know what this is. It is in The Pythian Club’s interest to process your personal data for the outline above. This processing shouldn't impact on you negatively and is necessary for our website to function correctly.

    Who do we share it with?
    We use several different third-party services to process your data, which allow us to give you the best possible experience. If we do want to collect personally identifiable information through our website, we will be up front about this. We always make clear when we collect personal information and explain what we intend to do with it. We can't take responsibility for the behaviour of sites linked to or from our website. You should consult their individual privacy policies for more information.

    Cookies
    Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. This information is used to track visitor use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity. For further information visit http://www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org. You can set your browser not to accept cookies and the above websites tell you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases some of our website features may not function as a result.

    Embedded content
    Sometimes we'll embed content in our pages that we don't control or operate. This is common for social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. When you interact with these elements, which are always marked clearly by a third-party’s logo, you've not interacted with our website but instead the service embedded, and we can't guarantee what data is collected.

    Search engine
    Our website search is powered by Google. Search queries and results are logged anonymously to help us improve our website and search functionality. No user-specific data is collected by either us or any third party.

    Google Analytics
    We use a third-party service, Google Analytics, to collect standard internet log information and details of visitor behaviour patterns. We do this to find out things such as the number of visitors to various parts of the site. This information is only processed in a way which does not identify anyone. We do not make, and do not allow Google to make, any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting our website.

    Squarespace
    Squarespace host our website and content management system. We'd only ever give them personal information if it was strictly necessary to fix specific faults or errors, and we ensure no data is kept or copied.

    How long do we keep your data?
    Personally identifiable data that's used at a top level for the maintenance and upkeep of the website is held in your browser in the form of cookies, which you have control over. You may delete them at any time. Data collected through contact and/or booking forms, and enquiries will be held for a variable amount of time depending on exactly what it's being used for, but it'll usually be in line with our retention policy. We'll always tell you at the point when this data is going to be collected if it's not in line with our retention policy.

    Where can I get more information?
    If you have any questions about the website, please contact support@thepythianclub.co.uk.

    We will keep this privacy notice under regular review and will place any updates on this web page.

    Last updated on 11/02/2024.

  • Safeguarding Children Policy

    Last reviewed: March 2024

    Procedure in event of a safeguarding incident

    Before in-depth details of this policy, the procedure below provides the immediate actions required for The Pythian Club (TPC) staff and volunteer/s to follow in the event of a safeguarding incident or disclosure.

    1. Record to be made by the first contact (call 999 if immediate risk of danger)

    2. Call and speak to the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) - Benjamin Rosser, CEO, 07731 350 627, benjamin@thepythianclub.co.uk

    3. Name the person by phone

    4. To comply with GDPR, anonymise the person’s name when communicating to DSL via email (recommendation to initial)

    5.  DSL will complete the required form

    6. A record will be saved, password protected and shared amongst the DSLs. 

    7.  The DSL then agrees the action plan for the particular case, following urgent escalation if required in an emergency (call 999 if immediate risk of danger)

    8.  Call made to the appropriate multi-agency hub (see 3.3 to 3.8). In the unlikely event of DSL not being available, this action must be taken by the staff member or volunteer. 

    9. To establish which Authority to contact if you are unsure if the person is from Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, use either 

     

    1.  Introduction

    1.1.     This document is the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy for The Pythian Club (TPC) which will be followed by all members of the organisation and followed and promoted by those in the position of leadership within the organisation.

    1.2.     Individual agencies are responsible for ensuring that their employees are competent and confident in carrying out their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.

    1.3.     The purpose of the organisation is to disseminate reliable, unbiased information on the global climate and ecological crisis; enable individuals from all parts of society to participate in informed discussions about how to respond to the crisis both personally and communally; contribute to the present and future well-being of communities and of the natural world in Greater Nottingham and beyond.

    1.4.     We know that young people can be vulnerable to abuse by adults. The purpose of this policy is to make sure that the actions of any adult in the context of the work carried out by the organisation are transparent and safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people.

    1.5        Principles upon which the Safeguarding Children Policy is based:

    • Children have a right to be safe and should be protected from all forms of    abuse and neglect;

    • Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility;

    • It is better to help children as early as possible, before issues escalate and become more damaging;

    • Children and families are best supported and protected when there is a coordinated response from all relevant agencies;

    • Organisations play an important role in delivering services to children;

    • Organisations working with children are in a unique position to be able to observe signs of abuse or neglect, or changes in behaviour which may indicate a child may be being abused or neglected;

    • Paid and volunteer staff in our organisation need to be aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, how they should respond to child protection concerns and make a referral to local authority children’s social care or the police if necessary.

    • Paid and volunteer staff should make sure that they are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect, that they question the behaviour of children and parents/carers and don’t necessarily take what they are told at face value. They should make sure they know where to turn to if they need to ask for help, and refer to children’s social care or to the police, if they suspect that a child is at risk of harm or is in immediate danger (see 3.3 ‘Taking action’ section for further information).

     2. Safeguarding Children & Young People

    This section covers safeguarding measures designed to safeguard children and young people from harm. 

    2.1      Safe Recruitment & Selection. 

    We have a policy and procedure which ensures that all potential paid staff and volunteers:

    • Provide evidence of address, relevant qualifications, the reasons why they want to work with children and young people, paid work and voluntary work experience and all criminal convictions.

    • Provide two pieces of identification which confirm both identity and address.

    • Undergo an interview involving at least two interviewers.

    • Consent to a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formally CRB check) at the appropriate level (standard or enhanced). Agree to sign up to the DBS Update Service.

    Furthermore, the organisation complies with all other safeguarding regulations:

    • We understand that a person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults is breaking the law if they work or volunteer or try to work or volunteer with these groups.

    • We understand that an organisation which knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with those groups will also be breaking the law.

    • We understand that if our organisation dismisses a member of staff, or volunteer because they have harmed a child, or vulnerable adult, or would have done so if they had not left, we must complete a DBS referral form.

    2.2.      Management & Support of Paid Staff & Volunteers

    • All staff and volunteers are provided with a role profile outlining their main responsibilities. This includes a requirement to comply with our Safeguarding Policy and procedures and ground rules for appropriate behaviour.

    • All staff and volunteers are supported through an induction process during which safeguarding/child protection procedures and information on all the organisation’s policies are explained and procedures and training needs identified.

    • All paid staff and volunteers attend regular ongoing safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

    2.3   Providing Safer Activities and Trips

    2.31     Necessary arrangements

    • People whose suitability has not been checked, including through a DBS check are not allowed to have unsupervised contact with children.

    • All paid staff and volunteers undertaking specialist roles, (e.g. taking children and young people off-site on trips) are provided with appropriate training.

    • All activities are risk assessed to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent children and young people being harmed whilst participating in the organisation’s activities.

    • Employer’s liability and/or public liability insurance has been taken out to ensure that all activities and services and all people taking part, are covered.

    • All activities being provided are properly planned and organised. Planning ensures that the activities are age‐appropriate, appropriately supervised, take account of staff ratio and use qualified instructors.

    • The organisation has a Photography Policy about taking and using photographs of children and young people and a consent form for the use of photographs and filming.

    2.4   Online safety 

    The welfare of the children/young people who encounter our services is paramount and governs our approach to the use and management of electronic communications technologies. Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare and in helping young people to be responsible in their approach to e-safety.

    The use of information technology is an essential part of all our lives; it is involved in how we as an organisation gather and store information, as well as how we communicate with each other. It is also an intrinsic part of the experience of our children and young people, and is greatly beneficial to all. However, it can present challenges in terms of how we use it responsibly and, if misused either by an adult or a young person, can be actually or potentially harmful to them.

    We will seek to promote e-safety by: 

    • Developing a range of procedures that provide clear and specific directions to staff and volunteers on the appropriate use of ICT;

    • Supporting and encouraging the children and young people using our service to use the opportunities offered by mobile phone technology and the internet in a way that keeps themselves safe and shows respect for others;

    • Incorporating statements about safe and appropriate ICT use into the codes of conduct both for staff and volunteers and for children and young people;

    • Use our procedures to deal firmly, fairly and decisively with any examples of inappropriate ICT use, complaints or allegations, whether by an adult or a child/young person (these may include breaches of filtering, illegal use, cyberbullying, or use of ICT to groom a child or to perpetrate abuse);

    • Informing parents and carers of incidents of concern as appropriate;

    • Reviewing and updating the security of our information systems regularly;

    • Providing adequate physical security for ICT equipment;

    • Ensuring that usernames, logins and passwords are used securely and effectively;

    • Using only official email accounts provided via the organisation, and monitoring these as necessary;

    • Ensuring confidential information sent by emails is sent securely, and depending on the sensitivity of the data, it may need to be encrypted. (See Appendix One)

    • Ensuring that the personal information of staff, volunteers and service users (including service users’ names) are not published on our website;

    • Ensuring that images of children and young people are used only after their written permission has been obtained, and only for the purpose for which consent has been given;

    • Any social media tools used in the course of our work with children and young people must be risk assessed in advance by the member of staff wishing to use them;

    • Providing effective management for staff and volunteers on ICT issues, through supervision, support and training;

    • Examining and risk assessing any emerging new technologies before they are used within the organisation.

    2.5 Text and language

    • It is unlikely that resources used during TPC activities may include offensive language and adult themes. In any scenario, the following applies. 

      • It is the responsibility of the staff/volunteer leading the session to create a safe environment in which participants can explore controversial material.  A discussion should take place that contextualises the material and encourages an open and sensitive approach. Participants should be made to feel comfortable speaking up if they are upset with source materials. These concerns might be based on cultural, religious and social perspectives and should be handled with a sensitive ear.

      • If judged appropriate by the staff/volunteers, concerns raised by staff, children, young people, and their parents/carers should be reported to the DSL to ensure that actions can be taken as appropriate across future activities.

     

    2.6 Complaints Policy

    We have a written Complaints Policy and procedure so that children and young people, staff and volunteers can make any necessary complaint.

    3. Child Protection

    3.1 Immediate Action to Ensure Safety. 

    Immediate action may be necessary at any stage in involvement with children and families.

    In all cases it is vital to take whatever action is needed to safeguard the child/children concerned i.e. 

    • Dial 999

      • for an ambulance should emergency medical attention be required or take the child/children to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

      • to contact police if the child/children is/are in immediate danger. Police alone have the power to remove a child/children immediately if protection is necessary, via their powers to use police protection.

    3.2 Recognition of Abuse or Neglect.

    Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

    Individuals within TPC need to be alert to the potential abuse of children both within their families and also from other sources including abuse by members of that organisation.

    All representatives of TPC should know how to recognise and act upon indicators of abuse or potential abuse involving children and where there are concerns about a child’s welfare. There is an expected responsibility for all members of the organisation to respond to any suspected or actual abuse of a child in accordance with these procedures.

    Abuse can take many forms and the following is a summary of the most common forms of child abuse as set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015)

    3.21 Physical abuse 

    Physical Abuse – a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or young person. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child or young person.

    Some of the following signs may be indicators of physical abuse: 

    • Children with frequent injuries;

    • Children with unexplained or unusual fractures or broken bones; and

    • Children with unexplained:

      • bruises or cuts;

      • burns or scalds;

      • bite marks.

    3.22 Emotional abuse 

    Emotional abuse – The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child or young person such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child or young person’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child or young person that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children, or young people. These may include interactions that are beyond a child or young person’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child or young person participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children and young people frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children or young people. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child or young person, though it may occur alone.

    Some of the following signs may be indicators of emotional abuse: 

    • Children or young people who are excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong;

    • Parents or carers who withdraw their attention from their child or young person, giving the child the ‘cold shoulder’;

    • Parents or carers blaming their problems on their child or young person; and

    • Parents or carers who humiliate their child or young person, for example, by name-calling or making negative comparisons.

    3.23 Neglect

    Neglect – The persistent failure to meet a child or young person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child or young person’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.

    Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

    • provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);

    • protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;

    • ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); 

    • ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

    It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child or young person’s basic emotional needs.

    Some of the following signs may be indicators of neglect of the child or young person; they are: 

    • Living in a home that is indisputably dirty or unsafe;

    • Left hungry or dirty;

    • Left without adequate clothing, e.g. not having a winter coat;

    • Living in dangerous conditions, i.e. around drugs, alcohol or violence;

    • Often angry, aggressive or self-harm;

    • Failing to receive basic health care;

    • Parents who fail to seek medical treatment when their children are ill or are injured.

    3.24 Sexual abuse and exploitation 

    Sexual abuse – Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape, or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

    Some of the following signs may be indicators of sexual abuse: 

    • Displaying knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to their age;

    • Using sexual language or have sexual knowledge that you wouldn’t expect them to have;

    • Asking others to behave sexually or play sexual games; and

    • Having physical sexual health problems, including soreness in the genital and anal areas, sexually transmitted infections or underage pregnancy.

    Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

    CSE involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people receive something (for example food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, gifts, money or in some cases simply affection) as a result of engaging in sexual activities. Sexual exploitation can take many forms ranging from the seemingly ‘consensual’ relationship where sex is exchanged for affection or gifts, to serious organised crime by gangs and groups. What marks out exploitation is an imbalance of power in the relationship. The perpetrator always holds some kind of power over the victim which increases as the exploitative relationship develops. Sexual exploitation involves varying degrees of coercion, intimidation or enticement, including unwanted pressure from peers to have sex, sexual bullying including cyberbullying and grooming. However, it is also important to recognise that some young people who are being sexually exploited do not exhibit any external signs of this abuse.

    3.25 Preventing Radicalisation 

    Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of an organisation's wider safeguarding duties and is similar in nature to protecting children from other forms of harm and abuse. During the process of radicalisation it is possible to intervene to prevent vulnerable people being radicalised.

    Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism. There is no single way of identifying an individual who is likely to be susceptible to an extremist ideology. It can happen in many different ways and settings. Specific background factors may contribute to vulnerability which are often combined with specific influences such as family, friends or online, and with specific needs for which an extremist or terrorist group may appear to provide an answer. The internet and the use of social media in particular has become a major factor in the radicalisation of young people. As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff/volunteers should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection.

    3.3   Taking Action

    There are 4 key steps to follow to help you identify and respond appropriately to possible abuse and or neglect.

    It may not always be appropriate to go through all 4 stages sequentially. If a child is in immediate danger or is at harm or risk you should refer to children’s social care and/or the police. Before doing so, you should try to establish the basic facts. However, it will be the role of the social workers and the police to investigate cases and make a judgement on whether there is statutory intervention and/or a criminal investigation.

    You should record, in writing, all concerns and discussions about a child’s welfare the decisions made and the reasons behind those decisions.

    The first step is to be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect, to have read this document.

    3.4 When You Must Not Discuss Your Concerns with Parents/Carers

    It is good practice to be as open and honest as possible with parents/carers about any concerns. However, you MUST NOT discuss your concerns with parents/carers in the following circumstances:

    • Where sexual abuse or sexual exploitation is suspected

    • Where organised or multiple abuse is suspected (see complex, organised or multiple abuse procedure)

    • Where fabricated or Induced Illness (previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy) is suspected (see Fabricated or Induced Illness procedure)

    • Where Female Genital Mutilation is the concern (see Female Genital Mutilation procedure)

    • In cases of suspect Forced Marriage (see Forced Marriage procedure)

    • Where contacting parents/carers would place a child, yourself or others at immediate risk

    These decisions should not be taken in isolation. 

    Consult with: 

    • EITHER Safeguarding Teams at Nottingham City Council - 0115 876 4800 

    • OR Salford Bridge Partnership - 0161 603 4500.

    If child has a Nottinghamshire address - see info below:

    https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/safeguarding/childrens-mash 

    3.5 What to do if Children Talk to You about Abuse or Neglect 

    It is recognised that a child may seek you out to share information about abuse or neglect, or talk spontaneously individually or in groups when you are present. In these situations YOU MUST:

    • Listen carefully to the child. DO NOT directly question the child

    • Give the child time and attention.

    • Allow the child to give a spontaneous account; do not stop a child who is freely recalling significant events.

    • Make an accurate record of the information you have been given taking care to record the timing, setting and people present, the child’s presentation as well as what was said. Do not throw this away as it may later be needed as evidence.

    • Use the child’s own words where possible.

    • Explain that you cannot promise not to speak to others about the information they have shared ‐ do not offer false confidentiality.

    • Reassure the child that:

      • they have done the right thing in telling you;

      • they have not done anything wrong;

    • Tell the child what you are going to do next and explain that you will need to get help to keep him/her safe.

    • DO NOT ask the child to repeat his or her account of events to anyone

    If a child discloses information to you about abuse or neglect you must take action. 

    Contact the DSL or if you cannot contact them go straight to Nottingham City Council 0115 876 4800.

    For Nottinghamshire:

    email: mash.safeguarding@nottscc.gcsx.gov.uk

    If a child is in immediate danger of being harmed, the police should be called on 999.

    3.6  Consult about your Concern

    Because of your observations of a child, or information received you may become concerned about a child who has not spoken to you.

    Ask a child why they are upset or how a cut or bruise was caused, or respond to a child wanting to talk to you. This practice can help clarify vague concerns and result in appropriate action.

    If you are concerned about a child, you must share your concerns. Initially you should talk to the DSL. If you have any concerns please contact  DSL below, supplying a phone number if you would prefer a phone conversation:

    Benjamin Rosser, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), 07731 350627, benjamin@thepythianclub.co.uk

    It will usually be the DSL who will then get in touch with Nottingham City Council /Nottinghamshire County Council, if necessary:

    If you are worried about a child and cannot contact the DSL: speak to another Senior Leadership Team member or contact Nottingham City Council 0115 876 4800 (this number can also be used out of hours). E-mail: candf.direct@nottinghamcity.gcsx.gov.uk or if the child has a Nottinghamshire address:

    NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000

    If a child is in immediate danger of being harmed, or if a child is home alone, the police should be called on 999

    If a caller rings out of office hours, facilities will be in place to divert the call so no alternative numbers need to be provided.

    3.7  Make a Referral

    3.71  A referral involves giving the Police, or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) at the Safeguarding Children Unit information about concerns relating to an individual or family in order that enquiries can be undertaken by the appropriate agency followed by any necessary action. 

    3.72  Parents/carers should be informed if a referral is being made except in the circumstances outlined in Section 3.3.

    3.73  However, inability to inform parents for any reason should not prevent a referral being made. It would then become a joint decision with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub about how and when the parents should be approached and by whom.

    3.74  If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from a family member or someone known to the children, you should make a referral to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub.

    3.75  If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from someone not known to the child or child’s family, you should make a telephone referral directly to the Police and consult with the parents.

    3.76  If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from an adult in a position of trust (see Section 3.8: Allegations against Adults Who Work with Children).

    Information required when making a referral

    3.77  Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible (in emergency situations all of this information may not be available). Unavailability of some information should not stop you making a referral.

    • Your name, telephone number, position and request the same of the person to whom you are speaking.

    • Full name and address, telephone number of family, date of birth of child and siblings.

    • Gender, ethnicity, first language, any special needs.

    • Names, dates of birth and relationship of household members and any significant others.

    • The names of professionals known to be involved with the child/family e.g.: GP, Health Visitor, School.

    • The nature of the concern; and foundation for the concern.

    • An opinion on whether the child may need urgent action to make them safe.

    • Your view of what appears to be the needs of the child and family.

    • Whether the consent of a parent with Parental Responsibility has been given to the referral being made.

    Action to be taken following the referral

    3.78  You must take the following action after making a referral:

    • Ensure that you keep an accurate record of your concern(s) made at the time.

    Or if you contacted Nottingham City Council via phone, fill out an online form here.

    Nottinghamshire referral form  here: ( child) https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/safeguarding/childrens-mash/report-a-new-concern-about-a-child

    For a Nottinghamshire ADULT referral: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/safeguarding/reporting-abuse

    • Accurately record the action agreed or that no further action is to be taken and the reasons for this decision.


    3.8  Allegations against Adults who work with Children

    3.81  If you have information which suggests an adult who works with children (in a paid or unpaid capacity) has:

    • Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child;

    • Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child; or

    • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk to children. (Working Together 2015).

    3.82  You should speak immediately with your line manager or designated officer who has responsibility for managing allegations. The senior manager will consult with/make a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) at the Safeguarding Children Partnership.

    For Nottinghamshire LADO referrals: https://nscp.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/news/lado-online-form-is-now-live/ 

    3.83  If one of those people is implicated in the concerns you should discuss your concerns directly with the LADO on 0115 876 4800 LADO@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

    For Nottinghamshire LADO referrals: https://nscp.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/news/lado-online-form-is-now-live/ 

    3.9  Confidentiality

    3.91  TPC should ensure that any records made in relation to a referral should be kept confidentially and in a secure place.

    3.92  Information in relation to child protection concerns should be shared on a “need to know” basis. However, the sharing of information is vital to child protection and, therefore, the issue of confidentiality is secondary to a child’s need for protection. Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners.

    3.93  If in doubt, consult.

    3.10 Useful Nottingham/Nottinghamshire Contacts

    Nottingham City Council Safeguarding Board – 0115 876 4800

    Nottingham City Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Children Hub (MASH) 

    https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/safeguarding/childrens-mash 

    email: mash.safeguarding@nottscc.gcsx.gov.uk

    The website listed above also includes a Multi-Agency Request for Services Form (MARF).  It is also the place to report concerns about domestic violence or child protection issues.

    Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire have joint safeguarding procedures.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility:
    Safeguarding vulnerable adults is a part of the wider role of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect specific vulnerable adults who are suffering or are at risk of suffering significant harm. As adults and/or professionals or volunteers, everyone has a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable adults and promote their welfare.
    Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults – and protecting them from significant harm - depends upon effective joint working between agencies and professionals that have different roles and expertise.
    Some of the most vulnerable adults and those at greatest risk of social exclusion, will need co-ordinated help from health, education, social care, and quite possibly the voluntary sector and other agencies, including justice services.
    For those vulnerable adults who are suffering, or at risk of suffering significant harm, joint working is essential, to safeguard and promote their welfare and – where necessary – to help bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against them. All agencies and professionals should:
    • be alert to potential indicators of abuse or neglect.
    • be alert to the risks which individual abusers, or potential abusers, may pose to vulnerable adults.
    • share and help to analyse information so that an assessment can be made of the individual's needs and circumstances.
    • contribute to whatever actions are needed to safeguard and promote the individual's welfare.
    • take part in regularly reviewing the outcomes for the individual against specific plans; and
    • work co-operatively with parents and/or other carers unless this is inconsistent with ensuring the individual's safety.

    As one of its major activities, The Pythian Club C.I.C. seeks to serve the needs of vulnerable adults, promoting holistic development.
    In doing so The Pythian Club C.I.C. takes seriously the welfare of all vulnerable adults who come onto its premises or who are involved in its activities.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. aims to ensure that they are welcomed into a safe, caring environment with a happy and friendly atmosphere.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. recognises that it is the responsibility of each one of its staff, paid and unpaid, to prevent the neglect, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of vulnerable adults and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. recognises its responsibility to implement, maintain and regularly review procedures, which are designed to prevent and to be alert to such abuse.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. is committed to supporting, resourcing, and training those who work with vulnerable adults and to providing supervision.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. is committed to maintaining good links with the statutory social services authorities.

    Procedures
    For reasons of consistency and practicality, The Pythian Club C.I.C.'s procedures for safeguarding vulnerable adults will be the same as those for safeguarding children and young people (qv) except where the law, or the specific circumstances of an individual's need require otherwise.


    Enabling reports
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will ensure that safe, appropriate, accessible means of reporting safeguarding concerns are made available to staff and the communities we work with.

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will also accept complaints from external sources such as members of the public, partners, and official bodies.

    How to report a safeguarding concern
    Staff members who have a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding should report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or line manager. If the staff member does not feel comfortable reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or line manager (for example if they feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern) they may report to any other appropriate staff member. For example, this could be a line manager or a member of Senior Management.

    Response
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will follow up on safeguarding reports and concerns according to policy and procedure, and legal and statutory obligations.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to staff found in breach of policy.
    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will offer support to survivors of harm caused by staff or associated personnel, regardless of whether a formal internal response is carried out (such as an internal investigation). Decisions regarding support will be led by the survivor.

    Confidentiality
    Confidentiality must be maintained at all stages of the process when dealing with safeguarding concerns. Information relating to the concern and subsequent case management should be shared on a need-to-know basis only and should be always kept secure.

    Contact details
    Nominated: Designated Safeguarding Lead
    Benjamin Rosser

    07731 350627

    benjamin@thepythianclub.co.uk



    Last updated:

    11 February 2023

  • The following Child Safeguarding Social Media Policy has been adopted by The Pythian Club CIC 01/09/2021.

    THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Child Safeguarding Social Media Policy

    Good Practice Guidance on the use of Social Networking Sites and social media by THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Staff, Volunteers, Team Members and Parents

    Introduction
    This guidance has been based upon “Social networking services, social media and sport:
    Guidelines for safeguarding children and young people” developed by the NSPCC Child
    Protection in Sport Unit commissioned by Sport England. 2010. The THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Child Safeguarding Group conducted a consultation with young people and their parents about social media and its use and has developed this guidance because of those discussions. However, there are risks associated with the development of social media. The sports world has identified several issues that have led to both disciplinary and safeguarding concerns.

    Interactive social media technology has revolutionised the way that people connect and interact. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, instant messaging, photo, and video exchange sites are increasingly popular and provide an opportunity for the sporting world to connect with children and young people. YouTube and Google provide a platform for uploading and viewing video clips, which with mobile phones can be almost instantaneous.

    The purpose of this guidance is to provide information, advice, and guidance on the use of social networking for THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC staff, volunteers, team members and parents to enable them to understand.

    the potential safeguarding risks of social media to provide good practise guidelines for the safe use of social media

    This guidance is an appendix of the THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Child Safeguarding policy and is managed by the Child Safeguarding officer of the THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC.

    Potential Safeguarding risks
    With all emerging technology there is also potential for abuse. Risks associated with user interactive services include:

    * cyberbullying. There is extensive advice and support material on the issue of cyberbullying on the NSPCC website here
    * grooming and potential abuse by online predators.
    * exposure to inappropriate content including racist & self-hate content as well as pornography.
    * privacy issues associated with posting personal information that can identify and locate a child.
    * privacy issues associated with adults posing as young people and using social media to contact other young people; and
    * inappropriate contact with a young person by a trusted adult.

    However, there are other areas where young people themselves can unwittingly expose themselves to issues which, whilst not child safeguarding, could have a lasting impact upon their lives. In all communications online, it is becoming clear that the loss of privacy can have a detrimental effect on a person or young person in a way that was not initially intended.
    Issues have arisen in the world of sport. For example, where young people, or their parents, in unguarded moments have posted comments that have caused media storms. Or where sponsors have looked at a young person’s Facebook or Twitter page and have made decisions about offering or refusing sponsorship based on content they have seen.

    As a result of this the THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC has developed policies that seek to safeguard young people and staff and volunteers working with them.

    Contacting young people
    It is fundamental that staff and volunteers remember that whatever social media they use to contact young people that they continue to behave appropriately. Do not place young people or yourself at risk.
    Following discussions with the Youth Co-ordinators, THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC team leaders, young people on the PYTHIAN CLUB CIC sessions team and their parents, the following procedure was agreed upon.

    1. When any child becomes involved with the PYTHIAN CLUB CIC sessions events/ teams an initial agreement should be signed by the parents and young person that they agree to:
    their child being contacted by THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC staff or volunteers by what method e.g., letter, text, phone, email, Facebook, Teamer that copies of correspondence, texts, emails are sent to both the young person and their parent.

    This form is available by contacting The Pythian Club by clicking here

    2. Most correspondence should be sent to the child and parents in hard copy so that it is available for reference e.g., details of events, training events, arrangements for team travel, meeting times etc.

    3. It is accepted that alterations in arrangements may need to occur often at short notice. Mobile communication, telephoning, texting, and email are all part of this, and staff and volunteers can use these methods if it has been agreed by parents and they are copied into these communications.

    4. Reminders to young people through text messaging is very much part of how young people currently communicate and is a quick way of ensuring that training, events, or very short notice alterations are received by young people. Again, these can be used, if prior permission has been previously agreed and parents are copied into the messages.

    5. Facebook is currently seen as the way young people can be contacted easily and quickly. However, this type of media can pose problems for staff and volunteers using their own sites as personal information can be unwittingly shared. Young people and volunteers did not want to see this means of communication barred. However, this method can comprise the boundaries between the personal life of staff and volunteers and those of young people and any use of it must be carefully thought out.

    * THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC policy is that staff must not use their own Facebook page and must not become a friend of any young person who they are in a position of trust for or who they coach.

    * No young people can be contacted by Facebook below the minimum age of use for the service. This is currently 13 years of age.

    To deal with young people’s requests to use the Facebook service, a special THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Facebook page will be opened for team members, their parents, the team managers, and coaches. This will be a secure page and monitored for content by the staff members. Postings will be monitored, and any unacceptable content will be reported to THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Child Safeguarding Officer and appropriate actions are taken promptly.

    The appropriate use of THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC Facebook page and all social media sites

    Even with a controlled site there are difficulties and information needs to be considered and appropriate. It must be remembered that:

    * You should always think before you post.

    * The information displayed should follow normal conventions of safe behaviour. There should be no postings that will compromise staff or volunteers’ own personal information boundaries and relationships.

    * Always remember that anything you say including photos, pictures and video clips posted on sites may be shared with and saved by people other than those for whom it was intended.

    * Once information is posted online individuals have little control over it and it could go well beyond the original purpose.

    * Never post or send any photographs, videos or make comments that may be intimate, private, hurtful, untrue, and upsetting or that you may regret posting later.

    * There should be no images of young people on the site without prior permission. If you do want to upload such a picture you must get advice and the consent of your parent, the other young person, their parent and the team or event manager before even considering uploading such a photograph.

    These good practice guidelines are also incorporated within the team contracts and parental contracts.

    Data protection considerations

    THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC should take care when advertising sporting events and competitions online when you are collecting personal information about young people and children. The requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 will be followed.

    THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC should consider the child safeguarding issues in relation to the use of social media sites in relation to the wider organisation, particularly their service provider and whether IT staff have appropriate DBS checks.

    Reporting problems

    THE PYTHIAN CLUB CIC staff or volunteers, who become aware of problems or who have any concerns about child safeguarding and social networking issue with colleagues or young people should follow the normal procedure for reporting child safeguarding concerns.

  • The Pythian Club C.I.C. works with children, young people, and families as part of its activities.
    These include:
    • Sports activities
    • Mentoring
    • Outreach
    • Community Development

    The purpose of this policy statement is:
    • to prevent bullying from happening between children and young people who are a part of our organisation or take part in our activities
    • to ensure bullying is stopped as soon as possible if it does happen and that those involved receive the support they require
    • to provide information to all staff, volunteers, children, and their families about what we should all do to prevent and deal with bullying.
    This policy statement applies to anyone working for or representing The Pythian Club C.I.C., including senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, subcontracted workers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.
    Separate documents set out:
    • our code of behaviour for children, young people, and adults
    • our policies and procedures for preventing and responding to bullying and harassment that takes place between adults involved with our organisation.
    See our information about behaviour management and codes of conduct

    What is bullying?
    Bullying includes a range of abusive behaviour that is
    • repeated
    • intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally.

    This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in the UK. NSPCC Learning provides summaries of the key legislation and guidance on:
    • bullying and cyberbullying
    • online abuse
    • child protection in each nation of the UK.

    We believe that:
    • children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
    • we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and operate in a way that protects them.

    We recognise that:
    • bullying causes real distress and affects a person’s health and development
    • in some instances, bullying can cause significant harm
    • all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
    • everyone has a role to play in preventing all forms of bullying (including online) and putting a stop to bullying.

    We will seek to prevent bullying by:
    • developing a code of behaviour that sets out how everyone involved in our organisation is expected to behave, in face-to-face contact and online, and within and outside of our activities.
    • holding regular discussions with staff, volunteers, children, young people, and families who use our organisation about bullying and how to prevent it.
    • providing support and training for all staff and volunteers on dealing with all forms of bullying, including racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, and sexual bullying.
    • putting clear and robust anti-bullying procedures in place.

    Our regular discussions with staff, volunteers, children, young people, and families will focus on:
    • responsibilities to look after one another and uphold the behaviour code
    • practising skills such as listening to each other
    • respecting the fact that we are all different
    • helping ensure that no one is without friends
    • dealing with problems in a positive way
    • checking that our anti-bullying measures are working well.

    Responding to bullying:
    We will ensure our response to incidents of bullying considers:
    • the needs of the person being bullied
    • the needs of the person displaying bullying behaviour
    • needs of any bystanders
    • our organisation.
    We will review the plan we have developed to address any incidents of bullying at regular intervals, to ensure that the problem has been resolved in the long term.

    More information about responding effectively to bullying is available: protecting children from bullying and cyberbullying recognising and responding to abuse, diversity and inclusion.

    We recognise that bullying is closely related to how we respect and recognise the value of diversity.

    We will be proactive about:
    • seeking opportunities to learn about and celebrate differences
    • increasing diversity within our staff, volunteers, children, and young people
    • welcoming new members to our organisation.

    Related policies and procedures.
    This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies and procedures including:
    • Safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures
    • Managing allegations made against a child or young person
    • Managing allegations of abuse made against staff and volunteers
    • Code of conduct for staff and volunteers
    • Online safety policy and procedures for responding to concerns about online abuse
    • Equality, diversity, and inclusion policies


    Contact details
    Nominated Anti-Bullying Lead
    Benjamin Rosser, CEO
    07731 350627

    benjamin@thepythianclub.co.uk

    Last Updated:

    11 February 2024

  • Introduction

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. seeks to be a catalyst for positive social change. It works through project development and support to meet individual and community needs.

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. is committed to equal opportunities and sees this as part of empowerment in the organisation and in the local communities it serves.

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. recognises that it is essential to provide equal opportunities to all persons without discrimination.

    This policy sets out the organisation's position on equal opportunities in all aspects. The Pythian Club C.I.C. is committed to equal opportunities policy and practice and will ensure that all employees and service users, both actual and potential, are treated equally as individuals, regardless of age, disability, origin, gender, marital or parental status, political belief, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

    In implementing this policy, The Pythian Club C.I.C. will take account of the following legislation:
    · Equal Pay Act 1970
    · Sex Discrimination Act 1975
    · Race Relations Act 1976
    · Disability Discrimination Act 1995
    · Human Rights Act 1998
    · Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
    · Civil Partnership Act 2004
    · Disability Discrimination Act 2005
    · Equality Act 2006
    · Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003
    · Equal Pay Act (EPA) 1970 (Amendment) Regulations 2003
    · Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
    · Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
    · Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005
    · Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006

    These equal opportunities policy will be implemented across all aspects of the organisation’s work, including:
    · The appointment of members to its committee.
    · The appointment of staff and their conditions of service
    · All dealings with the public and service users

    Staffing/Volunteering

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will ensure that no job applicant, employee, or volunteer receives less favourable treatment than another on grounds of age, disability, ethnic origin, marital or parental status, political belief, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. is committed to undertaking open recruitment and selection procedures and, wherever possible, all vacancies will be advertised and fair.

    All staff working with the organisation will be informed of the equal opportunities policy and receive training on equal opportunities as appropriate.

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. will also ensure that the changing and developing needs of staff and volunteers are recognised and appropriate adjustments made to working conditions and/or training provided.

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. has established grievance, and complaints procedures, which will be communicated to all staff members. Behaviour or actions against the spirit and/or letter of the equal opportunity laws, on which this policy is based, will be considered serious disciplinary matters.

    Public and Service Users

    The Pythian Club C.I.C. aims to make its services accessible to as wide a range of the public as possible and to achieve this will take steps to remove barriers which prevent potential audiences, participants, members, and users from having equal access to the organisation’s activities.

    This will include:
    · Ensuring that activities take place in venues and premises which are accessible to disabled people,
    · Providing facilities for disabled people to enable them to participate fully in activities e.g., induction loop, interpreters.
    · Encouraging and enabling people from underrepresented groups to attend and participate

    Monitoring and Review

    The Policy will be constantly reviewed by senior management to ensure that no member of the group is put to a disadvantage either, directly or indirectly. This monitoring will apply to the practices of staff and volunteers, the member organisation, the composition of the Committees and the provision of services.
    It is the responsibility of every individual to eliminate discrimination and to ensure the practical application of this Policy.

    The senior manager of The Pythian Club C.I.C. will review this policy every two years.

    Last Updated:

    11 February 2024

 

If you would like a digital PDF copy of any of these policies please contact us