Brent Panthers Basketball Club is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people involved in our club. We believe that every child, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, or background, has the right to participate in basketball in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Policy Statement

Brent Panthers Basketball Club acknowledges its 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.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

• Have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Brent Panthers Basketball Club in a safe and child-centred environment.
• Are protected from abuse whilst participating in basketball or outside of the activity.

Brent Panthers Basketball Club acknowledges that some children, including children with disabilities or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse, and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our Safeguarding Policy, Brent Panthers Basketball Club will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people.
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
• Ensure that confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
• The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Brent Panthers Basketball Club.

Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Club Welfare Officer

The Club Welfare Officer is the main point of contact for any concerns or reports related to child protection. Their role is to:

• Implement and promote Brent Panthers Basketball Club's Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
• Regularly report to the Club Chair and committee on safeguarding matters.
• Act as the main contact within Brent Panthers Basketball Club for the protection of children.
• Provide support and advice for staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters.
• Support the club in ensuring the necessary DBS checks are completed for staff and volunteers.
• Maintain accurate records of child protection concerns and actions taken.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after adoption and application, then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance.
• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or Basketball England.
• As a result of any other significant change or event.

Declaration On behalf of Brent Panthers Basketball Club,

I, the undersigned Club Chair, will oversee the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy and take all necessary steps to ensure it is adhered to.

Signed: Nhamo Shire

Club Chair Brent Panthers Basketball Club

June 2024