Introduction
You may already be aware that as part of our funding requirements we have been asked to sign up to the Child Protection in Sport Accord. This activity has a potential impact on the way RYA Scotland operates, as future operational procedures will need to be changed to reflect the work to be done in Child Protection within RYA Scotland. This will affect the volunteers of all committees, some more than others, depending on the level of their involvement with children on behalf of RYA Scotland.
Current Activity
The RYA Scotland Accord Action Plan has been produced, and is awaiting clearance from the Management Committee and Council at the meeting on 21st August. It is intended that once this has been accepted by RYAS Council, it will then form the basis of the work to be done by the Child Protection Officer, which we hope will be in place by December 2008.
The changes that will impact on RYA Scotland Operational Procedures
These changes are listed below, to help you identify the issues more clearly:
1. The appointment of a CPO for RYA Scotland
2. The inclusion of all Child Protection work in all business, participation and high performance plans
3. The inclusion of Child Protection on committee agendas at least once annually (where relevant – such as PDG, HPC and Racing Committee)
4. Creation and consultation on a code of conduct for RYA Scotland volunteers
5. The production of information on the policies of RYA Scotland regarding child protection and meetings held with parents and children to ensure that they understand what is required of them, and what to expect from RYA Scotland
6. Perform risk assessments for Child Protection on all RYAS activities, and ensure that all relevant activity has been undertaken.
7. Ensure all RYA Scotland Child Protection information is available on our website, and up-dated regularly
8. Volunteer recruitment procedures for all RYA Scotland committees is to be created, and adopted, and subsequently followed, which introduces application forms, Disclosure checks where necessary and references to be taken for each individual involved with RYA Scotland. Informal interviews of each new volunteer to also take place.
9. Child Protection training to be given to all RYA Scotland volunteers, so they clearly understand what constitutes good practice
10. Creation of internet forum for children to use in addition to an annual participants meeting which will look at issues that they face whilst participating in RYA Scotland activities, in addition to regular meetings to discuss the representation of children in the relevant RYA Scotland activities.
Final Note
It is intended that the administrative processes being introduced here will not impact massively on committee work, and that it will integrate smoothly into RYA Scotland activities. Much of the work being detailed is to be undertaken by RYA Scotland staff, however, your input is greatly appreciated and required.