Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 2A: Roles and responsibilities for child protection 66 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 The defence community 2.177 The defence community includes serving members of the Armed Forces, cadets, reservists, veterans and their families. It also includes civilian employees, volunteers and their families. When children and families of defence personnel have need for child protection services standard processes apply, as outlined in Part 3 of this Guidance. In view of distinctive military structures and supports, there is a need for close communication and teamwork between the relevant welfare structure within the base or unit and local statutory services. Defence protocols should link to national child protection guidance. Key points of contact for defence are listed in Appendix G. Those in dedicated liaison roles within defence will be aware of the Child Protection Committee role and function, and CPCs will be in communication with liaison officers in relation to developments in training, procedure and practice. Additional notes may be found in Part 4. Culture and leisure services 2.178 Culture and leisure services encompass a number of services specifically designed for, or including, children and young people. Services such as libraries, play schemes and play facilities, parks and gardens, sport and leisure centres, events and attractions, museums and arts centres all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children and young people. Such services may be directly provided, purchased or grant-aided by local authorities from voluntary and other organisations and, as such, represent an opportunity to promote, support and safeguard children’s wellbeing across sectors. Sport organisations and clubs 2.179 Sports organisations work with a diverse range of children and young people in their communities. Some young people may only attend a holiday sport activity, while others may regularly attend and participate in a specific sport at a local sports club, while a small number are involved in elite sports. All of these activities are run by committed, paid and unpaid coaches, officials, volunteers and workers who have various degrees of contact with children and young people. This workforce will often become significant role models and trusted people in a child’s life. As in other activities and contexts, abuse of trust can occur in sport of all kinds and at all levels. Those responsible for the organisation of activities, regulated or otherwise, should ensure that safeguarding is integral to practice in recruitment, training and oversight of staff and volunteers; and that children know how and with whom they can voice questions and concern. 2.180 The Safeguarding in Sport service is a partnership between Children 1st and SportScotland. It supports sports organisations and individuals across Scotland (including sports governing bodies, sports clubs, Leisure Trusts, local authorities and parents and carers) in keeping children safe in and through sport by providing advice, consultancy, training and support. Organisations and community groups involved in sport activities should familiarise themselves with the National Strategy for Child Protection in Sport and the ten steps to safeguard children in sport. They should adopt an open culture of encouraging parents and carers to ask questions about safeguarding procedures. • National Strategy for Child Protection in Sport 10 steps to safeguard children in sport • Help for families: safeguarding in sport (Children 1st) • Standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport (Sport Scotland) P olice Scotland, Safeguarding in sport)