Chess Scotland policy on Child Protection

Main Policy Document - January 2004

CHESS SCOTLAND Policy on Dealing with Children and Vulnerable Adults
Approved in 1996 by the Scottish Junior Chess Association (subsequently amalgamated with the Scottish Chess Association to form Chess Scotland) and amended by the Council of Chess Scotland in 2003.
Whilst the primary function of Chess Scotland is to promote chess, it is important that this is carried out within an environment that regards the welfare of any child or vulnerable adult involved as its prime concern. For this reason the following guidelines have been adopted as Chess Scotland policy.

Where trips are organised it is advisable to have adults of both sexes accompanying the party. However, before counting such people as adults for this purpose, regard should be given to the nature of the trip and the maturity of the young adult bearing in mind that the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 considers that an "adult" should be at least 18 years of age.

As children tend to be 'playful' on long journeys it is advisable to have an adult, other than the driver, on the minibus if this is the form of transport used.

Where an overnight stay is involved it is advisable to have adults of both sexes present. This is imperative when younger children are involved.

It is inadvisable that training be offered, particularly to younger children, on a one to one basis if this involves being alone with the child. Where training is taking place it is advisable to have a parent present. At the very least it should take place in a room which can be observed easily by others.
If you are waiting alone with a child who has to be collected by a responsible adult, it is advisable that this is done in a public place.

If taking children home, e.g. from a chess match, serious consideration should be given to arranging a pickup point for the party. If this cannot be done conveniently then consideration should be given to the order in which children are dropped off e.g. plan the route to minimise your time alone with a child; try to keep to busy roads; etc. Chess Scotland reserves the right to ask parents/guardians to sign letters of consent indicating agreement any envisaged transport etc arrangements.

If a parent has any concerns about a Chess Scotland Official, the organisation would appreciate if this concern could be passed on to it. Such information should be given to the Executive Director, or the President if this is not possible. Similarly, other Chess Scotland officials have a duty to pass on any such concerns to these officials.

Any Official or volunteer who has an allegation of abuse to children made against him or her whilst in office must inform the Executive Director (or President). Similarly, where a local organiser is aware of concern, this must be reported to the Executive Director (or President). In some circumstances it may be advisable for the person to 'step down' whilst the allegations are being investigated. Under no circumstances will such an action be seen as admitting any guilt but should be seen as a way of distancing the organisation from controversy. Chess Scotland will meet its reporting to Scottish Ministers obligations under the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003.

It is the duty of the Chess Scotland Executive to examine all volunteer workers. Where it is felt advisable, volunteers will be asked to undergo a Disclosure process to establish, inter alia, that they have no criminal record involving children (current or spent).

It shall be the duty of the Executive to take appropriate means to check all relevant information provided. It would not be inappropriate to ask a new volunteer to provide details of two referees who may then be approached by the Executive. When writing to a referee, Chess Scotland will state explicitly that the potential volunteer is being considered for a position which involves voluntary work with young children and/or young people, and seeks views on their suitability for such work. If the reference provided is vague or ambiguous the referee should be contacted in person or by telephone to discuss the matter further.

Such checks are not to be taken as a guarantee of integrity and all other safeguards will still apply.
Persons on the Disqualified from Working with Children List will be banned from involvement in all Chess Scotland positions and events.

Chess Scotland recommends that any child with concerns should immediately speak to its accompanying adult or other responsible person. An alternative to informing parents would be to confide in a school teacher or contact Childline (0800 1111).

An adult to whom an allegation is made must act on the information given. This could mean seeking professional help from Social Services or the police. The adult should not keep the information to him/herself nor promise the child that such information will be restricted to the two of them.
Chess is an international activity and tournaments are organised for children in most countries in the world. Chess Scotland will, if asked by another national association who are hosting a tournament, confirm that the Chess Scotland coaches and chaperones have been approved in accordance with the laws of Scotland. Similarly, where coaches and chaperones from another country participate in a tournament in Scotland, Chess Scotland will seek a statement from the nation concerned that the coaches and chaperones are suitable persons in accordance with the law of that country.

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