SAFEGUARDING POLICY

 

1. BACKGROUND

Our practice described below is underpinned by the following documents:

  1. England Boxing Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy https://www.englandboxing.org/clubs/child-protection-and-safeguarding/policies-and- procedures/

  2. Keeping children safe in education – Statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment. (DfE updated September

    2021) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2

  3. Working Together to Safeguard Children (DCSF updated February
    2019). http://www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk/chapters/contents.html

  4. Safeguarding children and young people who may be affected by gang activity (DCSF March
    2010) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/gover nment/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/189392/DCSF-00064-2010.pdf.pdf

  5. NSPCC Writing Safeguarding policies and procedures https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguardi ng-child-protection/writing-a-safeguarding-policy-statement

  6. London Child Protection Procedures (updated March 2020) http://www.londonscb.gov.uk/

2. SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding covers more than the contribution made to child protection in relation to individual children. It also encompasses issues such as health and safety and bullying and a range of other issues, for example, arrangements for meeting the medical needs of children, providing first aid, drugs and substance misuse, positive behaviour etc. There may also be other safeguarding issues that are specific to the local area or population.

Metrobox London is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults by taking all reasonable steps to protect them from neglect, physical, sexual or emotional harm. All staff and volunteers will at all times show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of all children and young people with whom Metrobox London comes into contact and conduct themselves in a way that reflects our principles.

All management, staff, and volunteers have a duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. Everyone working with children and young people should be familiar with these procedures and have a duty to report any child protection or welfare concerns to either the child welfare officer or head coach. All Metrobox staff and volunteers must recognise and accept that children have a fundamental right to be protected from harm. In upholding this fundamental right, we recognise that there are four definitions of child abuse, including neglect, as defined in Chapter 4 of the London Child Protection Procedures and as précised in this policy, which should be consulted as a reference document for full details of the definitions and recognition & response.

Metrobox London will:

  1. Ensure that at any one moment in the gym there is a staff and volunteers trained in how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect.

  2. Ensure that staff and volunteers know which procedures to follow if there is a suspicion of risk or significant harm.

  3. Ensure that staff and volunteers know procedures to follow when working with children or vulnerable adults.

  4. Ensure that all staff and volunteers listen to and respond appropriately to the concerns of children, vulnerable adults, their family, carers and advocates.

  5. Submit DBS checks for new staff and all staff and repeated volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults including temporary or contract staff and renew Enhanced / Plus Barred List Check DBS at least every three years for all staff and volunteers involved in the delivery of

    activities. Anyone awaiting their DBS response will be supervised by a DBS checked coach.

  6. Treat all convictions, cautions and bind overs identified by the DBS as a risk.

  7. Determine whether or not to proceed with an offer of employment or volunteering where risks have been identified from a statutory check. In cases where the option is to proceed with employment or volunteering, we will undertake a Risk Assessment and measure the risk against the Metrobox London recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

  8. Review existing safeguarding policies to ensure that they take full account of the needs of children and vulnerable adults and assess the professional development needs of staff who work with them to enable them to communicate effectively, identify

concerns, track and monitor behavior patterns and follow appropriate child protection procedures. 9. We shall ensure CVGS vetting is stored centrally with Met HR and DBS betting is stored centrally with Metrobox.

3. ARRANGEMENTS AND PROCEDURES

The Head Coach and safeguarding officer is responsible for co-ordinating these arrangements and procedures.

4. INDUCTION AND TRAINING FOR BOARD MEMBERS, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Metrobox London will ensure that:

  • All board members, staff and volunteers have access to this policy as part of their induction process.

  • All members of the governing board understand and fulfil their responsibilities.

  • We have a nominated designated member of staff – The Head Coach and Safeguarding officer of Metrobox London who is responsible for coordinating these arrangements and procedures.

  • All paid members of staff receive Safeguarding Training within six months of being employed by Metrobox London and thereafter every three years.

  • All volunteers are given a safeguarding briefing as part of induction. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in an England Boxing Safeguarding course and are expensed to do so.

  • All new staff and volunteers are adequately supervised and notified support is available to them.

All staff and volunteers know:

  • The signs and symptoms of concern.

  • How to respond to a young person who discloses abuse.

• What to do if they are concerned about an individual.

7. STAFF AND VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Metrobox London expects all staff to comply with the safeguarding policy and procedures. The Child Welfare Officer has received safeguard training as well as mental health first aid training, with the training refreshed every 3 years. All new staff are required to have a safeguarding induction as soon as they start in their role, which is to be delivered in person by either the Designated Safeguarding Lead or in their absence The Head Coach.

Each session will have a safeguarding trained representative present. This training should be provided by England Boxing, so that it as boxing relevant and meets governing body standard.

The Child Welfare Officer is also available to offer generic and specific information, advice and guidance to staff around day-to-day safeguarding matters either by phone or by email.

8. GOOD WORKING PRACTICE

Metrobox London has a friendly atmosphere. However, staff should always conduct themselves in such a way as to avoid compromising situations and to protect themselves against false allegations of abuse.

  • Coaches should wear a Metrobox top. If a coach is not wearing a Metrobox top, it should be communicated to the boxers they are on premises in a coaching capacity.

  • There may be occasions when staff need to touch a young person (e.g., when they are being guided in performing a technical operation). In these situations, contact should be transparent and minimal.

  • Whilst young people will often benefit from reassurance and encouragement, this should not stray into over familiarity or pressure.

  • Children and young people should be treated equally, and with respect and dignity.

  • Where possible, staff members should avoid being in an isolated or closed space with a young
    person. A fellow worker should be present during situations that may be sensitive or leave a door ajar with another worker in ear shot and/or visible. This is for the staff member’s protection as well as being a reassurance to the young person.

  • In the event of overnight activities, such as away trips, room sharing must be separated according to gender. Young people should NOT be taken off the premises without written permission from either their school/organisation or parent/carer.

  • Media waivers are signed upon application, this should be respected.

  • A coach/volunteer is strongly advised not to follow a young person, under 18, from their personal social media account.

  • A coach/volunteer must not direct message a young person via social media.

  • Text and Whatsapp communication between coach and boxer should be kept to a minimum and be used for pragmatic reasons only, relating to the club and training sessions. With young boxers, this should ideally take place via a parent or guardian.

    If a young person should be engaging a coach or boxer in inappropriate conversation via these platforms, it must be communicated to the Child Welfare Officer.

  • A level 1 boxing coach should be on site at all times.

  • A level 2 coach must be present for sparring to take place.

9. DEFINITIONS OF CHILD ABUSE

All employees of Metrobox London must recognise and accept that children have a fundamental right to be protected from harm. In upholding this fundamental right, we recognise that there are four categories of child abuse. The four categories of child abuse are as follows:

Neglect

The persistent neglect of a child or the failure to protect a child from exposure to any kind of danger including cold, lack of food, or failure to carry out important aspects of care, resulting in significant impairment of the child’s health or development including non-organic failure to thrive.

Physical

Actual or likely physical injury to a child or a failure to prevent physical injury (or suffering) to a child including physical harm beyond what is anticipated in the sport of boxing, suffocation or Munchhausen Syndrome by proxy.

Emotional

Actual or likely to have a severe adverse effect on the emotional and behavioural development of a child caused by persistent or severe emotional ill treatment (this category also includes bullying).

Sexual

Actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child including exposure to sexually explicit material and sexual harassment as well as all forms of physical sexual contact.

Criminal Exploitation (County Lines)

Criminal exploitation is also known as ‘county lines’ and is when gangs and organised crime networks groom and exploit vulnerable people (including children and young people) to sell drugs. Often these people are made to travel across counties, and they use dedicated mobile phone ‘lines’ to supply drugs. We have a duty to

be vigilant and look for the signs of criminal exploitation in order to protect our learners. Useful videos to support your understanding of County Lines can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ILaguFXHr4&t=103s https://www.safeguardinginschools.co.uk/county-lines/ Additional Information

  • Child abuse is often difficult to recognize unless the child makes a disclosure.

  • Injuries may not be conclusive.

  • There must always be concern if the parent or carer

    shows no anxiety about the child’s condition or coldly blames the child. Most parents or carers express guilt about accidents involving their children, even if this is misplaced.

  • Suspicion is raised when: 1) there is a delay in seeking treatment, 2) inadequate explanations are given, or the child has injuries of different ages or there is a history of injury 3) there is evidence of a failure to thrive.

N.B. Different categories of abuse may be inter-related e.g., emotional abuse in some form is apparent in all other forms of abuse.

Recognising Child Abuse

Recognising the signs of child abuse is one of the first steps in protecting children. The following is by no

means a comprehensive list, but it demonstrates some signs, which may give, rise for concern.

  • Unexplained bruising, injuries, burns or illnesses

  • Changes in behaviour/character e.g., becoming very withdrawn

  • Sexually explicit language, behaviour or mode of dress

  • Being left outside the home for long periods of time without food or drink

  • Showing uncharacteristic aggressive behaviour

  • Showing unexpected fear of an adult

  • Refusing to attend school, or other school related issues

  • Low self-esteem

  • Depression and/or self-harm which may lead to suicide

  • Developmental delay – mentally, physically or emotionally

  • Reluctance to go home

  • Reluctance to disclose personal details i.e., contact details

  • An unusual amount of money or lots of new possessions

It is important to remember that changes in behaviour or signs that you have noted may not necessarily mean that a child is being abused. There may be other issues involved e.g., bullying or domestic problems. It is not your responsibility to decide if it is abuse – it is your responsibility to act on your concerns.

Responding to a Disclosure Receive

  • Take seriously whatever the child tells you.

  • Just listen and be supportive.

  • Do not ask detailed or leading questions or press

    the child for more information than they want to give you, instead ask ‘do you want to tell me more?’

• Report to the Child Welfare Officer, or nominated deputy as soon as is possible. Be very careful that you have not led the child in any way, as this can have legal implications.

Reassure

  • Do reassure the child that it is not their fault.

  • Do not make judgments or say anything about the alleged abuser.

  • Do not promise to keep secrets. Be honest about your own position and if possible name the person you will talk to about this matter.

  • Do not ask the child to repeat the disclosure to anyone else.

  • Do not display shock or disapproval when the child is making the disclosure.

  • Remember the child may not regard the experience as wrong or painful. They may not feel angry or guilty.

  • Keep the child informed of any action you are going to take.

Respond

  • Inform the Child Welfare Officer.

  • Make a written record of everything as soon as

    possible. This record must state everything the child has said, these records must be precise and state only what the child has said, do not add anything which you think the child may have meant or implied similarly if the child uses ’pet’ words do not translate them. Sign and date the record – this should then be given to the designated person who must keep it in a secure, locked place.

  • Do not destroy any evidence. Initial disclosure, even if retracted may still be referred to.

  • Take care of yourself – make sure that you have the opportunity to discuss your feelings (in

confidence) with either the Child Welfare Officer or Head Coach.

It is vital to follow these guidelines as closely as possible. Any failure to do so may prejudice legal proceedings.

10. SUSPICION OF ABUSE OR OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

  1. If any member of staff suspects abuse of a child or suspects inappropriate behaviour towards a child by anyone (including a member of Metrobox London staff), then they must make their concerns known to the Designated Safeguarding Lead who will investigate and record all the facts concerning the incident and decide upon appropriate action.

  2. In the case of abuse alleged to have taken place while a child is in the care of Metrobox London, the following details will be recorded: the child’s name, address, date of birth, parent(s)’ or guardian(s)’ names and contact point, name of staff making the referral, details of the incident or allegation, action taken including dates and time.

  3. Staffs involved are advised to keep an independent record of this information.

  4. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will inform the relevant Local Authorities Children’s Social Care Services.

  5. It may be necessary to suspend without prejudice any Metrobox London members of staff against whom an allegation is made.

  6. In the case of a child disclosing information about their welfare or safety (including abuse for example), staff should report the disclosure to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  7. If necessary, Metrobox London staff should explain to young people that when they are at risk, they are unable to maintain confidentiality. For example, if a

young person confides information about sexual abuse, staff are required to report this.

11. WHISTLEBLOWING PROCEDURES

  • We recognise that young people cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.

  • All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues.

  • If it is practical and doesn’t negate the process, confidentially should be adhered to.

13. OFF-SITE & RESIDENTIAL EVENTS

Metrobox London is not responsible for a child, young person or adult at risk while they are travelling to and from Metrobox London events unless agreed beforehand. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or school/local authority to make appropriate travel arrangements for them.

Metrobox London requires leaders organising residential events for children, young people and adults at risk to make appropriate sleeping arrangements to ensure the safeguarding of individuals and minimise risk.

All residential visits (i.e., an adventure excursion with a third-party provider) must be submitted for Health & Safety approval, at least 3 weeks before the visit is due to take place. Any residential trips must complete all relevant risk assessment forms.

Mixed Groups should, where possible, be accompanied by at least 1 male and 1 female member of staff.

If the residential accommodation has not been used before, a preliminary visit is strongly recommended. If this is not practical, for example due to distance, the group leader should make sufficient enquiries with the

accommodation provider to be satisfied that it will be suitable for the group involved.

On arrival it is advised that staff inspect the accommodation, rooms, campsites etc and report any damage to the head of the centre/manager before young people access the rooms.

Coaches should be accommodated on every floor where there are children or young people.

In the absence of 24 hour staffing of hotel/hostel reception areas, external doors and windows should be made secure to prevent unauthorised visitors or intruders.

All staff and young people should be aware of the emergency procedures and escape routes in the event of fire.

14. REFERRAL PROCESS

Abuse discovered/suspected or a disclosure is made to you. Complete the Incident Reporting Form (Appendix 1) as accurately as possible.

Immediately inform your Child Welfare Officer in person or by telephone:

Camden:
Martha Perry - 07586 742879

Islington:
Linda Plummer - 07818 152527

In non-emergency situations, the Child Welfare Officer can also be contacted by
emailing info@metroboxlondon.co.uk

If the person is at risk in immediate danger/in need of medical assistance provide appropriate medical attention or call the emergency services if necessary

OR

The Child Welfare Officer Lead should:

  • Gather further information

  • Take advice

  • Make judgements to decide if further action is

    necessary.

  • Take action if further action is required

If further action is necessary the following actions should be taken;

  • If a crime is suspected or has been committed the Child Welfare Officer reports the matter to Police.

  • The Child Welfare Officer telephones the relevant MASH or borough Child Protection Designated Lead (contact details in Section 17) on

providing the name of the person, their address and if known their date of birth. If a referral is made, this must be confirmed in writing by the Designated Lead to the appropriate agency within 24 hours.

If NO further action is necessary;

• The matter is dealt with internally and the Child Welfare Officer records and monitors. The Designated Lead will brief the person reporting the issue where it is appropriate or does not breach confidentiality.

Prevent

Government published the Prevent Strategy in 2010 and this raised awareness of the need to safeguard young people and extremism and radicalization.

The Government in the Prevent Strategy as defines extremism:

Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

At Metrobox London we understand that our Prevent policy is to keep the young people safe and within the law. Staff will respond to suspicions by making a referral to the relevant borough’s Prevent Duty.

Evacuation

Metrobox London evacuation procedure is highlighted by reception of our respective gyms

REPORTING – CONTACTS & NUMBERS

Metrobox Camden – Designated Child Welfare Officer

Martha Perry

Phone: 07747 160240
Email: info@metroboxlondon.co.uk


Metrobox Camden – Deputy Child Welfare Officer

Tom Hanson-Kahn
Phone: 07769 369235
Email: info@metroboxlondon.co.uk

Metrobox Islington – Designated Child Welfare Officer

Linda

Phone: 07747 160240
Email: info@metroboxlondon.co.uk

Metrobox Islington – Deputy Child Welfare Officer

Tom Hanson-Kahn
Phone: 07769 369235
Email: info@metroboxlondon.co.uk

Childline: 0808 1111
London Metropolitan Police Service: non-emergency 101

London Metropolitan Police Service: emergency 999

MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) contacts

Camden: 020 7974 3317 or 020 7974 4444 (out of hours)

Islington: 020 7527 7400


LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) contacts

Camden: 020 7974 4556
Islington: 020 7527 8102

18. POLICY REVIEW

Metrobox London management board will review this policy annually ensuring that this policy reflects developments in the Safeguarding of children and young people. We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. The policy is always responsive to change, reviewed as necessary, always following a serious incident and at least once a year. The latest

version of the policy is always available to the public on our website. We welcome feedback from service users, the wider public, and partner organisations alike. We carefully evaluate all feedback and implement changes as necessary.

V2.0 updated 05/10/2023