We’d like to introduce you to our new Club Welfare Officer, Candice Reid (Candy).

Candy is at the club most Tuesdays and Thursdays, either with her children or training herself.

As Club Welfare Officer, Candy is here to

• Assist the club to fulfil its responsibilities to safeguard children and young people.
• Assist the club to implement its child protection plan.
• Be the first point of contact regarding concerns about children’s welfare, poor practice or child abuse.
• The CWO is responsible for following the British Judo Association’s policy and procedures especially in relation to safeguarding and in particular the reporting procedures.
• Maintaining appropriate records and assessing information promptly and carefully, clarifying or obtaining more information about the matter as appropriate.
• Initially discuss your concerns with the British Judo Association Lead Child Protection Officer in England and Wales or the Judo Scotland Lead Child Protection Officer in Scotland
• Consult initially with a statutory child protection agency such as the local social services department or health board, or the NSPCC, to test out any doubts or uncertainty about the concerns as soon as possible, in agreement with the BJA Safeguarding Manager.
• Make a formal referral to a statutory child protection agency e.g. social services department or the police (by telephoning by 101 for non-emergency, or 999 in an emergency) without delay. It is NOT the role of the club to decide whether a child has been abused or not. This is the task of the social services department and the police or NSPCC.
• Be the first point of contact with the National Lead Child Protection Officer.
• Maintain contact details for local Social Services, Police, and how to obtain the Area Child Protection Committee’s policy/procedures. Contact details for local/national help lines should also be maintained and publicised within the club.
• Promote the clubs best practice guidance/code of conduct within the club in line with the club’s plans. This may involve working with children/young people and parents on developing the club’s approach to the best behaviour of everyone at the club.
• Promote and ensure adherence to the club’s child protection training plan.
• The CWO will need to ensure that everyone is aware of what training is available and work with the club management committee to ensure that training requirements are met.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained alongside the club’s management committee.
• Promote anti-discriminatory practice. The club must ensure that it has made clear its commitment to anti-discriminatory practice in its policy, procedures and plans for safeguarding children and young people’s welfare. The club should also have an Equity policy.

Candy can be contacted on 07871 806312. We will shortly publish a dedicated email address also.