Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy

This is a “live” document, which will be regularly reviewed and updated as and when necessary. A hard copy of this Policy is available from London County Cricket Academy (LCCA). You will be given a hard copy of this Policy upon request.

1. Definitions

In this Policy, the following terms/expressions shall m

The Academy – refers to London County Cricket Academy (LCCA), including all its cricketing activities community programs, and associated initiatives.

The ECB – means the England and Wales Cricket Board

Children – refers to all persons under the age of 18

Safe Hands – refers to the ECB’s policies and procedures for safeguarding children within cricket.

 

2. Policy Statement

2.1

We acknowledge the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and are committed to ensuring safeguarding practices reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and comply with best practices and ECB requirements. This is to ensure that all children participating in cricket and community programs at LCCA have a safe, positive, and fun experience, irrespective of their level of involvement.

We also recognise that children with disabilities are children first and must be afforded equal opportunities and experiences in a safe environment. Such children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect, and we are committed to supporting their full involvement in cricket and associated community activities.

 2.2

The welfare of children is paramount.

3. Purpose

3.1

This policy provides a framework for safeguarding children in alignment with the policies and procedures outlined in the ECB’s Safe Hands guidelines.

3.2

We aim to:

  • Recognise that all children participating in cricket and community programs at LCCA—regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability, or disability have a right to enjoy their participation in a safe, inclusive environment, free from harm

  • Ensure that individuals involved in cricket at LCCA provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable cricketing experience for childr

  • Fully adopt and implement the ECB’s Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children, including future updates.

  • Appoint an Academy Safeguarding Officer (ASO), ensuring they attend ECB-approved safeguarding training modules to effectively undertake their role.

  • Ensure that all individuals working at or for LCCA (e.g., staff, coaches, volunteers, and officials) understand and comply with safeguarding policies relevant to their level of contact with children.

  • Ensure every affiliated cricket club in London County Cricket Academy’s network has an appointed Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) whose role includes:

    • Acting as the first point of contact for parents, children, and staff/volunteers at their club.

    • Providing procedural advice to their club’s committee and members.

    • Liaising with the Academy Safeguarding Officer, ECB, and external agencies

  • Ensure all staff and volunteers are recruited and appointed in accordance with ECB guidelines and applicable legislation, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for those engaged in regulated activity

  • Provide ongoing education and training for staff and volunteers to ensure adherence to good practices and codes of conduct outlined by the ECB and LCCA.

  • Establish clear and comprehensive procedures for reporting and managing safeguarding concerns.

  • Create an environment where children, parents, and volunteers feel comfortable voicing concerns about suspected child abuse, neglect, or poor practice. These concerns will be directed to the Academy Safeguarding Officer or appropriate external authorities.

  • Ensure that all allegations, concerns, or suspicions are taken seriously and handled swiftly and appropriately

  • Restrict access to sensitive safeguarding information to those who need it for legitimate purposes, such as the Academy Safeguarding Officer and relevant authorities like the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

 

4. Monitoring

4.1

This policy will be reviewed every three years or in the following circumstances:

  • Changes in legislation and/or government guidance.

  • Requirements from local safeguarding boards, ECB, or UK Sport.

  • As a result of significant changes or specific incident

Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns, contact:

  • Academy Safeguarding Officer (ASO): Emma Stringer - +44 7970 487781; Rohan Kapadia +44 7786 544565

  • Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO): Contact details available through your local club.

  • External Authorities: Contact your Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for further assistance.

This policy reflects London County Cricket Academy’s commitment to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all children involved in cricket and associated programs.

Issued by:

London County Cricket Academy (LCCA)

Safeguarding Team – 2024