NEWMARKET CHESS CLUB

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Newmarket chess club Child Protection Policy Statement

 

The English Chess Federation (ECF) serves as the national governing body for chess in England.

The Newmarket Chess Club (NCC) has adopted relevant areas of the English Chess Federation Safeguarding Policy to cover the club’s activities. The current version can be found at this link: -

https://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ECF-Safeguarding-Policy.pdf

The NCC seeks to promote and develop chess in Newmarket and the surrounding area. It acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people aged up to 18 years and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.

The policy recognizes that the welfare and interests of children and young people are paramount in all circumstances as enshrined in The Children's Act 1989. The NCC aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or identity or socioeconomic background all children

  • Have a positive and enjoyable experience of chess in a safe environment
  • Are protected from harm and abuse whilst participating in chess or outside of the activity.

TThe NCC acknowledges that certain children can be particularly vulnerable to abuse, and we accept that responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their safety. As part of our safeguarding policy the NCC will

  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
  • Value, listen to and respect children and young people
  • Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate guidance to recognise identify and respond to any signs of abuse or neglect relating to children or young people.
  • Make people aware of who the Lead for Safeguarding and Safeguarding Officer is/are and their roles.
  • Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual raising the concern. A template will be added to the club website to enable concerns to be raised. These will be reviewed by the Safeguarding Officer and appropriate action taken.
  • Ensure that all records of safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
  • Take appropriate action to ensure no one is engaged to coach who may put the children or young people at risk.
  • Share concerns with agencies who need to know, involving parents and children or young people appropriately.
  • The NCC will be mindful of safeguarding policies of other clubs and organizations when participating in league matches etc.
  • Parental Permission should be sought before taking any photos or videos involving children or young people.
  • It is mandatory that at least two adults are present when a child under 16 is present if parent cannot stay

 

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved with Newmarket Chess Club either as a member, officer or coach or those assisting with events organised by the club. Failure to observe the policies and procedures will be addressed without delay and may result in exclusion from the club and referrals to other Enforcement bodies if serious enough,

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely: -

Children's Act 1989

United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991

Data Protection Act 1998

Sexual Offences Act 2003

Chidren Act 2004

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

Relevant government guidance on safeguarding children including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015)

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed annually, or in the following circumstances:

Changes in legislation or government guidance

As necessary if the Local Safeguarding Children Board determines so.

In the light of best practice by NCC

In the case of any concerns being raised the safeguarding officer ( currently Eric Lampeart lambpear@gmail.com) should be contacted. Any actions and follow up advised by the safeguarding officer should be followed. In the event that the safeguarding officer cannot be contacted the club chairman should be advised, and his instructions followed.

Safeguarding Lead and Officer

 

The Newmarket Chess Club Child Protection Policy is approved at the Club AGM

 

Signed and dated

Charles Richmond

17 August 2025

Name and designation of signatory