Child Safeguarding Policy

Athletics is one of the most accessible and successful sports in the UK. All children who take part in athletics are entitled to participate in a fun and safe environment, and we believe that everyone involved in our sport can play a part to safeguard and protect children from harm.

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of UK Athletics and the four HCAFs to build a safer future in athletics for children, and our responsibility to:

• keep children and young people safe by valuing, listening to and respecting them

• promote the wellbeing of children through opportunities to take part in athletics safely

• put in place policies and procedures to promote the wellbeing and protection of children

• recruit, train and support all our staff and volunteers to prioritise the safety of children who take part in our activities.

 

Adult Safeguarding Policy

Most adults are able to live their lives safely and free from harm. However, for some, there may be

times when, for a variety of reasons, their ability to keep themselves safe and protect their wellbeing

and rights is compromised.

UK Athletics and the four HCAFs are committed to safeguarding adults in line with relevant national

legislation, and relevant national and local guidelines.

We will safeguard adults by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way which keeps all adults safe.

We will develop a culture of zero tolerance of harm to adults, which necessitates:

• the recognition of adults who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk

• knowing how adult abuse, exploitation or neglect manifests itself

• being willing to report safeguarding concerns.

 

Code of Conduct Policy

The purpose of a code is to clarify:

• what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable

• the standards of practice expected

• the basis for challenging and improving practice.

The codes are therefore a guide for individuals and clubs to think about, and monitor, how they, and others, conduct themselves in their roles. The codes let everyone know what they can expect from the club, coaches and volunteers, but also what standard of behaviour is expected from club members, athletes and parents/carers.

The codes are a tool for continuous improvement. They can be used prior to or during training sessions, at club or team meetings, and must form part of new member inductions, and at annual renewal of membership.

For all clubs, the codes are an important part of monitoring and improving the behaviour and practice of its members. When a club member does not meet the expectations set out in the codes, disciplinary or performance management action may be taken by the club.

Adopting and communicating clear codes of conduct is an important element in delivering the standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport.

 

Equality Policy

Scottish Athletics Limited (trading as scottishathletics) endorses the principle of sports equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in athletics (in all its disciplines and forms), whether as athletes, casual participants, club members, officials, volunteers, coaches, office-bearers in clubs or those within the governance structure of scottishathletics:

• has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, without regard to their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation; and

• can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment, bullying or abuse.

 

Disciplinary Policy

 

Conflict of Interest Policy

Introduction

• Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC board members have an implied obligation to maintain the highest standards of integrity by carrying out their work in a way that will not compromise the reputation of the Organisation.
• Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC inevitably has dealings with a wide variety of organisations and individuals, and this policy indicates the circumstances in which a business or personal interest must be declared. The membership confidence in Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC and its board depends on it being clearly understood that decisions are taken in the membership interest and not for any other reason.
• There are a variety of circumstances that could lead to a conflict of interest and board members must be fully aware of the impact which some external activities may have on the work of Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC.
• In considering whether to make a declaration in any proceedings, you must consider not only whether you will be influenced but whether anybody else would think that you might be influenced by the interest. You must, however, always comply with the objective test which is whether the membership, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard the interest as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your discussion or decision making in your role as a member of the clubs board.
• This policy provides an outline of the interests to be declared and the process for declaring them, and should be read in conjunction with the Clubs Code of Conduct.