Purpose of this policy

Chester Junior Chess Club works with children as part of its activities. The purpose of this policy statement is to:

• set out our commitment to only recruit volunteers who are suitable to work with children
• send a clear message to volunteers and potential volunteers that our organisation prioritises the safety and welfare of children
• set out our recruitment policies and procedures
• set out our commitment to ensure volunteers are suitably trained in our child protection procedures

Initial Vetting

Before employing anyone to volunteer in a role with Chester Junior Chess Club we will carry out a range of checks to ensure we employ the right people. These will include:

• For unknown volunteers we will take references to assess the applicant’s suitability to work with children and interview that person.
• We anticipate the majority of our volunteers will be drawn from the Chester chess community and will therefore be people previously known to members of the organisation for many years. We will interview and take references for these volunteers only where we have concerns or lack information.
• Volunteers with Chester Junior Chess Club will be carrying out roles that fall under the definition of “working in regulated activity with children”. All volunteers will therefore need to undertake an enhanced disclosure and barring check. Costs will be reimbursed by the organisation.

Action if vetting checks raise concerns

If references or DBS checks reveal concerns about a person’s history the organisation will risk assess whether that person is suitable to work with children or young people. In carrying out this assessment the organisation will adopt a cautious approach and may delay accepting a volunteer whilst we seek further information. The organisation will not use spent or protected convictions as a reason not to employ a volunteer unless that conviction makes them unsuitable to work with children.

The organisation will never employ someone who is on the barred list and will notify the police if such a person applies to be a volunteer.

Records

A record will be kept of any decision taken and the reason behind that decision. This record will be kept securely in line with our data protection policies.

Criminal records check certificates will not be retained unless there is a dispute about the results of the check. Instead only the reference number of the certificate and the decision made about whether the person may act as a volunteer will be retained.

Induction

All new staff are required to familiarise themselves with our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures before carrying out any activities on behalf of Chester Junior Chess Club. In particular staff will be made aware of how to spots signs of abuse, how to respond appropriately to any allegations received, the organisations health and safety procedures and the organisations policy for lost or missing children.

Ongoing training

The lead child protection officer will monitor changes in the organisations legal obligations or NSPCC guidance and will inform volunteers when these changes occur.