Welfare

Welfare Officers:

Debbie Bavin - Email: nstriders@gmail.com

The Welfare Officers will:

• Deal with confidential matters that may arise related to athletes and have an understanding and appropriate manner to deal with such matters.

• Be responsible for the promotion of codes of conduct to members, parents and young people.

• Receive, record and pass on to the NGB Child Protection officer, any concerns relating to the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

• Provide advice on the development of activities for young people within the Club.

• Support the registration of all personnel involved in activities for young people with the Club (DBS checks).

• Recognise the difference between poor practice according to Club rules and matters that would be seen as welfare issue.

• Be a recognised point of contact for all member’s emotional and mental health.

• Promote UK Athletics #Runandtalk and other mental health campaigns (to include RED and National Mental Health week.

Failure to adhere to Code of Conduct:

If a member fails to adhere to the code of conduct the following process is to occur:

• The member reporting the incident is not to challenge the individual who they believe is not adhering to the Code of Conduct they are to report the incident to the run leader or a member of the committee. This can be at the session or privately afterwards but within 48hrs.

• If reported to the run leader they are to immediately inform the committee of any incident reported to them and to pass on any details they have of the occurrence.

• The committee will speak to both the member reporting the incident and the person who may have acted outside of the Code of Conduct.

• Witness statements may be required depending on the incident.

• The incident will be documented.

• Once investigations have been completed the committee will review the situation and decide the course of action. This will depend on the incident it may result in an apology - verbal or written or it extremist it may result in the member failing to adhere being asked to leave the club.

Complaints Procedure:

If there is a cause for concern or complaint by a Club member or a member of the public, concerning the behaviour, welfare or action of a Club member or a person acting on behalf of the Club then this must be brought to the attention of the Welfare Officer.

The Welfare Officer will conduct a prompt investigation and gather the facts of the case and where appropriate any desired outcome. The Welfare Officer may:

a) Propose a resolution to the parties concerned and report the actions to the welfare officer.

If any of the members concerned are not satisfied with the proposed resolution then they may refer the case to the committee, with their reasons for finding the resolution unsatisfactory. In this case the procedure in b) will be followed.

b) Refer the case immediately to the Chairman who will convene a group of three committee members, not including the Chairman, to consider the facts as presented and propose a resolution to the parties concerned.

If any of the members concerned are not satisfied with the proposed resolution then they may refer the case to the Chairman with their reasons for finding the resolution unsatisfactory. In this case the procedure in c) will be followed.

c) The Chairman will consider the facts and propose a resolution.

• Any resolution proposed can only be within the remit and authority of the club.

• A record will be kept of the complaint, the resolution proposed and any subsequent actions.

• Any resolution proposed will be in accord with the clubs Welfare Policy and Code of Conduct.

• At any point, where justified, the matters may be referred to other agencies in accord with the clubs Welfare Policy and/or the Rules of England Athletics.

If a complaint is made against the Chairman or a member of the committee then, as necessary, the remainder of the committee will appoint one of its members as a substitute in b) or c) above.

The outcome of the investigation will be reported to the committee and hence recorded in the committee minutes.

If anything makes you concerned or uncomfortable or if you think a fellow athlete has suffered from misconduct you should inform the Club Welfare Officer (any information given will be treated in confidence by the club)